Participation of integrin β3 in osteoblast differentiation induced by titanium with nano or microtopography

The effect of osteoclasts on epigenetic regulation by long non-coding RNAs in osteoblasts grown on titanium with nanotopography

Titanium (Ti) implant osseointegration is regulated by the crosstalk among bone cells that are affected by epigenetic machinery, including the regulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Nanotopography Ti (Ti Nano) induces the differentiation of osteoblasts that are inhibited by osteoclasts through epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, we hypothesize that osteoclasts affect lncRNA expression in Ti Nano-cultivated osteoblasts. Osteoblasts were grown on Ti Nano and Ti Control that were then co-cultured with osteoclasts for 48 h. Using RNAseq, we identified 252 modulated lncRNAs in osteoblasts regulated by both surfaces of Ti, but mainly in Ti Nano-cultivated osteoblasts. A negative correlation was observed between Kcnq1ot1 and the mRNAs of Alpl, Bglap, Bmp8a, Col1a1, and Vim in Ti Nano-cultivated osteoblasts with osteoclasts. The pull-down indicated that Bglap mRNA is a direct target of Kcnq1ot1, with enhanced physical interaction in Ti Nano-cultivated osteoblasts, and greater osteoclast inhibition than the Ti Control. The bone marker expression at the levels of mRNA and protein were downregulated by the Kcnq1ot1 silencing, indicating its pivotal role in osteoblast differentiation. These results showed that nanostructured Ti surface modulates the osteoblast-osteoclast crosstalk, at least in part, through the regulation of lncRNA expression in osteoblasts. We demonstrate that the lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 directly interacts with Bglap mRNA, and this interaction is enhanced by nanotopography and reduced by osteoclasts with greater intensity in Ti Nano-cultivated osteoblasts. These findings confirm the molecular mechanisms associated with the high osteogenic potential of nanotopography and can potentially support osteointegration of dental and skeletal prostheses.

Crucial roles of asprosin in cisplatin-induced ferroptosis and acute kidney injury

Ferroptosis is a type of non-apoptotic regulated cell death characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy drug with several serious side effects including acute kidney injury (AKI). Asprosin is a peptide contributing to metabolism regulation and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to determine the role and mechanism of asprosin in AKI. Cisplatin was used to induce cell damage in mouse renal tubular epithelial (TCMK-1) cells and AKI in C57BL/6 mice. Cisplatin caused asprosin upregulation in cisplatin-treated TCMK-1 cells and mice. In TCMK-1 cells, asprosin overexpression led to iron overload and lipid peroxidation, while asprosin knockdown attenuated cisplatin-induced iron overload, lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Exogenous asprosin promoted cell damage and ferroptosis, which were attenuated by ferroptosis inhibitors. Asprosin-induced iron overload, lipid peroxidation, cell damage and SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation were prevented by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor inhibitor. Integrin antagonist prevented asprosin-induced SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation, and asprosin can specifically bind to integrin β3. Inhibition of integrin β3 reduced the asprosin-induced increases in Fe2+ and MDA levels. Asprosin knockdown relieved cisplatin-induced hepcidin upregulation, while hepcidin knockdown attenuated asprosin-induced iron overload, lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. In cisplatin-induced AKI mice, specific knockdown of asprosin in the kidney not only attenuated renal dysfunction and damage, but also alleviated iron overload, lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. These results indicated that excessively increased asprosin promotes TCMK-1 cells ferroptosis and damage via integrin β3/BMP/hepcidin-mediated iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Silencing of asprosin attenuates renal injury and dysfunction in cisplatin-induced AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis.

Effect of osteoblasts on osteoclast differentiation and activity induced by titanium with nanotopography

Titanium with nanotopography (Ti Nano) favors osteoblast differentiation and attenuates the osteoclast inhibitory effects on osteoblasts. Because the interactions between nanotopography and osteoclasts are underexplored, the aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of Ti Nano on osteoclast differentiation and activity, and the influence of osteoblasts on osteoclast-Ti Nano interaction. The discs were conditioned with a mixture of 10 N H2SO4 and 30% aqueous H2O2 to create Ti Nano and non-conditioned Ti discs were used as control (Ti Control). Osteoclasts were cultured on Ti Control and Ti Nano in the presence of osteoblasts in an indirect co-culture system. Also, osteoclasts were cultured on polystyrene and calcium phosphate plates in conditioned media by osteoblasts grown on Ti Control and Ti Nano. While Ti Control exhibited an irregular and smooth surface, Ti Nano presented nanopores distributed throughout the whole surface. Additionally, anisotropy was higher on Ti Nano than Ti Control. Nanotopography favored the gene expression of osteoclast markers but inhibited osteoclast differentiation and activity, and the presence of osteoblasts enhanced the effects of Ti Nano on osteoclasts. Such findings were mimicked by conditioned medium of osteoblasts cultured on Ti Nano, which reduced the osteoclast differentiation and activity. In conclusion, our results indicated that nanotopography regulates osteoblast-osteoclast crosstalk and further investigations should focus the impact of these bone cell interactions on Ti osseointegration.

A review on the effect of nanocomposite scaffolds reinforced with magnetic nanoparticles in osteogenesis and healing of bone injuries

Many problems related to disorders and defects of bone tissue caused by aging, diseases, and injuries have been solved by the multidisciplinary research field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Numerous sciences, especially nanotechnology, along with tissue engineering, have greatly contributed to the repair and regeneration of tissues. Various studies have shown that the presence of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the structure of composite scaffolds increases their healing effect on bone defects. In addition, the induction of osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the presence of these nanoparticles has been investigated and confirmed by various studies. Therefore, in the present article, the types of MNPs, their special properties, and their application in the healing of damaged bone tissue have been reviewed. Also, the molecular effects of MNPs on cell behavior, especially in osteogenesis, have been discussed. Finally, the present article includes the potential applications of MNP-containing nanocomposite scaffolds in bone lesions and injuries. In summary, this review article highlights nanocomposite scaffolds containing MNPs as a solution for treating bone defects in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Interplay between EZH2/β-catenin in stemness of cisplatin-resistant HNSCC and their role as therapeutic targets

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is associated with the regulation of cancer stem cells, and it can be driven by epigenetic modifications. Here, we aim to identify epigenetic modifications involved in the control of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and investigate the role of this pathway in the accumulation of cancer stem cells (CSC) and chemoresistance of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Quantitative-PCR, western blot, shRNA assay, viability assay, flow cytometry assay, spheres formation, xenograft model, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were employed to evaluate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and EZH2 in wild-type and chemoresistant oral carcinoma cell lines, and in the populations of CSC and non-stem cells. We demonstrated that β-catenin and EZH2 were accumulated in cisplatin-resistant and CSC population. The upstream genes of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling (APC and GSK3β) were decreased, and the downstream gene MMP7 was increased in the chemoresistant cell lines. The inhibition of β-catenin and EZH2 combined effectively decreased the CSC population in vitro and reduced the tumor volume and CSC population in vivo. EZH2 inhibition increased APC and GSK3β, and the Wnt/β-catenin inhibition reduced MMP7 levels. In contrast, EZH2 overexpression decreased APC and GSK3β and increased MMP7. EZH2 and β-catenin inhibitors sensitized chemoresistant cells to cisplatin. EZH2 and H3K27me3 bounded the promoter of APC, leading to its repression. These results suggest that EZH2 regulates β-catenin by inhibiting the upstream gene APC contributing to the accumulation of cancer stem cells and chemoresistance. Moreover, the pharmacological inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin combined with EZH2 can be an effective strategy for treating HNSCC.

Effects of Modulation of the Hedgehog and Notch Signaling Pathways on Osteoblast Differentiation Induced by Titanium with Nanotopography

BACKGROUND

The events of bone formation and osteoblast/titanium (Ti) interactions may be affected by Hedgehog and Notch signalling pathways. Herein, we investigated the effects of modulation of these signalling pathways on osteoblast differentiation caused by the nanostructured Ti (Ti-Nano) generated by H₂SO₄/H₂O₂.

METHODS

Osteoblasts from newborn rat calvariae were cultured on Ti-Control and Ti-Nano in the presence of the Hedgehog agonist purmorphamine or antagonist cyclopamine and of the Notch antagonist N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) or agonist bexarotene. Osteoblast differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization, and the expression of Hedgehog and Notch receptors was also evaluated.

RESULTS

In general, purmorphamine and DAPT increased while cyclopamine and bexarotene decreased osteoblast differentiation and regulated the receptor expression on both Ti surfaces, with more prominent effects on Ti-Nano. The purmorphamine and DAPT combination exhibited synergistic effects on osteoblast differentiation that was more intense on Ti-Nano.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that the Hedgehog and Notch signalling pathways drive osteoblast/Ti interactions more intensely on nanotopography. We also demonstrated that combining Hedgehog activation with Notch inhibition exhibits synergistic effects on osteoblast differentiation, especially on Ti-Nano. The uncovering of these cellular mechanisms contributes to create strategies to control the process of osseointegration based on the development of nanostructured surfaces.

Influence of the roughness of dental implants obtained by additive manufacturing on osteoblastic adhesion and proliferation: A systematic review

Objective

Critically analyzed the existing literature to answer the question "What is the influence of roughness of surfaces for dental implants obtained by additive manufacturing compared to machined on osteoblastic cell adhesion and proliferation?"

Design

This systematic review followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and was registered in the Open Science Framework. The personalized search strategy was applied to Embase, Pub Med, Scopus, and Science Direct databases and Google Scholar and ProQuest grey literature. The selection process was carried out in two stages independently by two reviewers according to the eligibility criteria. The risk of bias was analyzed using a checklist of important parameters to be considered.

Results

When applying the search strategy on databases 223 articles were found, after removing the duplicates, 171 were analyzed by title and abstract of which 25 were selected for full reading, of these, 6 met the eligibility criteria. 2 studies were included from the reference list totaling 8 articles included in this systematic review and none were included from the Grey Literature. 7 had a low risk of bias and 1 moderate.

Conclusions

1) Roughness is a property that must be analyzed and correlated with the chemical composition, intrinsic to the alloy and resulting from the surface treatment; morphology of topographic peaks and valleys; printing technique and its parameters; 2) Need for more studies on the biomolecular level to elucidate the mechanism by which the roughness and the morphology of topographical peaks and valleys descriptive of roughness influence osteoblastic adhesion and proliferation.

Titania-Nanotube-Coated Titanium Substrates Promote Osteogenesis and Suppress Osteoclastogenesis via Integrin ανβ3

The balance of bone turnover mediated by osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis implants that could suppress osteoclastogenesis and promote osteogenesis is an appropriate treatment strategy for osteoporosis patients. Titanium is one of the most applied materials in implants. In this study, titania nanotubes (Ti-NTs) were produced by anodization at 10, 40, and 60 V. We found that Ti-NTs were nontoxic to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Ti-NTs suppressed osteoclast formation and function in a diameter dependent manner in vitro. Furthermore, Ti-NTs enhanced the activity of osteogenesis, expressions of osteogenesis-related marker genes were increased and β-Catenin pathway was active. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization were also promoted in vitro. To explore the possible mechanisms, we performed a series of experiments to indicate the effects of Ti-NTs on cytoskeletal organization and integrin ανβ3 expression of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. The results demonstrated that 90-nm-diameter Ti-NTs could suppress the expression of integrin ανβ3 in osteoclast precursor cells. Interestingly, it revealed an opposite effect on BMSCs. Moreover, 90 nm-diameter Ti-NTs prevented ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss. These findings indicated that Ti-NTs could inhibit osteoclastogenesis and enhance osteogenesis; it was mediated via regulation of integrin ανβ3─90 nm-diameter Ti-NT revealed a good biological ability especially suited for osteoporosis treatment.

Peptides for Coating TiO2 Implants: An In Silico Approach

Titanium is usually used in the manufacturing of metal implants due to its biocompatibility and high resistance to corrosion. A structural and functional connection between the living bone and the surface of the implant, a process called osseointegration, is mandatory for avoiding prolonged healing, infections, and tissue loss. Therefore, osseointegration is crucial for the success of the implantation procedure. Osseointegration is a process mediated by bone-matrix progenitor cells' proteins, named integrins. In this study, we used an in silico approach to assemble and test peptides that can be strategically used in sensitizing TiO₂ implants in order to improve osseointegration. To do so, we downloaded PDB structures of integrins α5β1, αvβ3, and αIIbβ3; their biological ligands; and low-cost proteins from the Protein Data Bank, and then we performed a primary (integrin-protein) docking analysis. Furthermore, we modeled complex peptides with the potential to bind to the TiO₂ surface on the implant, as well as integrins in the bone-matrix progenitor cells. Then we performed a secondary (integrin-peptide) docking analysis. The ten most promising integrin-peptide docking results were further verified by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We recognized 82 peptides with great potential to bind the integrins, and therefore to be used in coating TiO₂ implants. Among them, peptides 1 (GHTHYHAVRTQTTGR), 3 (RKLPDATGR), and 8 (GHTHYHAVRTQTLKA) showed the highest binding stability during the MD simulations. This bioinformatics approach saves time and more effectively directs in vitro studies.

Effect of microtopography on osseointegration of implantable biomaterials and its modification strategies

Orthopedic implants are widely used for the treatment of bone defects caused by injury, infection, tumor and congenital diseases. However, poor osseointegration and implant failures still occur frequently due to the lack of direct contact between the implant and the bone. In order to improve the biointegration of implants with the host bone, surface modification is of particular interest and requirement in the development of implant materials. Implant surfaces that mimic the inherent surface roughness and hydrophilicity of native bone have been shown to provide osteogenic cells with topographic cues to promote tissue regeneration and new bone formation. A growing number of studies have shown that cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation are sensitive to these implant surface microtopography. This review is to provide a summary of the latest science of surface modified bone implants, focusing on how surface microtopography modulates osteoblast differentiation in vitro and osseointegration in vivo, signaling pathways in the process and types of surface modifications. The aim is to systematically provide comprehensive reference information for better fabrication of orthopedic implants.

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by surface lithium modification in a sandblasted/acid-etched titanium implant

This study investigated the osteogenesis-related cell functions of osteoprogenitor cells modulated by surface chemistry modification using lithium (Li) ions in a current clinical oral implant surface in order to gain insights into the future development of titanium (Ti) implants with enhanced osteogenic capacity. Wet chemical treatment was performed to modify a sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA) Ti implant surface using Li ions. The osteogenesis-related cell response to the surface Li ion-modified SLA sample was evaluated using two kinds of murine bone marrow stem cells, bipotent ST2 cells and primary multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The modified surface exhibited the formation of an Li-containing Ti oxide layer with plate-like nanostructures. The Li-incorporated surface enhanced early cellular events, including spreading, focal adhesion formation and integrin mRNA expression (α2, α5, αv and β3), and accelerated osteogenic differentiation of bipotent ST2 cells compared with unmodified SLA surface. Surface Li modification significantly increased GSK-3β phosphorylation and suppressed β-catenin phosphorylation, and promoted the subsequent osteogenic differentiation of primary MSCs. These results indicate that surface chemistry modification of SLA implants by wet chemical treatment with Li ions induces a more favorable osseointegration outcome through the promotion of the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow MSCs via the positive regulation of GSK-3β and β-catenin activity.

Effects of urolithin A on osteoclast differentiation induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand via bone morphogenic protein 2

Urolithin A (UA) is an intestinal microbial metabolite derived from ellagitannins and a promising agent for treating osteoarthritis. However, its effects on osteoporosis are unclear. This study explored the effects of urolithin A (UA) on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclasts and its underlying molecular mechanisms. RANKL treatment significantly increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) or osteoclast marker levels (P < 0.05), while adding UA decreased the RANKL-induced levels (P < 0.05) in RAW264.7 cells. Total RNA isolated from RANKL- or RANKL + UA-treated cells was sequenced, and the obtained transcriptome dataset revealed 2,399 differentially expressed genes. They were enriched in multiple pathways involved in rheumatoid arthritis, ERK1 and ERK2 cascade, regulation of inflammatory response, ECM-receptor interactions, and TNF signaling. Scanning electron microscopy showed that RANKL promoted bone resorption pits in bone biopsy specimens, whereas UA inhibited their formation. When bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) was shRNA-silenced, the bone resorption pits were restored. Moreover, while RANKL significantly enhanced the levels of p-ERK2/ERK2, p-p38/p38, p-Akt1/Akt1, p-ERK1/ERK1, and osteoclast-related proteins (P < 0.05), UA reduced them. BMP2 silencing also reversed the UA inhibitory effect. Thus, UA represses the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells by regulating Akt1, p38, and ERK1/2 signaling, and BMP2 likely reverses the UA inhibitory effect via these pathways. We propose BMP2 as a potential drug target for treating bone metabolic diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Uncovering Hidden Mechanisms of Different Prescriptions Treatment for Osteoporosis via Novel Bioinformatics Model and Experiment Validation

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic disease susceptible to fracture due to the decline of bone mineral density and bone mass, the destruction of bone tissue microstructure, and increased bone fragility. At present, the treatments of OP mainly include bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, and RANKL antibody therapy. However, these treatments have observable side effects and cannot fundamentally improve bone metabolism. Currently, the prescription of herbal medicine and their derived proprietary Chinese medicines are playing increasingly important roles in the treatment of OP due to their significant curative effects and few side effects. Among these prescriptions, Gushukang Granules (GSK), Xianling Gubao Capsules (XLGB), and Er-xian Decoction (EXD) are widely employed at the clinic on therapy of OP, which also is in line with the compatibility principle of “different treatments for the same disease” in herbal medicine. However, at present, the functional interpretation of “different treatments for the same disease” in herbal medicine still lacks systematic quantitative research, especially on the detection of key component groups and mechanisms. To solve this problem, we designed a new bioinformatics model based on random walk, optimized programming, and information gain to analyze the components and targets to figure out the Functional Response Motifs (FRMs) of different prescriptions for the therapy of OP. The distribution of high relevance score, the number of reported evidence, and coverage of enriched pathways were performed to verify the precision and reliability of FRMs. At the same time, the information gain and target influence of each component was calculated, and the key component groups in all FRMs of each prescription were screened to speculate the potential action mode of different prescriptions on the same disease. Results show that the relevance score and the number of reported evidence of high reliable genes in FRMs were higher than those of the pathogenic genes of OP. Furthermore, the gene enrichment pathways in FRMs could cover 79.6, 81, and 79.5% of the gene enrichment pathways in the component-target (C-T) network. Functional pathway enrichment analysis showed that GSK, XLGB, and EXD all treat OP through osteoclast differentiation (hsa04380), calcium signaling pathway (hsa04020), MAPK signaling pathway (hsa04010), and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway (hsa04151). Combined with experiments, the key component groups and the mechanism of “different treatments for the same disease” in the three prescriptions and proprietary Chinese medicines were verified. This study provides methodological references for the optimization and mechanism speculation of Chinese medicine prescriptions and proprietary Chinese medicines.

The Bumpy Road to Stem Cell Therapies: Rational Design of Surface Topographies to Dictate Stem Cell Mechanotransduction and Fate

Cells sense and respond to a variety of physical cues from their surrounding microenvironment, and these are interpreted through mechanotransductive processes to inform their behavior. These mechanisms have particular relevance to stem cells, where control of stem cell proliferation, potency, and differentiation is key to their successful application in regenerative medicine. It is increasingly recognized that surface micro- and nanotopographies influence stem cell behavior and may represent a powerful tool with which to direct the morphology and fate of stem cells. Current progress toward this goal has been driven by combined advances in fabrication technologies and cell biology. Here, the capacity to generate precisely defined micro- and nanoscale topographies has facilitated the studies that provide knowledge of the mechanotransducive processes that govern the cellular response as well as knowledge of the specific features that can drive cells toward a defined differentiation outcome. However, the path forward is not fully defined, and the "bumpy road" that lays ahead must be crossed before the full potential of these approaches can be fully exploited. This review focuses on the challenges and opportunities in applying micro- and nanotopographies to dictate stem cell fate for regenerative medicine. Here, key techniques used to produce topographic features are reviewed, such as photolithography, block copolymer lithography, electron beam lithography, nanoimprint lithography, soft lithography, scanning probe lithography, colloidal lithography, electrospinning, and surface roughening, alongside their advantages and disadvantages. The biological impacts of surface topographies are then discussed, including the current understanding of the mechanotransductive mechanisms by which these cues are interpreted by the cells, as well as the specific effects of surface topographies on cell differentiation and fate. Finally, considerations in translating these technologies and their future prospects are evaluated.

Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulated by Surface Manganese Chemistry in SLA Titanium Implants

The manganese (Mn) ion has recently been probed as a potential candidate element for the surface chemistry modification of titanium (Ti) implants in order to develop a more osteogenic surface with the expectation of taking advantage of its strong binding affinity to the integrins on bone-forming cells. However, the exact mechanism of how Mn enhances osteogenesis when introduced into the surface of Ti implants is not clearly understood. This study investigated the corrosion resistance and potential osteogenic capacity of a Mn-incorporated Ti surface as determined by electrochemical measurement and examining the behaviors of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a clinically available sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA) oral implant surface intended for future biomedical applications. The surface that resulted from wet chemical treatment exhibited the formation of a Mn-containing nanostructured TiO₂ anatase thin film in the SLA implant and improved corrosion resistance. The Mn-incorporated SLA surface displayed sustained Mn ion release and enhanced osteogenesis-related MSC function, which enhanced early cellular events such as spreading, focal adhesion, and mRNA expression of critical adhesion-related genes and promoted full human MSC differentiation into mature osteoblasts. Our findings indicate that surface Mn modification by wet chemical treatment is an effective approach to produce a Ti implant surface with increased osteogenic capacity through the promotion of the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. The improved corrosion resistance of the resultant surface is yet another important benefit of being able to provide favorable osseointegration interface stability with an increased barrier effect.

Mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing BMP-9 by CRISPR-Cas9 present high in vitro osteogenic potential and enhance in vivo bone formation

Cell therapy is a valuable strategy for the replacement of bone grafts and repair bone defects, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most frequently used cells. This study was designed to genetically edit MSCs to overexpress bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP-9) using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/associated nuclease Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) technique to generate iMSCs-VPRBMP-9+, followed by in vitro evaluation of osteogenic potential and in vivo enhancement of bone formation in rat calvaria defects. Overexpression of BMP-9 was confirmed by its gene expression and protein expression, as well as its targets Hey-1, Bmpr1a, and Bmpr1b, Dlx-5, and Runx2 and  protein expression of SMAD1/5/8 and pSMAD1/5/8. iMSCs-VPRBMP-9+ displayed significant changes in the expression of a panel of genes involved in TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway. As expected, overexpression of BMP-9 increased the osteogenic potential of MSCs indicated by increased gene expression of osteoblastic markers Runx2, Sp7, Alp, and Oc, higher ALP activity, and matrix mineralization. Rat calvarial bone defects treated with injection of iMSCs-VPRBMP-9+ exhibited increased bone formation and bone mineral density when compared with iMSCs-VPR- and phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected defects. This is the first study to confirm that CRISPR-edited MSCs overexpressing BMP-9 effectively enhance bone formation, providing novel options for exploring the capability of genetically edited cells to repair bone defects.

Integrins in the Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation by Mechanical Signals

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can sense and convert mechanical stimuli signals into a chemical response. Integrins are involved in the mechanotransduction from inside to outside and from outside to inside, and ultimately affect the fate of MSCs responding to different mechanical signals. Different integrins participate in different signaling pathways to regulate MSCs multi-differentiation. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the effects of mechanical signals on the differentiation of MSCs, the importance of integrins in mechanotransduction, the relationship between integrin heterodimers and different mechanical signals, and the interaction among mechanical signals. We put forward our views on the prospect and challenges of developing mechanical biology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Synergistic Effect of rhBMP-2 Protein and Nanotextured Titanium Alloy Surface to Improve Osteogenic Implant Properties

One of the major limitations during titanium (Ti) implant osseointegration is the poor cellular interactions at the biointerface. In the present study, the combined effect of recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and nanopatterned Ti6Al4V fabricated with Directed irradiation synthesis (DIS) is investigated in vitro. This environmentally-friendly plasma uses ions to create self-organized nanostructures on the surfaces. Nanocones (≈36.7 nm in DIS 80°) and thinner nanowalls (≈16.5 nm in DIS 60°) were fabricated depending on DIS incidence angle and observed via scanning electron microscopy. All samples have a similar crystalline structure and wettability, except for sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA) and acid-etched/anodized (Anodized) samples which are more hydrophilic. Biological results revealed that the viability and adhesion properties (vinculin expression and cell spreading) of DIS 80° with BMP-2 were similar to those polished with BMP-2, yet we observed more filopodia on DIS 80° (≈39 filopodia/cell) compared to the other samples (<30 filopodia/cell). BMP-2 increased alkaline phosphatase activity in all samples, tending to be higher in DIS 80°. Moreover, in the mineralization studies, DIS 80° with BMP-2 and Anodized with BMP-2 increased the formation of calcium deposits (>3.3 fold) compared to polished with BMP-2. Hence, this study shows there is a synergistic effect of BMP-2 and DIS surface modification in improving Ti biological properties which could be applied to Ti bone implants to treat bone disease.

IL1RN promotes osteoblastic differentiation via interacting with ITGB3 in osteoporosis

The occurrence and progress of osteoporosis (OP) are partially caused by impaired osteoblast differentiation. Interleukin-I receptor antagonist (IL1RN) is an immune modulatory molecule that commonly functions by means of competing the binding site of IL-1R with IL-1. Although it was recently reported that IL1RN is involved in osteoblast differentiation, the role of IL1RN in osteogenesis remains unclear. In this work, we first investigated the expression pattern of IL1RN in ovariectomy mice and in vitro osteogenic induction of MC3T3-E1 and C3H10T1/2 cells. To verify the exact role of IL1RN in osteoblast differentiation, we established IL1RN-downregulated/upregulated cell lines. The results indicated that IL1RN was constantly expressed in MC3T3-E1 and C3H10T1/2 cells. Interestingly, an increase of IL1RN expression in osteoblasts occurred when osteoblasts were cultured in osteogenic medium (OM). As expected, silencing of IL1RN attenuated the osteogenic effect of OM, while IL1RN overexpression increased the osteogenic staining and promoted the expression of osteogenic markers, including alkaline phosphatase, osterix, and osteocalcin. In addition to evaluating the function of IL1RN in osteoblasts, we also investigated the molecular mechanism of the role of IL1RN in osteoblasts. We found that IL1RN interacts with integrin β3 to activate β-catenin signaling, which finally regulates osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, this study provides the framework that IL1RN, as a novel regulator of osteogenesis, may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OP.

Molecular Mechanisms of Topography Sensing by Osteoblasts: An Update

Bone is a specialized tissue formed by different cell types and a multiscale, complex mineralized matrix. The architecture and the surface chemistry of this microenvironment can be factors of considerable influence on cell biology, and can affect cell proliferation, commitment to differentiation, gene expression, matrix production and/or composition. It has been shown that osteoblasts encounter natural motifs in vivo, with various topographies (shapes, sizes, organization), and that cell cultures on flat surfaces do not reflect the total potential of the tissue. Therefore, studies investigating the role of topographies on cell behavior are important in order to better understand the interaction between cells and surfaces, to improve osseointegration processes in vivo between tissues and biomaterials, and to find a better topographic surface to enhance bone repair. In this review, we evaluate the main available data about surface topographies, techniques for topographies’ production, mechanical signal transduction from surfaces to cells and the impact of cell–surface interactions on osteoblasts or preosteoblasts’ behavior.

Strontium substituted hydroxyapatite with β-lactam integrin agonists to enhance mesenchymal cells adhesion and to promote bone regeneration

Multi-functionalization of calcium phosphates to get delivery systems of therapeutic agents is gaining increasing relevance for the development of functional biomaterials aimed to solve problems related to disorders of the muscolo-skeletal system. In this regard, we functionalized Strontium substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHA) with some β-lactam integrin agonists to develop materials with enhanced properties in promoting cell adhesion and activation of intracellular signaling as well as in counteracting abnormal bone resorption. For this purpose, we selected two monocyclic β-lactams on the basis of their activities towards specific integrins on promoting cell adhesion and signalling. The amount of β-lactams loaded on SrHA could be modulated on changing the polarity of the loading solution, from 3.5-24 wt% for compound 1 and from 3.2-8.4 wt% for compound 2. Studies on the release of the β-lactams from the functionalized SrHA in aqueous medium showed an initial burst followed by a steady-release that ensures a small but constant amount of the compounds over time. The new composites were fully characterized. Co-culture of human primary mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and human primary osteoclast (OC) demonstrated that the presence of β-lactams on SrHA favors hMSC adhesion and viability, as well as differentiation towards osteoblastic lineage. Moreover, the β-lactams were found to enhance the inhibitory role of Strontium on osteoclast viability and differentiation.

Significant transcriptomic changes are associated with differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into neural progenitor-like cells in the presence of bFGF and EGF

INTRODUCTION

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from bone marrow have different developmental origins, including neural crest. MSCs can differentiate into neural progenitor-like cells (NPCs) under the influence of bFGF and EGF. NPCs can terminally differentiate into neurons that express beta-III-tubulin and elicit action potential. The main aim of the study was to identify key genetic markers involved in differentiation of MSCs into NPCs through transcriptomic analysis.

METHOD

Total RNA was isolated from MSCs and MSCs-derived NPCs followed by cDNA library construction for transcriptomic analysis. Sample libraries that passed the quality and quantity assessments were subjected to high throughput mRNA sequencing using NextSeq®500. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using the DESeq2 R package with MSC samples being a reference group. The expression of eight differentially regulated genes was counter validated using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

In total, of the 3,252 differentially regulated genes between MSCs and NPCs with two or more folds, 1,771 were upregulated genes, whereas 1,481 were downregulated in NPCs. Amongst these differential genes, 104 transcription factors were upregulated, and 45 were downregulated in NPCs. Neurogenesis related genes were upregulated in NPCs and the main non-redundant gene ontology (GO) terms enriched in NPCs were the autonomic nervous system, cell surface receptor signalling pathways), extracellular structure organisation, and programmed cell death. The main non-redundant GO terms enriched in MSCs included cytoskeleton organisation cytoskeleton structural constituent, mitotic cell cycle), and the mitotic cell cycle process Gene set enrichment analysis also confirmed cell cycle regulated pathways as well as Biocarta integrin pathway were upregulated in MSCs. Transcription factors enrichment analysis by ChEA3 revealed Foxs1 and HEYL, amongst the top five transcription factors, inhibits and enhances, respectively, the NPCs differentiation of MSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The vast differences in the transcriptomic profiles between NPCs and MSCs revealed a set of markers that can identify the differentiation stage of NPCs as well as provide new targets to enhance MSCs differentiation into NPCs.

Influence of nano-hydroxyapatite coating implants on gene expression of osteogenic markers and micro-CT parameters. An in vivo study in diabetic rats

This study evaluated the response of a nano-hydroxyapatite coating implant through gene expression analysis (runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), osteopontin (Opn), osteocalcin (Oc), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (Rank), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (Rank-L), and osteoprotegerin (Opg)). Three-dimensional evaluation (percent bone volume (BV/TV); percent intersection surface (BIC); bone surface/volume ratio (BS/BV); and total porosity (To.Po)) were also analyzed. Mini implants were surgically placed in tibias of both healthy and diabetic rats. The animals were euthanized at 7 and 30 days. Evaluating all factors the relative expression of Rank showed that NANO surface presented the best results at 7 days (diabetic rats). Furthermore the levels of Runx2, Alp, Oc, and Opn suggest an increase in osteoblasts proliferation, especially in early stages of osseointegration. %BIC in healthy and diabetic (7 days) depicted statistically significant differences for NANO group. BV/TV, BS/BV and To.Po demonstrated higher values for NANO group in all evaluated time point and irrespective of systemic condition, but BS/BV 30 days (healthy rat) and 7 and 30 days (diabetic rat). Microtomographic and gene expression analyses have shown the benefits of nano-hydroxyapatite coated implants in promoting new bone formation in diabetic rats.

Frizzled 6 disruption suppresses osteoblast differentiation induced by nanotopography through the canonical Wnt signaling pathway

This study aimed to investigate if wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling participates in the high osteogenic potential of titanium with nanotopography (Ti-Nano). We showed that among the several components of the Wnt signaling pathway, Frizzled 6 (Fzd6) was the transcript most intensely modulated by nanotopography compared with the untreated Ti surface (Ti-Machined). Then, we investigated whether and how Fzd6 participates in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation caused by nanotopography. The Fzd6 silencing with CRISPR-Cas9 transfection in MC3T3-E1 cells induced a more pronounced inhibition of osteoblast differentiation of cells cultured on nanotopography than those cultured on Ti-Machined. The analysis of the expression of calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and β-catenin demonstrated that Fzd6 disruption inhibited the osteoblast differentiation induced by Ti-Nano by preventing the activation of Wnt/β-catenin but not that of Wnt/Ca²⁺ signaling, which is usually triggered by the receptor Fzd6. These findings elucidate the biological function of Fzd6 as a receptor that triggers Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the cellular mechanisms modulated by nanotopography during osteoblast differentiation.

Effect of focal adhesion kinase inhibition on osteoblastic cells grown on titanium with different topographies

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the participation of focal adhesion kinases (FAK) in interactions between osteoblastic cells and titanium (Ti) surfaces with three different topographies, namely, untreated (US), microstructured (MS), and nanostructured (NS).

Methodology

Osteoblasts harvested from the calvarial bones of 3-day-old rats were cultured on US, MS and NS discs in the presence of PF-573228 (FAK inhibitor) to evaluate osteoblastic differentiation. After 24 h, we evaluated osteoblast morphology and vinculin expression, and on day 10, the following parameters: gene expression of osteoblastic markers and integrin signaling components, FAK protein expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. A smooth surface, porosities at the microscale level, and nanocavities were observed in US, MS, and NS, respectively.

Results

FAK inhibition decreased the number of filopodia in cells grown on US and MS compared with that in NS. FAK inhibition decreased the gene expression of Alp, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and ALP activity in cells grown on all evaluated surfaces. FAK inhibition did not affect the gene expression of Fak, integrin alpha 1 ( Itga1 ) and integrin beta 1 ( Itgb1 ) in cells grown on MS, increased the gene expression of Fak in cells grown on NS, and increased the gene expression of Itga1 and Itgb1 in cells grown on US and NS. Moreover, FAK protein expression decreased in cells cultured on US but increased in cells cultured on MS and NS after FAK inhibition; no difference in the expression of vinculin was observed among cells grown on all surfaces.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate the relevance of FAK in the interactions between osteoblastic cells and Ti surfaces regardless of surface topography. Nanotopography positively regulated FAK expression and integrin signaling pathway components during osteoblast differentiation. In this context, the development of Ti surfaces with the ability to upregulate FAK activity could positively impact the process of implant osseointegration.