Localization of bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression to sites of mineralized tissue formation in fetal rat tissues by in situ hybridization

Bone matrix proteins in osteogenesis and remodelling in the neonatal rat mandible as studied by immunolocalization of osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, alpha 2HS-glycoprotein and alkaline phosphatase

The neonatal rat mandible was used as a model to study bone formation, mineralization, quiescence, and resorption, using immunolocalization and a variety of tissue-processing techniques. Monospecific antibodies for osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and alpha 2HS-glycoprotein (alpha 2HS-GP) were used on fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, fixed frozen tissue and unfixed frozen tissue. Immunostaining was correlated with mineral content by two procedures, the von Kossa and the morin techniques. Morin fluorescence was used with secondary immunostaining to provide a way of closely correlating bone matrix proteins and matrix mineralization. Co-immunolocalization procedures were used to compare the sites of bone proteins in the matrix. AP was found earliest during osteogenic cell differentiation, appearing in the preosteoblasts, followed by OPN and BSP, which first appeared in osteoblasts. alpha 2HS-GP expression was not observed in cells. The results provide clear evidence for the presence of OPN in osteoid, while BSP and alpha 2HS-GP were confined to the mineralized matrix. Immunostaining of bone proteins is highly technique-dependent: immunolocalization investigations required several methods of approach to ensure adequate demonstration of these proteins in cells and matrix. The results support the contention that osteopontin is multifunctional in bone metabolism, and that alpha 2HS-GP, though produced in the liver, is abundant in bone matrix and may also have a function in bone metabolism.

Biosynthesis of bone sialoprotein by a human osteoclast-like cell line (FLG 29.1)

Biosynthesis of bone sialoprotein (BSP) by a human osteoclastic cell line (FLG 29.1) during its differentiation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) was studied using metabolic radiolabeling experiments. The FLG 29.1 cells were metabolically radiolabeled with [3H]glucosamine and [35S]sulfate, and the labeled glycoproteins were analyzed by anion exchange chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoprecipitation experiments. One of the major glycoproteins synthesized by the TPA-treated FLG 29.1 cells was sulfated, had an identical electrophoretic mobility to purified BSP, and could be immunoprecipitated with a specific antibody against human BSP (LF 6). Thus, this glycoprotein was tentatively identified as the BSP. Furthermore, mRNA for BSP was also detected in TPA-treated FLG 29.1 cells by RNA-polymerase chain reaction. Most BSP synthesized by FLG 29.1 cells remained cell-associated, and this is in contrast with those synthesized by osteoblasts, where the protein is rapidly released into the extracellular matrix. Immunocytochemistry using an anti-BSP antibody showed a prominent paranuclear (suggestive of Golgi apparatus) localization of BSP in the TPA-treated FLG 29.1 cells after permeabilization, while untreated cells were not significantly immunostained. Localization of BSP at the plasma membrane was also demonstrated in the TPA-treated FLG 29.1 cells by the fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Since TPA has been demonstrated to induce expression of various osteoclastic characteristics in FLG 29.1 cells, induction of BSP expression by TPA suggests that the protein may play a role during the differentiation process of osteoclasts or in functions of differentiated osteoclasts.

Further characterization of interaction between bone sialoprotein (BSP) and collagen

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) has an affinity to collagen fibrils [25]. A role of carbohydrate chains in the affinity was examined by removing sialic acids of BSP. Neuraminidase treatment of the BSP increased the binding to collagen. Binding sites of BSP on collagen were examined by biochemical and electron-microscopic methods. Purified bovine BSP was labeled with biotin. Collagen alpha chains or CNBr peptides were separated by electrophoresis and transfered to nitrocellulose membranes. The membranes were incubated with the biotin-labeled BSP, and the bound BSP was visualized with avidin conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. The labeled BSP was preferentially bound to the alpha 2 chain, and peptides derived from alpha 2 chain. In another experiment, the labeled BSP was incubated with reconstituted native collagen fibrils. The mixture was put on a copper grid, reacted with avidin conjugated with gold particles, and observed with an electron microscope. The gold particles were seen mainly within hole zones of the fibrils. BSP bound to the alpha 2 chain within the hole zones may regulate the onset of calcification at hole zones and the cell binding to collagen fibrils.

Regulation of bone sialoprotein gene transcription by steroid hormones

During the initial formation of bone, dentine and cementum in tooth morphogenesis, fully differentiated osteoblasts, odontoblasts and cementoblasts express bone sialoprotein (BSP), a mineralized tissue-specific acidic glycoprotein that has been implicated in the nucleation of hydroxyapatite crystal growth. The expression of BSP is regulated by steroid hormones that modulate mineralized tissue formation. Thus, the transcription of the BSP gene is induced by glucocorticoids in association with osteoblast differentiation and glucocorticoids also stimulate the expression of BSP in differentiated osteoblasts. In contrast, however, vitamin D3 suppresses bone formation and abrogates the expression of BSP. Our studies, using the osteoblastic cell lines ROS 17/2.8 and UMR 106-06, have revealed that the glucocorticoid (10(-8) M dexamethasone; dex) effect on BSP mRNA involves both direct and indirect pathways. To determine the molecular basis of the direct pathway on transcriptional regulation of the BSP we have isolated and characterized the promoter regions of both the human and rat BSP genes. The promoters are characterized by a highly conserved region (BSP box) encompassing the immediate promoter region, which includes a unique inverted TATA box overlapped by a putative (DR3) vitamin D3 response element (VDRE). Possible glucocorticoid response elements are present approximately 1 kb and approximately 1.4 kb further upstream. Transient transfection analysis of chimeric constructs linked to a luciferase reporter gene have shown Dex-stimulated expression in constructs that include one or both GREs, whereas vit D3 suppresses expression in a short construct that includes the VDRE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of two mineral-associated adhesion molecules, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein, during cementogenesis

Adhesion molecules and their cell membrane receptors are known to play important regulatory roles in cell differentiation. Consequently, the following experiments were conducted to determine the role of two adhesion molecules, bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) in tooth root formation. Developing murine molar tooth germs at sequential stages of development (developmental days 21-42) were analyzed using immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. While BSP was localized to alveolar bone and odontoblasts early in development, BSP was distinctly localized to the cemental root surface at latter periods coincident with the initiation of root formation and cementogenesis. Conversely, OPN was distributed in a nonspecific fashion throughout the PDL and the eruption pathway of the forming tooth. In situ hybridization confirmed that cells lining the root surface express BSP. The fact that BSP is specifically localized to the cemental surface suggests that this protein is involved in cementoblast differentiation and/or early mineralization of the cementum matrix. Localization of OPN to non-mineralized tissues further suggests that OPN functions as an inhibitor of mineralization during periodontal ligament formation. These findings collectively suggest that BSP and OPN are intimately involved in the sequence of cellular and molecular events accompanying cementogenesis.

The effects of dexamethasone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on osteogenic differentiation of human marrow stromal cells in vitro

Effects of dexamethasone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] were studied in cultures of adult human marrow stromal cells. In primary culture, dexamethasone (10(-8) M) increased the number of fibroblast colonies formed but decreased their average size. The number of colonies expressing alkaline phosphatase activity was increased, consistent with the enhancement of osteogenic differentiation by this glucocorticoid. In secondary culture, osteogenic differentiation was assessed by measurement of the steady-state levels of particular mRNAs that are characteristic of cells of the osteoblast lineage. The mRNAs for alpha 1(I)-procollagen, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein were expressed under all culture conditions used. In contrast, osteocalcin mRNA expression was detectable only in cultures treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 (10(-8) M). Addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 to control increased the expression of the mRNAs for alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin but had no significant effect on bone sialoprotein expression. The highest levels of expression of the mRNAs for alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin were observed in dexamethasone-treated cultures to which 1,25(OH)2D3 had been added. These results demonstrate that, as earlier found in other species, dexamethasone and 1,25(OH)2D3 promote the osteogenic differentiation of human marrow stromal cells as measured by expression of these osteogenic markers.

Bone sialoprotein is localized to the root surface during cementogenesis

Bone sialoprotein (BSP), an RGD-containing protein with cell attachment properties, is believed to play a regulatory role in the biomineralization of various connective tissues. To determine its possible role in tooth root formation, murine dentoalveolar tissues at sequential phases of development were analyzed immunohistochemically for the presence of BSP. BSP was localized to alveolar bone and cementum at time points associated with initial mineralization of these tissues. In addition, northern blot analyses of dental follicle tissue at day 27 of tooth development indicated that BSP mRNA is expressed by dental follicle cells at a time point coincident with the initiation of cementogenesis on the peripheral tooth root surface. Collectively, these findings indicate that BSP may play an important role in the formation and mineralization of cementum.

Modulation of crystal formation by bone phosphoproteins: role of glutamic acid-rich sequences in the nucleation of hydroxyapatite by bone sialoprotein

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a bone-specific glycoprotein containing phosphoserine and sulphotyrosine residues and regions of contiguous glutamic acid residues. Recent studies in this laboratory have shown that BSP is capable of nucleating the bone mineral hydroxyapatite in a steady-state agarose gel system. We show here that chemical modification of carboxylate groups abolishes the nucleation activity of BSP, but enzymic dephosphorylation has no effect. Formation of hydroxyapatite is also induced by poly(L-glutamic acid) and poly(D-glutamic acid), but not by poly(L-aspartic acid) or poly(L-lysine). Calreticulin, a muscle protein with short sequences of contiguous glutamic acid residues, also lacks nucleation activity. These findings suggest that the nucleation of hydroxyapatite by BSP involves one or both of the glutamic acid-rich sequences. Based on these findings and others, we propose that polycarboxylate sequences represent a general site for growth-modulating interactions between proteins and biological crystals.

Cloning and sequence analysis of bovine bone sialoprotein cDNA: conservation of acidic domains, tyrosine sulfation consensus repeats, and RGD cell attachment domain

We isolated and sequenced a cDNA encoding bovine bone sialoprotein (BSP) using a bovine cDNA library made from mRNA isolated from bone-derived cell cultures and ligated to a phage lambda gt11. One of the cDNA clones isolated from this library had a 1800 base pair long insert and was found to contain the entire protein-encoding region. The deduced protein sequence revealed a 310 amino acid protein containing a signal peptide sequence of 16 hydrophobic amino acids. The protein sequence shows remarkable conservation with previously published human and rat sequences (more than 80% similarity for both species). The potential functional domains of BSP, including three acid amino acid-rich sequences, tyrosine sulfation consensus repeats, and the RGD cell binding sequence, are all present in the bovine sequence. Northern analysis of RNA from different bovine tissues indicated the presence of BSP message in bone but not in other nonmineralized tissues, confirming that bone is the major site of BSP message production.

Temporal changes in matrix protein synthesis and mRNA expression during mineralized tissue formation by adult rat bone marrow cells in culture

To characterize the bone-like tissue produced by rat bone marrow cells (RBMC) from young adult femurs, the synthesis of bone proteins and the expression of their mRNA were studied in vitro. RBMC plated at a density of 5 x 10(3) cells/cm2 and grown in the presence of 10(-8) M dexamethasone (Dex) and 10 mM beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP) produced mineralized bone nodules, which were first evident at day 3 and increased markedly to day 13. However, in the absence of dexamethasone, few mineralized nodules were observed. The formation of mineralized nodules was reflected by the uptake of 45Ca, which also increased markedly to day 13. Analysis of bone protein expression by Northern and slot-blot hybridizations revealed an increase in mRNA levels of collagen type I (Col I), osteonectin/SPARC (ON), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin (OC) during the formation of mineralized nodules. Whereas the Col I, ON, ALP, and OPN mRNAs were expressed before the formation of mineralized nodules was evident and were also expressed at various levels in the absence of Dex, the expression of BSP and OC mRNA was induced in the bone-forming cultures. The expression of BSP mRNA was correlated temporally with bone tissue formation, reaching maximal levels on day 16. In contrast, OC mRNA was expressed later and, following induction, increased over the 28 day culture period. Production of matrix proteins during the rapid formation of the bone tissue appeared to reflect the levels of the respective mRNAs. However, whereas some of the collagen and almost all of the SPARC were secreted into the culture medium, virtually all of the OPN and most of the BSP were extracted from the mineralized tissue matrix with EDTA. Some OPN and BSP were present in the medium, especially early in the culture, and a significant amount of BSP was also found associated with the collagenous tissue matrix. These studies point to the importance of Col I, ALP, OPN, and BSP, but not ON or OC, in the initial formation of bone tissue.

Characterization of the human bone sialoprotein (BSP) gene and its promoter sequence

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a major structural protein of the bone matrix that is specifically expressed by fully-differentiated osteoblasts. To characterize the gene and to study the tissue-and differentiation stage-specific regulation of BSP gene transcription we have isolated and partially sequenced two overlapping genomic fragments which span the complete human BSP gene and its promoter region. The approximately 15 kb gene comprises seven exons of 82 bp, 68 bp, 51 bp, 78 bp, 63 bp, 159 bp and 2.5 kb (1-7, respectively), separated by six introns of approximately 3 kb, 92 bp, 95 bp, approximately 3 kb, approximately 0.5 kb and approximately 4.5 kb. All of the intron-exon boundaries defining the splice sites conform to the consensus sequence of: AG at the 3' splice site; and GT at the 5' splice site, except the 3' splice site of exon 1. The first exon encodes the 5'-UTR, the second exon the signal sequence and the first two amino acids, exons 3 and 4 the Tyr-and Phe-rich amino terminus, and exon 5 the first segment of polyglutamic acid. Exon 7 encodes over half of the protein including a second polyglutamic acid segment, the RGD cell attachment motif, the sulphated tyrosine-rich C-terminus and the 3'-UTR. The promoter region is characterized by an inverted TATA-like sequence (TTTATA), nts -28 to -23 from the transcriptional start site (+1), and an inverted CCAAT box (ATTGG) at -54 to -50. Analysis of chimeric constructs fused to a CAT reporter gene indicate that the presence of both the inverted TATA-like sequence and CCAAT elements are required for basal promoter activity. Comparison of the human BSP promoter with the rat BSP promoter (Li and Sodek, 1993) reveal that the nature and position of the inverted TATA-like sequence and CCAAT box together with an Ap1 (-148 to -142), CRE (-122 to -116) and a homeobox-binding site (-200 to -191) have been conserved. A putative Glucocorticoid Response Unit (GRU) consisting of a Glucocorticoid Response Element (GRE) and an overlapping direct repeat (DR5) similar to the retinoic acid receptor element (RARE) is present at -1038 to -1022. These studies have defined the structure of the human BSP gene and have identified novel transcriptional elements in the promoter that may be involved in the developmentally regulated, tissue specific expression of this gene.

Characterization of porcine bone sialoprotein: primary structure and cellular expression

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a highly glycosylated and sulphated phosphoprotein that is a major non-collagenous protein of bone. To further characterize the porcine protein and to study its expression during bone formation BSP cDNA clones were isolated from a porcine bone cDNA library. The primary sequence of the protein was derived from the nucleotide sequence of the largest cDNA insert and from the amino-terminal amino acid sequence determined by the automated Edman degradation procedure. When compared with sequences obtained from the human and rat BSPs 74% and 64% of the amino acids, respectively, were identical and a further 11% and 17%, respectively, were conservative replacements. Moreover, 60% of the amino acids in a concensus sequence derived from the primary sequences of mammalian BSPs were conserved with 16% conservative replacements. The two stretches of polyglutamic acid, through which the protein is capable of binding to hydroxyapatite, and an RGD motif that mediates cell attachment are retained in conserved sequences as are a number of potential sites of serine, threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation, glycosylation and tyrosine sulphation. Secondary structure prediction and hydrophilicity analysis indicate that the nascent BSP has an open flexible structure with the potential to form significant amounts of alpha-helix and some beta-sheet. In situ hybridization of fetal porcine bone with cRNA probes to porcine BSP mRNA shows that BSP is specifically expressed in differentiated osteoblasts on the surface of newly-forming bone trabeculae with especially high levels of hybridization at sites of de novo bone formation. The highly conserved features of BSP and its restricted distribution indicate an important role for this sialoprotein in the formation of bone.

Differences in composition of cell-attachment sialoproteins between dentin and bone

Matrices of dentin and bone were compared with respect to the content of cell-attachment sialoproteins. The levels of two sialoproteins, osteopontin (OPN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP), were determined in dentin and bone by immunochemical procedures. Polyclonal antibodies against bovine BSP and an antibody against the amino-terminal decapeptide of rat OPN were used. The relative levels of OPN and BSP in dentin were less than one-tenth of the levels in bone. The differences between dentin and bone levels of OPN and BSP were thus larger than those for osteonectin or bone Gla protein in the two tissues. The scarcity of the cell-attachment proteins in dentin may reflect the metabolic inactivity of dentin.

Bone sialoprotein in developing porcine dental tissues: cellular expression and comparison of tissue localization with osteopontin and osteonectin

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a highly sulphated and glycosylated phosphoprotein that is a major constituent of bone and other mineralized connective tissues. Although BSP can mediate cell attachment through an RGD sequence and binds selectively to hydroxyapatite, its precise function in mineralized tissues is unknown. To provide insights into its possible function, affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies directed against porcine BSP were used to demonstrate the histological distribution of this protein in developing porcine mandibular alveolar bone and the associated tooth tissues from 35- and 50-day fetuses. In addition, a porcine cRNA probe was used to determine the cellular expression of BSP in the same tissues by in situ hybridization. Immunoreactivity to BSP protein was restricted to the cells and matrix of the mineralized tissues of alveolar bone and dentine. In dentine, BSP was localized to the odontoblasts and their processes and to the peritubular dentine. In the alveolar bone, immunoreactivity for BSP was evident in osteoblastic cells and osteocytes and in the bone matrix; the older bone stained more strongly than newly formed bone. In addition, BSP appeared to be concentrated in the reversal lines of the rapidly remodelling bone. The distribution of BSP in these tissues revealed distinct differences when compared to osteopontin and SPARC/osteonectin, which are also prominent non-collagenous proteins of mineralized tissues. Most notable was the localization of osteopontin and especially osteonectin in non-mineralizing tissues. The immunoreactivity of osteoblasts and osteocytes for BSP in bone was consistent with the high levels of BSP mRNA revealed by in situ hybridization. However, much lower levels of hybridization were evident in the odontoblasts of developing mandibular molars. These studies demonstrate that BSP is expressed during the early formation of dentine and alveolar bone and that the protein accumulates in the peritubular dentine and bone matrix.

Developmental expression of osteopontin (OPN) mRNA in rat tissues: evidence for a role for OPN in bone formation and resorption

Osteopontin (OPN) is a 34-kDa, highly-phosphorylated glycoprotein with cell attachment properties that is a prominent constituent of the bone matrix. To aid in elucidating the function of this protein we have studied the cellular expression of OPN mRNA during the formation, growth and maturation of rat calvarial (membranous) and tibial (endochondral) bone. From Northern hybridization analysis OPN expression was demonstrated in the kidney and gravid uterus as well as in bone tissues. Compared to collagen, the expression of OPN was low in early bone formation but increased subsequently and reached peak levels in 14-day-old bone. However, both the collagen and OPN mRNAs decreased markedly thereafter and remained low in young adult bone. From in situ hybridization studies using a [35S]-labelled rat OPN cRNA probe, OPN mRNA was localized to osteoblastic cells in newly-forming calvariae, jaw bones, and in the metaphyseal and periosteal bone of the tibia. In contrast to bone sialoprotein (BSP), which is expressed almost exclusively by osteoblasts at sites of de novo bone formation, OPN transcripts were present in cells lining both endosteal and periosteal bone surfaces, and in osteocytes. Moreover, expression of OPN persisted during the subsequent growth and remodelling of both membranous and endochondral bone and was expressed at particularly high levels by bone cells and hypertrophic chondrocytes at sites of osteoclastic resorption. In the more mature bone of young adult rats OPN expression was significantly reduced but remained detectable in bone cells lining periosteal and endosteal surfaces and in the primary and secondary spongiosa of the tibia. These studies on the developmental expression of OPN support the concept of a multifunctional role for OPN in bone formation and remodelling. Thus, the expression of OPN by osteoblasts early in bone development is consistent with a role for this protein in the formation of bone matrix, whereas the peak expression of OPN later in bone development, together with high expression at sites of rapid remodelling, indicate that OPN deposited on the surface of mineralized connective tissues may provide a template for osteoclastic resorption.

Cloning and characterization of the rat bone sialoprotein gene promoter

To study the transcriptional regulation of the rat bone sialoprotein (BSP) gene, the nucleotide sequence of a approximately 1 kb HindIII/KpnI subfragment from a genomic clone containing the 5' flanking sequence, exon 1 and part of intron 1 was determined and the transcription start site defined. This region includes an inverted TATA element (nt -24 to -19), an inverted CCAAT box, a homeobox-binding site, a putative 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 response element (VDRE) sequence overlapping the inverted TATA sequence, and a novel 18 nt palindrome that may control the tissue-specific transcription of the BSP gene. The shortest promoter sequence capable of directing bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene expression included the inverted TATA element and the inverted CCAAT box. However, the promoter activity was down-regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, indicating that the unique VDRE-like sequence overlapping the TATA element is functional. Thus the rat BSP gene promoter is characterized by novel cis-acting elements that may be involved in hormone- and tissue-specific regulation of transcription.

Trans-differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes into cells capable of producing a mineralized bone matrix

Trans-differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes into bone-forming cells was observed when femurs from 14-day-old chick embryos were cut through the region of hypertrophic cartilage and the separated pieces were cultured for 2-18 days. Inside many chondrocytic lacunae a new matrix was present which had the staining characteristics of bone matrix including birefringence and the capacity to mineralize. The cells within the lacunae had the characteristics of osteoblasts, such as alkaline phosphatase activity and positive immunocytochemical staining for osteocalcin, osteonectin, osteopontin and type I collagen. Chondrocyte necrosis and empty lacunae were only observed immediately at the cut edge, and in that region no bone-forming cells were present inside the lacunae. Where bone-matrix was present, the lacunae had remained intact, the cells were viable and no evidence of cell migration was observed. This suggested that the bone-forming cells had originated from the hypertrophic chondrocytes. The temporal sequence of events was followed closely. Two days following the cut only a few chondrocytes showed a positive reaction for osteocalcin, osteonectin, osteopontin and the type I collagen. At that time no such reaction product was observed in the chondrocytes of uncut femurs. Many hypertrophic chondrocytes divided, as shown by tritiated thymidine incorporation. The rate of cell division increased between 2-6 days, when several smaller basophilic cells were present inside the lacuna instead of the single hypertrophic chondrocyte. These cells expressed alkaline phosphatase activity, were positive for fibronectin, the above non-collagenous bone proteins and type I collagen. The bone matrix that was observed after 6-18 days was initially confined to the inside of the chondrocytic lacunae, but later spread beyond the lacunar confines. The bone proteins were still associated with the bone-forming cells, but fibronectin was absent when matrix formation was evident. Mineralization of the intra-lacunar osteoid took place after 12-18 days. It is speculated that the trans-differentiation was initiated by disruptions of the normal cell-cell associations.

Temporal studies on the tissue compartmentalization of bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and SPARC protein during bone formation in vitro

To study the role of noncollagenous proteins in bone formation, the synthesis and tissue distribution of BSP (bone sialoprotein), OPN (osteopontin) and SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) were analyzed using pulse-chase and continuous labeling protocols during bone formation by cultures of rat calvarial cells. Following a 1 h labeling period with [35S]methionine or [35SO4], radiolabeled BSP was rapidly lost from the cells and appeared transiently in the culture medium and in a 4 M GuHCl extract (G1) of the mineralized tissue. Coinciding with the loss of BSP from these compartments, radiolabeled BSP increased in demineralizing, 0.5 M EDTA extracts (E) of the bone, in a subsequent GuHCl extract (G2), and in a bacterial collagenase digest (CD fraction) of the extracted tissue, over a 24 h chase period. In comparison, the 55 kDa form of OPN, with a small amount of the 44 kDa OPN, was secreted almost entirely into the culture medium. Most of the 44 kDa OPN, together with some 55 kDa OPN, accumulated rapidly in the E extract but could not be detected in either G extract or in the CD fraction. SPARC appeared transiently in the G1 extract, but was otherwise quantitatively secreted into the culture medium from where it was lost by complexing and/or degradation. When cultures were continuously labeled over a 12 day period with [35S]methionine, radiolabeled BSP and 44 kDa OPN accumulated in the E extract together with a small amount of SPARC. Some radiolabeled BSP also accumulated in the G2 extract. From the relative incorporation of [35SO4] over the same time period, a time-dependent loss in sulphate from the BSP was evident. Using a 24 h pulse-labeling protocol, the amount of radiolabeled BSP and OPN in the E extract and the BSP in the G2 extract were not altered significantly over a 12-day chase period. These studies demonstrate that the 44 kDa OPN and most of the BSP are rapidly bound to the hydroxyapatite crystals where they may regulate crystal formation and growth during bone formation. Some BSP is deposited in the osteoid and appears to become masked by the formation of hydroxyapatite, indicating a potential role for this protein in epitactic nucleation of hydroxyapatite crystal formation.

Development expression of bone sialoprotein mRNA in rat mineralized connective tissues

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a phosphorylated and sulfated glycoprotein that is a major noncollagenous protein of bone and other mineralizing connective tissues. BSP is characterized by the presence of several polyglutamic acid segments and an RGD motif that mediates cell attachment through a vitronectin-like receptor. Although the precise function of BSP is unknown, the expression of BSP in conjunction with bone formation in vitro indicates a role for this protein in the biomineralization of connective tissues. In this study we used Northern hybridization and in situ hybridization to determine the tissue-specific and developmental expression of BSP during embryogenesis and growth of rat tissues. Analysis of tissues obtained from 13, 17, and 21 day fetuses, and from 4-, 14-, and 100-day-old animals indicates that BSP mRNA expression is restricted to cells actively forming the mineralizing tissues of bone, dentin and cementum. BSP mRNA transcripts were first evident in fully differentiated osteoblasts of 17 day fetal tissues at sites of de novo intramembranous and endochondral bone formation, with maximal expression observed at 21 days of gestation. Thereafter, BSP mRNA levels decreased markedly, and in adult bone hybridization was detected only in the primary spongiosa of long bones. In comparison, mRNAs for osteopontin (OPN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OC) peaked at 4-14 days postpartum before declining. In the tibiae, Northern hybridization revealed a second peak of mRNA for BSP, ALP, and OPN at 14 days, reflecting an increased osteogenic activity due to the formation of the secondary centers of ossification in the epiphyseal cartilage. In situ hybridization also revealed BSP mRNA in hypertrophic chondrocytes at sites of bone formation, in odontoblasts of the incisor during dentinogenesis, and in cementoblasts during cementogenesis. In view of the restricted distribution and temporal changes in the expression of BSP mRNA that we observed together with the chemical properties of BSP, we believe that this protein has a specific role in mediating the initial stages of connective tissue mineralization.

Biosynthesis of bone proteins by fetal porcine calvariae in vitro. Rapid association of sulfated sialoproteins (secreted phosphoprotein-1 and bone sialoprotein) and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CS-PGIII) with bone mineral

To study the biosynthesis of bone proteins, fragments of fetal porcine calvariae were cultured in the presence of 50 micrograms/ml ascorbate and 10 mM beta-glycerophosphate and individual cultures labeled for either 4 h or 48 h with [35S]-methionine, Na2[35SO4], Na3[32PO4] or [14C]-glycine plus [14C]-proline. The radiolabeled proteins in tissue extracts were obtained by sequential extraction with 4 M GuHCl (G1-extract), 0.5 M EDTA (E-extract), and again with 4 M GuHCl (G2-extract) and analyzed together with the radiolabeled proteins secreted into the medium. SPP-1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1, osteopontin) was the major non-collagenous protein deposited into the bone matrix, with lesser amounts of BSP (bone sialoprotein), osteocalcin and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CS-PG II and CS-PG III). SPP-1 was also the major phosphorylated protein and was recovered, together with several fragmented forms, almost entirely in the demineralizing extracts. Moreover, approximately one-half of the [35SO4] incorporated into E-extract proteins was present in SPP-1, the remainder being incorporated into PGs with smaller amounts associated with BSP. Over 65% of the [35SO4] in the proteoglycans of the demineralizing extracts was recovered in the small CS-PG III with less than 35% in CS-PG II, the bone homologue of DS-PG II (decorin). In contrast, CS-PG II was the predominant small proteoglycan in culture media and in guanidine extracts. Some sulfated BSP was also observed in guanidine extracts and small amounts appeared to bind to collagen. Radiolabeled SPARC (osteonectin), a prominent protein of fetal porcine bone, was not detected in the mineralized bone tissues but was prominent in the culture medium. These results demonstrate that following secretion, the major proteins expressed by osteoblastic cells are initially incorporated into different tissue compartments, with most of the sulfated sialoproteins and CS-PG III associating rapidly with the hydroxyapatite crystals. The initial distribution of these proteins is of importance in the evaluation of their role in bone formation and mineralization.