Sox9 is required for notochord maintenance in mice

Arid5a cooperates with Sox9 to stimulate chondrocyte-specific transcription

SRY-box-containing gene 9 (Sox9) is an essential transcription factor in chondrocyte lineage determination and differentiation. Recent studies demonstrated that Sox9 controls the transcription of chondrocyte-specific genes in association with several other transcriptional regulators. To further understand the molecular mechanisms by which Sox9 influences transcriptional events during chondrocyte differentiation, we attempted to identify transcriptional partners of Sox9 and to examine their roles in chondrocyte differentiation. We isolated AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 5a (Arid5a; also known as Mrf1) as an activator of the Col2a1 gene promoter from an ATDC5 cDNA library. Arid5a was highly expressed in cartilage and induced during chondrocyte differentiation. Furthermore, Arid5a physically interacted with Sox9 in nuclei and up-regulated the chondrocyte-specific action of Sox9. Overexpression of Arid5a stimulated chondrocyte differentiation in vitro and in an organ culture system. In contrast, Arid5a knockdown inhibited Col2a1 expression in chondrocytes. In addition, Arid5a binds directly to the promoter region of the Col2a1 gene and stimulates acetylation of histone 3 in the region. Our results suggest that Arid5a may directly interact with Sox9 and thereby enhance its chondrocyte-specific action.

Degeneration and regeneration of the intervertebral disc: lessons from development

Degeneration of the intervertebral discs, a process characterized by a cascade of cellular, biochemical, structural and functional changes, is strongly implicated as a cause of low back pain. Current treatment strategies for disc degeneration typically address the symptoms of low back pain without treating the underlying cause or restoring mechanical function. A more in-depth understanding of disc degeneration, as well as opportunities for therapeutic intervention, can be obtained by considering aspects of intervertebral disc development. Development of the intervertebral disc involves the coalescence of several different cell types through highly orchestrated and complex molecular interactions. The resulting structures must function synergistically in an environment that is subjected to continuous mechanical perturbation throughout the life of an individual. Early postnatal changes, including altered cellularity, vascular regression and altered extracellular matrix composition, might set the disc on a slow course towards symptomatic degeneration. In this Perspective, we review the pathogenesis and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration in the context of disc development. Within this scope, we examine how model systems have advanced our understanding of embryonic morphogenesis and associated molecular signaling pathways, in addition to the postnatal changes to the cellular, nutritional and mechanical microenvironment. We also discuss the current status of biological therapeutic strategies that promote disc regeneration and repair, and how lessons from development might provide clues for their refinement.

Stimulatory actions of lysophosphatidic acid on mouse ATDC5 chondroprogenitor cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are bioactive lysophospholipids that affect various cellular processes through G protein-coupled receptors. In our current study, we found by in situ hybridization that E11.5 mouse embryos strongly expressed the LPA receptor subtype LPA(1) in cartilaginous bone primordia and the surrounding mesenchymal cells. However, despite their wide-ranging actions, the roles of lysophospholipids in chondrogenesis remain poorly understood. The mouse clonal cell line ATDC5 undergoes a sequential differentiation of chondroprogenitor cells in vitro. Undifferentiated and differentiated ATDC5 cells express LPA(1) and other lysophospholipid receptors including S1P receptor S1P(1) and S1P(2). Taking advantage of this cell model, we studied the effects of LPA on the activities of chondroprogenitor cells. LPA markedly stimulates both DNA synthesis and the migration of ATDC5 chondroprogenitor cells in culture, whereas S1P suppresses the migration of these cells. Treatment with Ki16425, an LPA(1)- and LPA(3)-specific receptor antagonist, suppressed the fetal bovine serum-stimulated migration of ATDC5 cells by almost 80%. These results indicate that LPA plays an important role in the activation of chondroprogenitor cells.

Isolation of sox9 duplicates in catfish: localization, differential expression pattern during gonadal development and recrudescence, and hCG-induced up-regulation of sox9 in testicular slices

In vertebrates, sox9 is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in testicular development and chondrogenesis. Here, we report cloning of isoforms of sox9 (sox9a and sox9b) from air-breathing catfish Clarias gariepinus, which undergoes an annual reproductive cycle. Tissue distribution pattern showed differential expression of sox9 duplicates, wherein both forms were highly expressed in brain and gonads. Furthermore, we observed a dimorphic expression pattern of sox9a and sox9b in both adult and developing gonads using RT-PCR, indicating that sox9a retained its function in testis while sox9b might have a new role to play in ovary. Changes in sox9 mRNA levels using real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) during the seasonal reproductive cycle revealed that sox9a transcript in testis was abundant during testicular recrudescence (during spermatogenesis), and its expression significantly decreased during spawning and post-spawning phases. Furthermore, treatments of human chorionic gonadotropin and 11-ketotestosterone in vitro up-regulated sox9a mRNA levels in the testicular slices at 12 and 24 h time points, suggesting that gonadotropins might stimulate sox9 expression. These results suggest that sox9 might have a plausible role in the entrainment of the testicular cycle. In contrast, during the ovarian cycle, sox9b mRNA levels gradually declined from preparatory to post-spawning phases. Immunohistochemical (IHC) data showed that, in testis, sox9 is detectable in Sertoli and spermatogonial cell types except spermatid/spermatozoa. In the ovary, it is localized in the ooplasm of primary and pre-vitellogenic oocytes. These results were further confirmed by whole-mount IHC and qRT-PCR.

Sox9 expression is not limited to chondroid neoplasms: variable occurrence in other soft tissue and bone tumors with frequent expression by synovial sarcomas

The transcription factor Sox9 is known to play a crucial role in normal chondrogenesis, and antibodies against Sox9 have been proposed as a diagnostic tool for neoplasms with chondroid differentiation. However, the pattern of Sox9 immunohistochemical expression by other bone and soft tissue neoplasms, as well as its diagnostic specificity, remain unexplored. The authors have performed immunohistochemistry with antibodies against Sox9 in 106 chondroid and nonchondroid bone and soft tissue neoplasms. Moderate to intense Sox9 nuclear staining was observed in 14/20 chondrosarcomas (70%), and in 24/81 (29.6%) cases from a multitumor tissue microarray, which included 16/18 synovial sarcomas, 4/15 osteosarcomas, 2/5 peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)/Ewing sarcomas, 1/1 mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and 1/1 chondroblastoma. The results suggest that Sox9 usefulness in the diagnosis of chondroid tumors may be limited because of low sensitivity and specificity. The finding of Sox9 expression by 88.9% of synovial sarcomas represents a novel and striking observation, which deserves further investigation.

Origin and genetic evolution of the vertebrate skeleton

The current understanding of the origin and evolution of the genetic cassette for the vertebrate skeletal system is reviewed. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of fibrillar collagen genes, which encode the main component of both cartilage and mineralized bone, suggest that genome duplications in vertebrate ancestors were essential for producing distinct collagen fibers for cartilage and mineralized bone. Several data Indicate co-expression of the ancestral copy of fibrillar collagen with the SoxE and Runx transcription factors. Therefore, the genetic cassette may have already existed in protochordate ancestors, and may operate in the development of the pharyngeal gill skeleton. Accompanied by genome duplications in vertebrate ancestors, this genetic cassette may have also been duplicated and co-opted for cartilage and bone. Subsequently, the genetic cassette for cartilage recruited novel genetic material via domain shuffling. Aggrecan, acquired by means of domain shuffling, performs an essential role in cartilage as a shock absorber. In contrast, the cassette for bone recruited new genetic material produced by tandem duplication of the SPARC/osteonectin genes. Some of the duplicated copies of SPARC/osteonectin became secretory Cabinding phosphoproteins (SCPPs) performing a central role in mineralization by regulating the calcium phosphate concentration. Comparative genome analysis revealed similar molecular evolutionary histories for the genetic cassettes for cartilage and bone, namely duplication of the ancestral genetic cassette and recruitment of novel genetic material.

Neoplasms with schwannian differentiation express transcription factors known to regulate normal schwann cell development

A number of transcription factors have been identified as important in guiding normal Schwann cell development. This study used immunohistochemistry on tissue arrays to assess the expression of some of these transcription factors (Sox5, Sox9, Sox10, AP-2α, Pax7, and FoxD3) on 76 schwannomas, 105 neurofibromas, and 34 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Sox9 and Sox10 were found to be widely expressed in all tumor types. FoxD3 reactivity was stronger and more frequently found in schwannomas and MPNSTs than neurofibromas. AP-2α was positive in 31% to 49% of all tumors, but strong reactivity was limited to MPNSTs and schwannomas. Pax7 and Sox5 expression was restricted to subsets of MPNSTs. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the 3 tumor types in the expression of these markers. No differences were found in the analyzed tumor subgroups, including schwannomas of different sites, schwannomas with or without NF2 association, neurofibromas of different types, or sporadic versus NF1-associated MPNSTs. These results suggest that the transcription factors that guide normal Schwann cell development also play a role in the biology of neoplastic cells with Schwannian differentiation. FoxD3, AP-2α, Pax7, and Sox5 are upregulated in MPNSTs compared with neurofibromas and may be markers of malignant transformation. Screening the expression of FoxD3, Sox9, and Sox10 on 23 cases of other spindle-cell proliferations that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of MPNST, including synovial sarcoma and spindle cell melanoma, suggests that these 3 are helpful markers of Schwannian differentiation in the context of diagnosing MPNSTs.

The developmental roles of the extracellular matrix: beyond structure to regulation

Cells in multicellular organisms are surrounded by a complex three-dimensional macromolecular extracellular matrix (ECM). This matrix, traditionally thought to serve a structural function providing support and strength to cells within tissues, is increasingly being recognized as having pleiotropic effects in development and growth. Elucidation of the role that the ECM plays in developmental processes has been significantly advanced by studying the phenotypic and developmental consequences of specific genetic alterations of ECM components in the mouse. These studies have revealed the enormous contribution of the ECM to the regulation of key processes in morphogenesis and organogenesis, such as cell adhesion, proliferation, specification, migration, survival, and differentiation. The ECM interacts with signaling molecules and morphogens thereby modulating their activities. This review considers these advances in our understanding of the function of ECM proteins during development, extending beyond their structural capacity, to embrace their new roles in intercellular signaling.

Intervertebral disc repair using adipose tissue-derived stem and regenerative cells: experiments in a canine model

STUDY DESIGN

Therapeutic treatment of intervertebral disc repair using cells.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the study was to test the hypothesis that repair of a damaged disc is possible using autologous adipose tissue derived stem and regenerative cells (ADRCs).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Degradation resulting from either acute or chronic repetitive disc injury leads to disc degeneration. However, if a damaged disc could be repaired in the early stages, before the onslaught of degradation, then the disc degeneration process may be slowed down.

METHODS

Twelve dogs underwent a partial nucleotomy at 3 lumbar levels (L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-L6); adjacent levels served as nonoperated controls. The animals (or discs) were allowed to recover from the surgery for 6 weeks. At that time subcutaneous adipose tissue was harvested and ADRCs were isolated. The 3 experimental discs that had undergone a partial nucleotomy were randomized to receive: (1) ADRCs in hyaluronic acid carrier (Cells/HA); (2) HA only; or (3) No Intervention. Assessments of the 3 experimental discs plus the 2 adjacent untouched discs were made using MRI, radiography, histology, and biochemistry. The animals were killed at 6 months and at 12 months.

RESULTS

Repair in this study was specifically demonstrated through histology and biochemical analysis. Disc levels receiving ADRCs more closely resembled the healthy controls as evidenced in matrix translucency, compartmentalization of the anulus, and in cell density within the nucleus pulposus. Matrix analysis for Type-II collagen and aggrecan demonstrated evidence of a statistically better regenerative stimulation to the disc provided by ADRCs when compared to either the HA only or no intervention treatments.

CONCLUSION

Autologous adipose tissue derived stem and regenerative cells, as used in this disc injury model, were effective in promoting disc regeneration, as evidenced by disc matrix production and overall disc morphology.

The regenerative capacity of the notochordal cell: tissue constructs generated in vitro under hypoxic conditions

Object

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a highly avascular structure that is occupied by highly specialized cells (nucleus pulposus [NP] cells) that have adapted to survive within an O2 concentration of 2–5%. The object of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term hypoxic and normoxic tissue cultures of nonchondrodystrophic canine notochordal cells—cells that appear to protect the disc NP from degenerative change.

Methods

The authors obtained notochordal cells from nonchondrodystrophic canines according to their established methods and placed them into monolayer and 3D culture using sodium alginate globules under either hypoxic (3.5% O2) or normoxic (21% O2) conditions. Histological, immunohistochemical, scanning electron microscopy, and histomorphometric methods were used to evaluate the cells within the globules after 5 months in culture.

Results

Notochordal cells under in vitro hypoxic tissue culture conditions produced a highly complex, organized, 3D cellular construct that was strikingly similar to that observed in vivo. In contrast, traditional normoxic tissue culture conditions resulted in notochordal cells that failed to produce an organized matrix. Hypoxia resulted in a matrix rich in aggrecan and collagen II, whereas normoxic cultured cells did not produce any observable aggrecan or collagen II after 5 months of culture.

Conclusions

Hypoxia induces notochordal cells to organize a complex 3D cellular/extracellular matrix without an external scaffold other than suspension within sodium alginate. These cells produce an extracellular matrix and large construct that shares exactly the same characteristics as the in vivo condition—robust aggrecan, and type II collagen production. Normoxic tissue culture conditions, however, lead to a failure of these cells to thrive and a lack of extracellular matrix production and significantly smaller cells. The authors suggest that future studies of NP cells and, in particular, notochordal cells should utilize hypoxic tissue culture conditions to derive meaningful, biologically relevant conclusions concerning possible biological/molecular interventions.

Expression profiling of zebrafish sox9 mutants reveals that Sox9 is required for retinal differentiation

The transcription factor gene Sox9 plays various roles in development, including differentiation of the skeleton, gonads, glia, and heart. Other functions of Sox9 remain enigmatic. Because Sox9 protein regulates expression of target genes, the identification of Sox9 targets should facilitate an understanding of the mechanisms of Sox9 action. To help identify Sox9 targets, we used microarray expression profiling to compare wild-type embryos to mutant embryos lacking activity for both sox9a and sox9b, the zebrafish co-orthologs of Sox9. Candidate genes were further evaluated by whole-mount in situ hybridization in wild-type and sox9 single and double mutant embryos. Results identified genes expressed in cartilage (col2a1a and col11a2), retina (calb2a, calb2b, crx, neurod, rs1, sox4a and vsx1) and pectoral fin bud (klf2b and EST AI722369) as candidate targets for Sox9. Cartilage is a well-characterized Sox9 target, which validates this strategy, whereas retina represents a novel Sox9 function. Analysis of mutant phenotypes confirmed that Sox9 helps regulate the number of Müller glia and photoreceptor cells and helps organize the neural retina. These roles in eye development were previously unrecognized and reinforce the multiple functions that Sox9 plays in vertebrate development.

Brachyury, SOX-9, and podoplanin, new markers in the skull base chordoma vs chondrosarcoma differential: a tissue microarray-based comparative analysis

The distinction between chondrosarcoma and chordoma of the skull base/head and neck is prognostically important; however, both have sufficient morphologic overlap to make delineation difficult. As a result of gene expression studies, additional candidate markers have been proposed to help in separating those entities. We sought to evaluate the performance of new markers: brachyury, SOX-9, and podoplanin alongside the more traditional markers glial fibrillary acid protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, CD24, and epithelial membrane antigen. Paraffin blocks from 103 skull base/head and neck chondroid tumors from 70 patients were retrieved (1969-2007). Diagnoses were made based on morphology and/or whole-section immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin and S100 protein yielding 79 chordomas (comprising 45 chondroid chordomas and 34 conventional chordomas), and 24 chondrosarcomas. A tissue microarray containing 0.6 mm cores of each tumor in triplicate was constructed using a manual array (MTA-1; Beecher Instruments). For visualization of staining, the ImmPRESS detection system (Vector Laboratories) with 2-diaminobenzidine substrate was used. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated for each marker. Core loss from the microarray ranged from 25 to 29% yielding 66-78 viable cases per stain. The classic marker, cytokeratin, still has the best performance characteristics. When combined with brachyury, accuracy improves slightly (sensitivity and specificity for detection of chordoma 98 and 100%, respectively). Positivity for both epithelial membrane antigen and AE1/AE3 had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100% for detecting chordoma in this study. SOX-9 is apparently common to both notochordal and cartilaginous differentiation, and is not useful in the chordoma-chondrosarcoma differential diagnosis. Glial fibrillary acid protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, CD24, and epithelial membrane antigen did not outperform other markers, and are less useful in the diagnosis of chordoma vs chondrosarcoma. Podoplanin still remains the only positive marker for chondrosarcoma, though its accuracy is less than previously reported.

Multistable decision switches for flexible control of epigenetic differentiation

It is now recognized that molecular circuits with positive feedback can induce two different gene expression states (bistability) under the very same cellular conditions. Whether, and how, cells make use of the coexistence of a larger number of stable states (multistability) is however largely unknown. Here, we first examine how autoregulation, a common attribute of genetic master regulators, facilitates multistability in two-component circuits. A systematic exploration of these modules' parameter space reveals two classes of molecular switches, involving transitions in bistable (progression switches) or multistable (decision switches) regimes. We demonstrate the potential of decision switches for multifaceted stimulus processing, including strength, duration, and flexible discrimination. These tasks enhance response specificity, help to store short-term memories of recent signaling events, stabilize transient gene expression, and enable stochastic fate commitment. The relevance of these circuits is further supported by biological data, because we find them in numerous developmental scenarios. Indeed, many of the presented information-processing features of decision switches could ultimately demonstrate a more flexible control of epigenetic differentiation.

The Notochord, Notochordal cell and CTGF/CCN-2: ongoing activity from development through maturation

The growth regulating factor CTGF/CCN-2 is an integral factor in growth and development, connective tissue maintenance, wound repair and cell cycle regulation. It has recently been reported that CTGF/CCN-2 is involved in very early development having been detected in early notochord formation in zebrafish using CTGF/CCN-2 promoter-driven green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmids. In these studies fluorescence was detected early in the developing embryos, a finding of considerable significance in that CTGF/CCN-2 deficient mutant mice die early after birth due to severe cartilage and skeletal dysplasia and respiratory failure. Such findings confirm the importance of CTGF/CCN-2 in development and of the necessary and sufficient role of this molecule in formation of the skeleton, extracellular matrix and chondrogenesis. Of particular relevance to the relationship between the notochordal cell and CTGF/CCN-2 there is a remarkable sub-species of canine, the ‘non-chondrodystrophic’ canine that is protected from developing degenerative disc disease (DDD). These animals are unique in that they preserve the population of notochordal cells within their disc nucleus (NP) and these cells secrete CTGF/CCN-2. We have detected CTGF/CCN-2 within conditioned medium developed from the notochordal cells of these animals (NCCM) and used this conditioned medium to demonstrate robustly increased proteoglycan production. The addition of recombinant human CTGF/CCN-2 to totally serum-free media containing cultures of bovine NP cells replicated the robustly increased aggrecan gene expression found with NCCM alone strongly suggesting the importance of the effect of CTGF/CCN-2 in notochordal cell biology within the disc nucleus of non-chondrodystrophic canines. The chondrodystrophic canine, another sub-species on the other hand are almost totally devoid of notochordal cells and they develop DDD profoundly and early. These two sub-species of canine reflect a naturally occurring animal model that is an excellent example of differential notochordal cell survival and possible associated developmental differences in extracellular maintenance.

Control of cell fate and differentiation by Sry-related high-mobility-group box (Sox) transcription factors

Maintain stemness, commit to a specific lineage, differentiate, proliferate, or die. These are essential decisions that every cell is constantly challenged to make in multi-cellular organisms to ensure proper development, adult maintenance, and adaptability. SRY-related high-mobility-group box (Sox) transcription factors have emerged in the animal kingdom to help cells effect such decisions. They are encoded by 20 genes in humans and mice. They share a highly conserved high-mobility-group box domain that was originally identified in SRY, the sex-determining gene on the Y chromosome, and that has derived from a canonical high-mobility-group domain characteristic of chromatin-associated proteins. The high-mobility-group box domain binds DNA in the minor groove and increases its DNA binding affinity and specificity by interacting with many types of transcription factors. It also bends DNA and may thereby confer on Sox proteins a unique and critical role in the assembly of transcriptional enhanceosomes. Sox proteins fall into eight groups. Most feature a transactivation or transrepression domain and thereby also act as typical transcription factors. Each gene has distinct expression pattern and molecular properties, often redundant with those in the same group and overlapping with those in other groups. As a whole the Sox family controls cell fate and differentiation in a multitude of processes, such as male differentiation, stemness, neurogenesis, and skeletogenesis. We review their specific molecular properties and in vivo roles, stress recent advances in the field, and suggest directions for future investigations.

SOX9 is required for maintenance of the pancreatic progenitor cell pool

The factors necessary to maintain organ-specific progenitor cells are poorly understood and yet of extreme clinical importance. Here, we identify the transcription factor SOX9 as the first specific marker and maintenance factor of multipotential progenitors during pancreas organogenesis. In the developing pancreas, SOX9 expression is restricted to a mitotically active, Notch-responsive subset of PDX1(+) pluripotent progenitors and is absent from committed endocrine precursors or differentiated cells. Similar to Notch mutations, organ-specific Sox9 inactivation in mice causes severe pancreatic hypoplasia resulting from depletion of the progenitor cell pool. We show that Sox9 maintains pancreatic progenitors by stimulating their proliferation, survival, and persistence in an undifferentiated state. Our finding that SOX9 regulates the Notch-effector HES1 suggests a Notch-dependent mechanism and establishes a possible genetic link between SOX factors and Notch. These findings will be of major significance for the development of in vitro protocols for cell replacement therapies.

Amniote somite derivatives

Somites are segments of paraxial mesoderm that give rise to a multitude of tissues in the vertebrate embryo. Many decades of intensive research have provided a wealth of data on the complex molecular interactions leading to the formation of various somitic derivatives. In this review, we focus on the crucial role of the somites in building the body wall and limbs of amniote embryos. We give an overview on the current knowledge on the specification and differentiation of somitic cell lineages leading to the development of the vertebral column, skeletal muscle, connective tissue, meninges, and vessel endothelium, and highlight the importance of the somites in establishing the metameric pattern of the vertebrate body.