Deficient expression of the small proteoglycan decorin in a case of severe/lethal osteogenesis imperfecta

Nanoscale Imaging and Analysis of Bone Pathologies

Understanding the properties of bone is of both fundamental and clinical relevance. The basis of bone’s quality and mechanical resilience lies in its nanoscale building blocks (i.e., mineral, collagen, non-collagenous proteins, and water) and their complex interactions across length scales. Although the structure–mechanical property relationship in healthy bone tissue is relatively well characterized, not much is known about the molecular-level origin of impaired mechanics and higher fracture risks in skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis or Paget’s disease. Alterations in the ultrastructure, chemistry, and nano-/micromechanics of bone tissue in such a diverse group of diseased states have only been briefly explored. Recent research is uncovering the effects of several non-collagenous bone matrix proteins, whose deficiencies or mutations are, to some extent, implicated in bone diseases, on bone matrix quality and mechanics. Herein, we review existing studies on ultrastructural imaging—with a focus on electron microscopy—and chemical, mechanical analysis of pathological bone tissues. The nanometric details offered by these reports, from studying knockout mice models to characterizing exact disease phenotypes, can provide key insights into various bone pathologies and facilitate the development of new treatments.

Comparative Proteomic and Metabolomic Analysis of Human Osteoblasts, Differentiated from Dental Pulp Stem Cells, Hinted Crucial Signaling Pathways Promoting Osteogenesis

Population aging has been a global trend for the last decades, which increases the pressure to develop new cell-based or drug-based therapies, including those that may cure bone diseases. To understand molecular processes that underlie bone development and turnover, we followed osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) using a specific induction medium. The differentiation process imitating in vivo osteogenesis is triggered by various signaling pathways and is associated with massive proteome and metabolome changes. Proteome was profiled by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and comprehensively quantified by ion mobility-enhanced mass spectrometry. From 2667 reproducibly quantified and identified proteins, 432 were differentially abundant by strict statistic criteria. Metabolome profiling was carried out by nuclear magnetic resonance. From 27 detected metabolites, 8 were differentially accumulated. KEGG and MetaboAnalyst hinted metabolic pathways that may be involved in the osteogenic process. Enrichment analysis of differentially abundant proteins highlighted PPAR, FoxO, JAK-STAT, IL-17 signaling pathways, biosynthesis of thyroid hormones and steroids, mineral absorption, and fatty acid metabolism as processes with prominent impact on osteoinduction. In parallel, metabolomic data showed that aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, as well as specific amino acids, likely promote osteodifferentiation. Targeted immunoassays validated and complemented omic results. Our data underlined the complexity of the osteogenic mechanism. Finally, we proposed promising targets for future validation in patient samples, a step toward the treatment of bone defects.

Deciphering the Relevance of Bone ECM Signaling

Bone mineral density, a bone matrix parameter frequently used to predict fracture risk, is not the only one to affect bone fragility. Other factors, including the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and microarchitecture, are of paramount relevance in this process. The bone ECM is a noncellular three-dimensional structure secreted by cells into the extracellular space, which comprises inorganic and organic compounds. The main inorganic components of the ECM are calcium-deficient apatite and trace elements, while the organic ECM consists of collagen type I and noncollagenous proteins. Bone ECM dynamically interacts with osteoblasts and osteoclasts to regulate the formation of new bone during regeneration. Thus, the composition and structure of inorganic and organic bone matrix may directly affect bone quality. Moreover, proteins that compose ECM, beyond their structural role have other crucial biological functions, thanks to their ability to bind multiple interacting partners like other ECM proteins, growth factors, signal receptors and adhesion molecules. Thus, ECM proteins provide a complex network of biochemical and physiological signals. Herein, we summarize different ECM factors that are essential to bone strength besides, discussing how these parameters are altered in pathological conditions related with bone fragility.

ER stress and the unfolded protein response

Conformational diseases are caused by mutations altering the folding pathway or final conformation of a protein. Many conformational diseases are caused by mutations in secretory proteins and reach from metabolic diseases, e.g. diabetes, to developmental and neurological diseases, e.g. Alzheimer's disease. Expression of mutant proteins disrupts protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causes ER stress, and activates a signaling network called the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR increases the biosynthetic capacity of the secretory pathway through upregulation of ER chaperone and foldase expression. In addition, the UPR decreases the biosynthetic burden of the secretory pathway by downregulating expression of genes encoding secreted proteins. Here we review our current understanding of how an unfolded protein signal is generated, sensed, transmitted across the ER membrane, and how downstream events in this stress response are regulated. We propose a model in which the activity of UPR signaling pathways reflects the biosynthetic activity of the ER. We summarize data that shows that this information is integrated into control of cellular events, which were previously not considered to be under control of ER signaling pathways, e.g. execution of differentiation and starvation programs.

[Lethal osteogenesis imperfecta. Prenatal diagnosis]

INTRODUCTION

Osteogenesis imparfecta (OI) comprises a group of disorders principally affecting type I collagen, which result in increased bone fragility. Lethal forms are rare and are characterised by micromelia with malformation of the limbs.

CASE REPORT

A prenatal diagnosis of lethal OI was made by ultrasonography at 18 weeks of gestation and therapeutic abortion was indicated.

COMMENTS

Molecular biology and genetic studies offer new possibilities of prenatal diagnosis, but ultrasonography remains the investigation of choice. It confirms the diagnosis by revealing an increase in bone transparency.

A glycine to aspartic acid substitution of COL2A1 in a family with the Strudwick variant of spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia

BACKGROUND

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD) is one of a clinically heterogeneous group of skeletal disorders, characterized by defective growth and modelling of the spine and long bones. Common clinical features include disproportionate short stature, malformed vertebrae and abnormal epiphyses or metaphyses. Some cases have been associated with mutations in the COL2A1 gene.

AIM

To determine whether the autosomal dominant Strudwick-type SEMD in a three-generation family, showing specific phenotypical features such as chest deformity, limb shortening, myopia and early-onset degenerative osteoarthrosis, might be caused by a novel COL2A1 mutation.

DESIGN

Genetic testing and clinical examination of family members.

METHODS

Direct sequencing of PCR-amplified genomic DNA from the COL2A1 gene.

RESULTS

A point mutation within exon 20 of the COL2A1 gene was identified that substituted a glycine for an aspartic acid residue at codon 262.

DISCUSSION

All previously reported autosomal dominant mutations causing SEMD have substituted an obligate glycine within the triple helix, in particular at codons 292, 304 and 709 in the three reported Strudwick-type patients. Additionally, a recurrent glycine substitution at codon 154 has been identified in two unrelated Finnish cases with radiological features consistent with the Strudwick subtype. Our sixth helical glycine substitution extends the mutational spectrum and genotype/phenotype correlations of Strudwick-type SEMD.

Hyaluronan affects protein and collagen synthesis by in vitro human skin fibroblasts

Given the importance of hyaluronan (HA) for the homeostasis of connective tissues during embryogenesis and aging and its role in tissue repair, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of exogenous HA on the synthesis of total protein, collagen and HA by in vitro human dermal fibroblasts. With differences between different cell strains, HA, at concentrations between 0.5 and 1 microM, induced a significant decrease in total protein synthesised and secreted into the medium compared to controls (P < 0.05), and particularly in collagen (-40%; P < 0.05). The ratios between collagen types I and III and between collagen types V and I were normal. Pulse and chase experiments showed that protein degradation was normal. The presence of exogenous HA did not affect HA synthesis. Data strongly indicate that a relatively high concentration of HA in the extracellular space, such as during development and in the first phases of tissue repair, would partially limit the deposition of the extracellular matrix, and of collagen in particular. This would suggest a role for HA in delaying tissue differentiation during embryogenesis and in preventing fibrosis and scar formation in fetus and in the early phases of wound healing.

Transforming growth factor beta may act as an autocrine-survival-promoting factor for transformed trophoblasts

Using five trophoblast cell lines of different differentiation status, we have shown that trophoblasts could constitutively release the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta1), but not TGFbeta2. Treatment of the human tumorigenic, TL, and BeWo cells with a differentiating agent and a potent protein kinase C activator--the tumor-promoting agent--or the JEG-3 cells with cholera toxin--a potent cyclic adenosine 3':5'monophosphate (cAMP) inducer--or its analogue 8-bromo-cAMP, potentiates TGFbeta production, but the two signaling pathways appear to be mutually exclusive. Surprisingly, the JAR tell line failed to respond to either type of TGFbeta activator. Based on reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), it was found that only the JAR cell line expressed messenger ribonucleic acid for decorin, a natural inhibitor of TGFbeta, and none of the cell lines had detectable protein expression as determined by immunocytochemical studies. The tell number in cultures with decorin was invariably lesser than in those without decorin under serum-free conditions for all the cell lines tested. These results suggest that TGFbeta may act as an autocrine-survival factor for transformed trophoblasts by allowing the cells to survive longer under a microenvironment which is not favorable for growth. Lastly, our results indicate that decorin, acting in a paracrine manner, may also play an important negative regulatory role in the development of transformed trophoblasts by sequestering TGFbeta, thereby preventing its action.

Pyridinium cross-links in bone of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta: evidence of a normal intrafibrillar collagen packing

The brittleness of bone in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has been attributed to an aberrant collagen network. However, the role of collagen in the loss of tissue integrity has not been well established. To gain an insight into the biochemistry and structure of the collagen network, the cross-links hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP) and the level of triple helical hydroxylysine (Hyl) were determined in bone of OI patients (types I, III, and IV) as well as controls. The amount of triple helical Hyl was increased in all patients. LP levels in OI were not significantly different; in contrast, the amount of HP (and as a consequence the HP/LP ratio and the total pyridinoline level) was significantly increased. There was no relationship between the sum of pyridinolines and the amount of triple helical Hyl, indicating that lysyl hydroxylation of the triple helix and the telopeptides are under separate control. Cross-linking is the result of a specific three-dimensional arrangement of collagens within the fibril; only molecules that are correctly aligned are able to form cross-links. Inasmuch as the total amount of pyridinoline cross-links in OI bone is similar to control bone, the packing geometry of intrafibrillar collagen molecules is not disturbed in OI. Consequently, the brittleness of bone is not caused by a disorganized intrafibrillar collagen packing and/or loss of cross-links. This is an unexpected finding, because mutant collagen molecules with a random distribution within the fibril are expected to result in disruptions of the alignment of neighboring collagen molecules. Pepsin digestion of OI bone revealed that collagen located at the surface of the fibril had lower cross-link levels compared with collagen located at the inside of the fibril, indicating that mutant molecules are not distributed randomly within the fibril but are located preferentially at the surface of the fibril.

The material basis for reduced mechanical properties in oim mice bones

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a heritable disease caused by molecular defects in type I collagen, is characterized by skeletal deformities and brittle bones. The heterozygous and homozygous oim mice (oim/+ and oim/oim) exhibit mild and severe OI phenotypes, respectively, serving as controlled animal models of this disease. In the current study, bone geometry, mechanics, and material properties of 1-year-old mice were evaluated to determine factors that influence the severity of phenotype in OI. The oim/oim mice exhibited significantly smaller body size, femur length, and moment of area compared with oim/+ and wild-type (+/+) controls. The oim/oim femur mechanical properties of failure torque and stiffness were 40% and 30%, respectively, of the +/+ values, and 53% and 36% of the oim/+ values. Collagen content was reduced by 20% in the oim/oim compared with +/+ bone and tended to be intermediate to these values for the oim/+. Mineral content was not significantly different between the oim/oim and +/+ bones. However, the oim/oim ash content was significantly reduced compared with that of the oim/+. Mineral carbonate content was reduced by 23% in the oim/oim bone compared with controls. Mineral crystallinity was reduced in the oim/oim and oim/+ bone compared with controls. Overall, for the majority of parameters examined (geometrical, mechanical, and material), the oim/+ values were intermediate to those of the oim/oim and +/+, a finding that parallels the phenotypes of the mice. This provides evidence that specific material properties, such as mineral crystallinity and collagen content, are indicative and possibly predictive of bone fragility in this mouse model, and by analogy in human OI.

Human cells unable to express decoron produced disorganized extracellular matrix lacking "shape modules" (interfibrillar proteoglycan bridges)

The shapes of extracellular matrices are determined by positioning collagen fibrils in the right places, oriented and maintained viv-à-vis each other. The fibrils are linked orthogonally by dermatan/chondroitin sulfates or keratan sulfate (in small proteoglycans) attached every approximately 65 nm via their protein moieties to collagen fibrils at specific binding sites. These regular repeating structures are the "shape modules." The characteristic arrays of orthogonal interfibrillar bridges were missing and the extracellular matrix was totally disorganized in matrices produced by fibroblasts taken postmortem from skin of an electively aborted fetus which did not express decoron in culture, thus supporting the shape module hypothesis. Biglycon, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, collagen, and hyaluronan were produced by these cells but did not contribute to a normal extracellular matrix. A similar electron histochemical and biochemical survey of extracellular matrices produced by seven normal and eight osteogenesis imperfecta cell lines from donors of different ages and both sexes showed no comparable disruptions of their matrices. This investigation appears to be the first to demonstrate systematically proteoglycan:collagen interactions in matrices produced by cultured human cells.

Phenotypic comparison of an osteogenesis imperfecta type IV proband with a de novo alpha2(I) Gly922 --> Ser substitution in type I collagen and an unrelated patient with an identical mutation

We examined the type I collagen synthesized by cultured dermal fibroblasts from a patient affected with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type IV. Both normal and abnormal trimers were produced. The mutant collagen molecules were excessively modified intracellularly, had a melting temperature 4 degrees C lower than the control, were secreted at a reduced rate, and underwent delayed processing to mature alpha chains.Molecular investigations identified a G --> A transition in one COL1A2 allele, resulting in a Gly922 --> Ser substitution in the alpha2(I) chain. The proband's mutation was demonstrated to arise "de novo" by the absence of the mutant allele restriction enzyme pattern from parental genomic DNA.We analyzed the insoluble extracellular matrix deposited by long-term cultured fibroblasts from our patient and from a previously described unrelated individual who carries an identical substitution. In both cases, the mutant chain constituted 10-15% of the total alpha chains deposited.We also present here the first detailed comparison of phenotype between unrelated OI patients with an identical collagen mutation. These two patients are both Caucasian females, ages 8 and 9 years, each diagnosed as type IV OI by the Sillence classification. They have a similar phenotype including moderate skeletal fragility with several femur fractures, dentinogenesis imperfecta, wormian bone, and reduced height and weight. We conclude that this phenotype is related both to the location of this mutation and to the similar extent of matrix incorporation by the mutant chains. Molecular and biochemical studies of unrelated individuals with identical amino acid substitutions in type I collagen resulting in either similar or dissimilar clinical outcomes will make a significant contribution to identifying the factors involved in the modulation of the OI phenotype.