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Hu W, Wang M, Sun G, Zhang L, Lu H. Early B Cell Factor 3 (EBF3) attenuates Parkinson's disease through directly regulating contactin-associated protein-like 4 (CNTNAP4) transcription: An experimental study. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111139. [PMID: 38479556 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a gradually debilitating neurodegenerative syndrome. Here, we analyzed GSE7621 chip data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to explore the pathogenesis of PD. Early B Cell Factor 3 (EBF3), a member of the highly evolutionarily conserved EBF-transcription factor family, is involved in neuronal development. EBF3 expression is low in the substantia nigra of patients with PD. However, whether EBF3 is implicated in dopaminergic neuron death during PD has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the potential anti-apoptotic effect and molecular mechanism of EBF3 in PD. We established a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model in vivo and a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+)-induced SH-SY5Y cell model in vitro. EBF3 was downregulated in the substantia nigra of PD mice and SH-SY5Y cells treated with MPP+, and the m6A methylation modification level was low. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) siRNA upregulated m6A methylation modification of EBF3 and extended the EBF3 mRNA half-life. Functionally, as demonstrated by the results of the open-field test, pole test and gait analysis, EBF3 overexpression ameliorated MPTP-induced behavioral disorder. Further, EBF3 overexpression suppressed neuronal apoptosis in vivo, as evidenced by decreased TUNEL+ cells, and the increased activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Similar results were obtained in vitro, as reflected by increased cell viability, decreased LDH activity and restored mitochondrial function, collectively protecting SH-SY5Y cells from MPP+-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, the results of luciferase reporter, ch-IP and DNA pull-down assays confirmed that, as a transcription factor, EBF3 bound to the promoter of CNTNAP4 (a protein associated with neuronal differentiation) and directly regulated CNTNAP4 transcription. Strikingly, CNTNAP4 knockdown markedly abolished the effect of EBF3 on cell apoptosis, thus aggravating PD. In conclusion, the low level of m6A methylation modification may contribute to the low expression of EBF3 during PD. Additionally, EBF3 attenuates PD by activating CNTNAP4 transcription, suggesting that EBF3 may be a novel therapeutic target in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Hu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Menghan Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Guifang Sun
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
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Feiner N, Yang W, Bunikis I, While GM, Uller T. Adaptive introgression reveals the genetic basis of a sexually selected syndrome in wall lizards. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk9315. [PMID: 38569035 PMCID: PMC10990284 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk9315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The joint expression of particular colors, morphologies, and behaviors is a common feature of adaptation, but the genetic basis for such "phenotypic syndromes" remains poorly understood. Here, we identified a complex genetic architecture associated with a sexually selected syndrome in common wall lizards, by capitalizing on the adaptive introgression of coloration and morphology into a distantly related lineage. Consistent with the hypothesis that the evolution of phenotypic syndromes in vertebrates is facilitated by developmental linkage through neural crest cells, most of the genes associated with the syndrome are involved in neural crest cell regulation. A major locus was a ~400-kb region, characterized by standing structural genetic variation and previously implied in the evolutionary innovation of coloration and beak size in birds. We conclude that features of the developmental and genetic architecture contribute to maintaining trait integration, facilitating the extensive and rapid introgressive spread of suites of sexually selected characters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weizhao Yang
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ignas Bunikis
- Uppsala Genome Center, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Geoffrey M. While
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tobias Uller
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Dai Y, Hsu YC, Fernandes BS, Zhang K, Li X, Enduru N, Liu A, Manuel AM, Jiang X, Zhao Z. Disentangling Accelerated Cognitive Decline from the Normal Aging Process and Unraveling Its Genetic Components: A Neuroimaging-Based Deep Learning Approach. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1807-1827. [PMID: 38306043 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Background The progressive cognitive decline, an integral component of Alzheimer's disease (AD), unfolds in tandem with the natural aging process. Neuroimaging features have demonstrated the capacity to distinguish cognitive decline changes stemming from typical brain aging and AD between different chronological points. Objective To disentangle the normal aging effect from the AD-related accelerated cognitive decline and unravel its genetic components using a neuroimaging-based deep learning approach. Methods We developed a deep-learning framework based on a dual-loss Siamese ResNet network to extract fine-grained information from the longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study. We then conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and post-GWAS analyses to reveal the genetic basis of AD-related accelerated cognitive decline. Results We used our model to process data from 1,313 individuals, training it on 414 cognitively normal people and predicting cognitive assessment for all participants. In our analysis of accelerated cognitive decline GWAS, we identified two genome-wide significant loci: APOE locus (chromosome 19 p13.32) and rs144614292 (chromosome 11 p15.1). Variant rs144614292 (G > T) has not been reported in previous AD GWA studies. It is within the intronic region of NELL1, which is expressed in neurons and plays a role in controlling cell growth and differentiation. The cell-type-specific enrichment analysis and functional enrichment of GWAS signals highlighted the microglia and immune-response pathways. Conclusions Our deep learning model effectively extracted relevant neuroimaging features and predicted individual cognitive decline. We reported a novel variant (rs144614292) within the NELL1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Dai
- Center for Precision Health, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yu-Chun Hsu
- Center for Secure Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brisa S Fernandes
- Center for Precision Health, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Center for Secure Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Center for Precision Health, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nitesh Enduru
- Center for Precision Health, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andi Liu
- Center for Precision Health, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Astrid M Manuel
- Center for Precision Health, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoqian Jiang
- Center for Secure Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Wu M, Mi J, Qu GX, Zhang S, Jian Y, Gao C, Cai Q, Liu J, Jiang J, Huang H. Role of Hedgehog Signaling Pathways in Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation. Cell Transplant 2024; 33:9636897241244943. [PMID: 38695366 PMCID: PMC11067683 DOI: 10.1177/09636897241244943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have high self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation potentials and low immunogenicity, so they have attracted much attention in the field of regenerative medicine and have a promising clinical application. MSCs originate from the mesoderm and can differentiate not only into osteoblasts, cartilage, adipocytes, and muscle cells but also into ectodermal and endodermal cell lineages across embryonic layers. To design cell therapy for replacement of damaged tissues, it is essential to understand the signaling pathways, which have a major impact on MSC differentiation, as this will help to integrate the signaling inputs to initiate a specific lineage. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a vital role in the development of various tissues and organs in the embryo. As a morphogen, Hh not only regulates the survival and proliferation of tissue progenitor and stem populations but also is a critical moderator of MSC differentiation, involving tri-lineage and across embryonic layer differentiation of MSCs. This review summarizes the role of Hh signaling pathway in the differentiation of MSCs to mesodermal, endodermal, and ectodermal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Wu
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junwei Mi
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-xin Qu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Jian
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chu Gao
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingli Cai
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianxin Jiang
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Li C, Zheng Z, Ha P, Jiang W, Soo C, Ting K. Neural EGFL-like 1, a craniosynostosis-related osteochondrogenic molecule, strikingly associates with neurodevelopmental pathologies. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:227. [PMID: 38102659 PMCID: PMC10725010 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Various craniofacial syndromes cause skeletal malformations and are accompanied by neurological abnormalities at different levels, leading to tremendous biomedical, financial, social, and psychological burdens. Accumulating evidence highlights the importance of identifying and characterizing the genetic basis that synchronously modulates musculoskeletal and neurobehavioral development and function. Particularly, previous studies from different groups have suggested that neural EGFL-like-1 (Nell-1), a well-established osteochondrogenic inducer whose biopotency was initially identified in the craniofacial tissues, may also play a vital role in the central nervous system, particularly regarding neurological disorder pathologies. To provide first-hand behavior evidence if Nell-1 also has a role in central nervous system abnormalities, we compared the Nell-1-haploinsufficient (Nell-1+/6R) mice with their wild-type counterparts regarding their repetitive, social communication, anxiety-related, locomotor, sensory processing-related, motor coordination, and Pavlovian learning and memory behaviors, as well as their hippocampus transcriptional profile. Interestingly, Nell-1+/6R mice demonstrated core autism spectrum disorder-like deficits, which could be corrected by Risperidone, an FDA-approved anti-autism, anti-bipolar medicine. Besides, transcriptomic analyses identified 269 differential expressed genes, as well as significantly shifted alternative splicing of ubiquitin B pseudogene Gm1821, in the Nell-1+/6R mouse hippocampus, which confirmed that Nell-1 plays a role in neurodevelopment. Therefore, the current study verifies that Nell-1 regulates neurological development and function for the first time. Moreover, this study opens new avenues for understanding and treating craniofacial patients suffering from skeletal deformities and behavior, memory, and cognition difficulties by uncovering a novel bone-brain-crosstalk network. Furthermore, the transcriptomic analysis provides the first insight into deciphering the mechanism of Nell-1 in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshuang Li
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhong Zheng
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Pin Ha
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Wenlu Jiang
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Chia Soo
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Orthopedic Hospital Research Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- MacDonald Research Laboratories (MRL), 675 Charles E. Young Dr. South Room 2641A, Box 951759, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1759, USA.
| | - Kang Ting
- American Dental Association Forsyth Institute, 245 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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Ha P, Kwak JH, Zhang Y, Shi J, Tran L, Liu TP, Pan HC, Lee S, Kim JK, Chen E, Shirazi-Fard Y, Stodieck LS, Lin A, Zheng Z, Dong SN, Zhang X, Wu BM, Ting K, Soo C. Bisphosphonate conjugation enhances the bone-specificity of NELL-1-based systemic therapy for spaceflight-induced bone loss in mice. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:75. [PMID: 37723136 PMCID: PMC10507033 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00319-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity-induced bone loss results in a 1% bone mineral density loss monthly and can be a mission critical factor in long-duration spaceflight. Biomolecular therapies with dual osteogenic and anti-resorptive functions are promising for treating extreme osteoporosis. We previously confirmed that NELL-like molecule-1 (NELL-1) is crucial for bone density maintenance. We further PEGylated NELL-1 (NELL-polyethylene glycol, or NELL-PEG) to increase systemic delivery half-life from 5.5 to 15.5 h. In this study, we used a bio-inert bisphosphonate (BP) moiety to chemically engineer NELL-PEG into BP-NELL-PEG and specifically target bone tissues. We found conjugation with BP improved hydroxyapatite (HA) binding and protein stability of NELL-PEG while preserving NELL-1's osteogenicity in vitro. Furthermore, BP-NELL-PEG showed superior in vivo bone specificity without observable pathology in liver, spleen, lungs, brain, heart, muscles, or ovaries of mice. Finally, we tested BP-NELL-PEG through spaceflight exposure onboard the International Space Station (ISS) at maximal animal capacity (n = 40) in a long-term (9 week) osteoporosis therapeutic study and found that BP-NELL-PEG significantly increased bone formation in flight and ground control mice without obvious adverse health effects. Our results highlight BP-NELL-PEG as a promising therapeutic to mitigate extreme bone loss from long-duration microgravity exposure and musculoskeletal degeneration on Earth, especially when resistance training is not possible due to incapacity (e.g., bone fracture, stroke).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Ha
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jin Hee Kwak
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yulong Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Jiayu Shi
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Luan Tran
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Timothy Pan Liu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hsin-Chuan Pan
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Samantha Lee
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jong Kil Kim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Eric Chen
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yasaman Shirazi-Fard
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Louis S Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies and Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Andy Lin
- Office of Advanced Research Computing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Stella Nuo Dong
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xinli Zhang
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Benjamin M Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Kang Ting
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Chia Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Dai Y, Yu-Chun H, Fernandes BS, Zhang K, Xiaoyang L, Enduru N, Liu A, Manuel AM, Jiang X, Zhao Z. Disentangling accelerated cognitive decline from the normal aging process and unraveling its genetic components: A neuroimaging-based deep learning approach. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3328861. [PMID: 37720047 PMCID: PMC10503860 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3328861/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Background The progressive cognitive decline that is an integral component of AD unfolds in tandem with the natural aging process. Neuroimaging features have demonstrated the capacity to distinguish cognitive decline changes stemming from typical brain aging and Alzheimer's disease between different chronological points. Methods We developed a deep-learning framework based on dual-loss Siamese ResNet network to extract fine-grained information from the longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study. We then conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and post-GWAS analyses to reveal the genetic basis of AD-related accelerated cognitive decline. Results We used our model to process data from 1,313 individuals, training it on 414 cognitively normal people and predicting cognitive assessment for all participants. In our analysis of accelerated cognitive decline GWAS, we identified two genome-wide significant loci: APOE locus (chromosome 19 p13.32) and rs144614292 (chromosome 11 p15.1). Variant rs144614292 (G>T) has not been reported in previous AD GWA studies. It is within the intronic region of NELL1, which is expressed in neuron and plays a role in controlling cell growth and differentiation. In addition, MUC7 and PROL1/OPRPNon chromosome 4 were significant at the gene level. The cell-type-specific enrichment analysis and functional enrichment of GWAS signals highlighted the microglia and immune-response pathways. Furthermore, we found that the cognitive decline slope GWAS was positively correlated with previous AD GWAS. Conclusion Our deep learning model was demonstrated effective on extracting relevant neuroimaging features and predicting individual cognitive decline. We reported a novel variant (rs144614292) within the NELL1 gene. Our approach has the potential to disentangle accelerated cognitive decline from the normal aging process and to determine its related genetic factors, leveraging opportunities for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Dai
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Hsu Yu-Chun
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | - Kai Zhang
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Li Xiaoyang
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Nitesh Enduru
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Andi Liu
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | - Xiaoqian Jiang
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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8
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Transcriptional Analysis of the Endostyle Reveals Pharyngeal Organ Functions in Ascidian. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020245. [PMID: 36829522 PMCID: PMC9953650 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The endostyle is a pharyngeal organ with an opening groove and cilia in invertebrate chordates (amphioxus and ascidian) and cyclostomate (lamprey), serving as a filter-feeding tract and thyroid-secreting location. Emerging evidence implies its complex cellular composition and potentially versatile functions. Multiple cell types in the endostyle have been thought to be progenitors of complex organs in advanced vertebrates. To describe the expression profile and the potential functions, bulk RNA sequencing on the endostyle in ascidian Styela clava was conducted and distinct markers were selected by multileveled comparative analysis. Transcriptional data assay and qRT-PCR-verified results showed the regional expression patterns of Hox genes in the longitudinal axis. Organ-specific markers of the endostyle was proposed by comparing expression with the main organs of the ascidian. A cross-species transcriptional profile projection between the endostyle and organs from Danio rerio and Homo sapiens indicates a robust homogenous relationship to the thyroid and digestive system of the endostyle. The high similarity between the endostyle and the head kidney in zebrafish/the bone marrow in human implies uniquely profound functions of the pharyngeal organ in proto-vertebrates. Our result revealed that the transcriptional profile of the human parathyroid gland was similar to the ascidian endostyle, indicating the evolutionary origin of vertebrate hormone secretion organs.
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CNTNAP4 signaling regulates osteosarcoma disease progression. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:2. [PMID: 36599925 PMCID: PMC9813000 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00344-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Improved treatment strategies for sarcoma rely on clarification of the molecular mediators of disease progression. Recently, we reported that the secreted glycoprotein NELL-1 modulates osteosarcoma (OS) disease progression in part via altering the sarcomatous extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell-ECM interactions. Of known NELL-1 interactor proteins, Contactin-associated protein-like 4 (Cntnap4) encodes a member of the neurexin superfamily of transmembrane molecules best known for its presynaptic functions in the central nervous system. Here, CRISPR/Cas9 gene deletion of CNTNAP4 reduced OS tumor growth, sarcoma-associated angiogenesis, and pulmonary metastases. CNTNAP4 knockout (KO) in OS tumor cells largely phenocopied the effects of NELL-1 KO, including reductions in sarcoma cell attachment, migration, and invasion. Further, CNTNAP4 KO cells were found to be unresponsive to the effects of NELL-1 treatment. Transcriptomic analysis combined with protein phospho-array demonstrated notable reductions in the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade with CNTNAP4 deletion, and the ERK1/2 agonist isoproterenol restored cell functions among CNTNAP4 KO tumor cells. Finally, human primary cells and tissues in combination with sequencing datasets confirmed the significance of CNTNAP4 signaling in human sarcomas. In summary, our findings demonstrate the biological importance of NELL-1/CNTNAP4 signaling axis in disease progression of human sarcomas and suggest that targeting the NELL-1/CNTNAP4 signaling pathway represents a strategy with potential therapeutic benefit in sarcoma patients.
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Zeng L, He H, Sun M, Gong X, Zhou M, Hong Y, Wu Y, Chen X, Chen Q. Runx2 and Nell-1 in dental follicle progenitor cells regulate bone remodeling and tooth eruption. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:486. [PMID: 36175952 PMCID: PMC9524038 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Dental follicles are necessary for tooth eruption, surround the enamel organ and dental papilla, and regulate both the formation and resorption of alveolar bone. Dental follicle progenitor cells (DFPCs), which are stem cells found in dental follicles, differentiate into different kinds of cells that are necessary for tooth formation and eruption. Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is a transcription factor that is essential for osteoblasts and osteoclasts differentiation, as well as bone remodeling. Mutation of Runx2 causing cleidocranial dysplasia negatively affects osteogenesis and the osteoclastic ability of dental follicles, resulting in tooth eruption difficulties. Among a variety of cells and molecules, Nel-like molecule type 1 (Nell-1) plays an important role in neural crest-derived tissues and is strongly expressed in dental follicles. Nell-1 was originally identified in pathologically fused and fusing sutures of patients with unilateral coronal synostosis, and it plays indispensable roles in bone remodeling, including roles in osteoblast differentiation, bone formation and regeneration, craniofacial skeleton development, and the differentiation of many kinds of stem cells. Runx2 was proven to directly target the Nell-1 gene and regulate its expression. These studies suggested that Runx2/Nell-1 axis may play an important role in the process of tooth eruption by affecting DFPCs. Studies on short and long regulatory noncoding RNAs have revealed the complexity of RNA-mediated regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. This ceRNA network participates in the regulation of Runx2 and Nell-1 gene expression in a complex way. However, non-study indicated the potential connection between Runx2 and Nell-1, and further researches are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zeng
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong He
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China. .,Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Mingjie Sun
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyi Gong
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaya Hong
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongjia Wu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuepeng Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China. .,Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Qianming Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China. .,Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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11
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Miyaguchi M, Nakanishi Y, Maturana AD, Mizutani K, Niimi T. Conformational Change of the Hairpin-like-structured Robo2 Ectodomain Allows NELL1/2 Binding. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167777. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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12
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Thomas S, Jaganathan BG. Signaling network regulating osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:47-61. [PMID: 34236594 PMCID: PMC8688675 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00635-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteogenesis is an important developmental event that results in bone formation. Bone forming cells or osteoblasts develop from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through a highly controlled process regulated by several signaling pathways. The osteogenic lineage commitment of MSCs is controlled by cell-cell interactions, paracrine factors, mechanical signals, hormones, and cytokines present in their niche, which activate a plethora of signaling molecules belonging to bone morphogenetic proteins, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling. These signaling pathways individually as well as in coordination with other signaling molecules, regulate the osteogenic lineage commitment of MSCs by activating several osteo-lineage specific transcription factors. Here, we discuss the key signaling pathways that regulate osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and the cross-talk between them during osteogenic differentiation. We also discuss how these signaling pathways can be modified for therapy for bone repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Thomas
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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13
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Cheng X, Shi J, Jia Z, Ha P, Soo C, Ting K, James AW, Shi B, Zhang X. NELL-1 in Genome-Wide Association Studies across Human Diseases. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:395-405. [PMID: 34890556 PMCID: PMC8895422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neural epidermal growth factor-like (EGFL)-like protein (NELL)-1 is a potent and key osteogenic factor in the development and regeneration of skeletal tissues. Intriguingly, accumulative data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have started unveiling potential broader roles of NELL-1 beyond its functions in bone and cartilage. With exploration of the genetic variants of the entire genome in large-scale disease cohorts, GWASs have been used for establishing the connection between specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms of NELL1, in addition to osteoporosis, metabolic diseases, inflammatory conditions, neuropsychiatric diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and malignant tumors. This review summarizes the findings from GWASs on the manifestation, significance level, implications on function, and correlation of specific NELL1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in various disorders in humans. By offering a unique and comprehensive correlation between genetic variants and plausible functions of NELL1 in GWASs, this review illustrates the wide range of potential effects of a single gene on the pathogenesis of multiple disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, and the Department of Cleft Lip and Palate, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jiayu Shi
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhonglin Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, and the Department of Cleft Lip and Palate, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pin Ha
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chia Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kang Ting
- Forsyth Institute, affiliate of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron W. James
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, and the Department of Cleft Lip and Palate, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xinli Zhang
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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14
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Norrie disease protein is essential for cochlear hair cell maturation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106369118. [PMID: 34544869 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106369118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene for Norrie disease protein (Ndp) cause syndromic deafness and blindness. We show here that cochlear function in an Ndp knockout mouse deteriorated with age: At P3-P4, hair cells (HCs) showed progressive loss of Pou4f3 and Gfi1, key transcription factors for HC maturation, and Myo7a, a specialized myosin required for normal function of HC stereocilia. Loss of expression of these genes correlated to increasing HC loss and profound hearing loss by 2 mo. We show that overexpression of the Ndp gene in neonatal supporting cells or, remarkably, up-regulation of canonical Wnt signaling in HCs rescued HCs and cochlear function. We conclude that Ndp secreted from supporting cells orchestrates a transcriptional network for the maintenance and survival of HCs and that increasing the level of β-catenin, the intracellular effector of Wnt signaling, is sufficient to replace the functional requirement for Ndp in the cochlea.
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15
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Lee JH, Song YM, Min SK, Lee HJ, Lee HL, Kim MJ, Park YH, Park JU, Park JB. NELL-1 Increased the Osteogenic Differentiation and mRNA Expression of Spheroids Composed of Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57060586. [PMID: 34201046 PMCID: PMC8229008 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: NELL-1 is a competent growth factor and it reported to target cells committed to the osteochondral lineage. The secreted, osteoinductive glycoproteins are reported to rheostatically control skeletal ossification. This study was performed to determine the effects of NELL-1 on spheroid morphology and cell viability and the promotion of osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids. Materials and Methods: Cultures of stem cell spheroids of gingiva-derived stem cells were grown in the presence of NELL-1 at concentrations of 1, 10, 100, and 500 ng/mL. Evaluations of cell morphology were performed using a microscope, and cell viability was assessed using a two-color assay and Cell Counting Kit-8. Evaluation of the activity of alkaline phosphatase and calcium deposition assays involved anthraquinone dye assay to determine the level of osteogenic differentiation of cell spheroids treated with NELL-1. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to evaluate the expressions of RUNX2, BSP, OCN, COL1A1, and β-actin mRNAs. Results: The applied stem cells produced well-formed spheroids, and the addition of NELL-1 at tested concentrations did not show any apparent changes in spheroid shape. There were no significant changes in diameter with addition of NELL-1 at 0, 1, 10, 100, and 500 ng/mL concentrations. The quantitative cell viability results derived on Days 1, 3, and 7 did not show significant disparities among groups (p > 0.05). There was statistically higher alkaline phosphatase activity in the 10 ng/mL group compared with the unloaded control on Day 7 (p < 0.05). A significant increase in anthraquinone dye staining was observed with the addition of NELL-1, and the highest value was noted at 10 ng/mL (p < 0.05). qPCR results demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of RUNX2 and BSP were significantly increased when NELL-1 was added to the culture. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we conclude that NELL-1 can be applied for increased osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Ho Lee
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - Young-Min Song
- Department of Periodontics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (Y.-M.S.); (S.-K.M.); (H.-J.L.)
| | - Sae-Kyung Min
- Department of Periodontics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (Y.-M.S.); (S.-K.M.); (H.-J.L.)
| | - Hyun-Jin Lee
- Department of Periodontics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (Y.-M.S.); (S.-K.M.); (H.-J.L.)
| | - Hye-Lim Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Min-Ji Kim
- College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea;
| | - Yoon-Hee Park
- Ebiogen, #405, Sungsu A1 Center 48 Ttukseom-ro 17-ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04785, Korea;
| | - Je-Uk Park
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
- Correspondence: (J.-U.P.); (J.-B.P.); Tel.: +82-2-2258-6291 (J.-U.P.); +82-2-2258-6290 (J.-B.P.)
| | - Jun-Beom Park
- Department of Periodontics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (Y.-M.S.); (S.-K.M.); (H.-J.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.-U.P.); (J.-B.P.); Tel.: +82-2-2258-6291 (J.-U.P.); +82-2-2258-6290 (J.-B.P.)
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16
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Niimi T. Roles of Slit Ligands and Their Roundabout (Robo) Family of Receptors in Bone Remodeling. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 21:143-154. [PMID: 32986130 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Slit guidance ligands (Slits) and their roundabout (Robo) family of receptors are well-known axon guidance molecules that were originally identified in Drosophila mutants with commissural axon pathfinding defects. However, Slit-Robo signaling has been shown to be involved in not only neurogenesis, but also the development of other organs such as the kidney and heart. Recently, it was also revealed that Slit-Robo signaling plays an important role in bone metabolism. For example, osteoclast-derived Slit3 plays an osteoprotective role by synchronously stimulating bone formation by osteoblasts and suppressing bone resorption by osteoclasts through Robo receptors expressed on osteoblastic and osteoclastic cell lineages, making it a potential therapeutic target for metabolic bone disorders. Furthermore, osteoblast-derived Slit3 promotes bone formation indirectly as a proangiogenic factor. This review summarizes the recent progress on defining the roles of the Slit-Robo signaling in bone metabolism, and discusses the possible roles of the interaction between Robo and neural epidermal growth factor-like (NEL)-like (NELL) proteins that are novel ligands for Robo receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Niimi
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
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17
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Li C, Zhang X, Zheng Z, Nguyen A, Ting K, Soo C. Nell-1 Is a Key Functional Modulator in Osteochondrogenesis and Beyond. J Dent Res 2019; 98:1458-1468. [PMID: 31610747 DOI: 10.1177/0022034519882000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural EGFL-like 1 (Nell-1) is a well-studied osteogenic factor that has comparable osteogenic potency with the Food and Drug Administration-approved bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2). In this review, which aims to summarize the advanced Nell-1 research in the past 10 y, we start with the correlation of structural and functional relevance of the Nell-1 protein with the identification of a specific receptor of Nell-1, contactin-associated protein-like 4 (Cntnap4), for osteogenesis. The indispensable role of Nell-1 in normal craniofacial and appendicular skeletal development and growth was also defined by using the newly developed tissue-specific Nell-1 knockout mouse lines in addition to the existing transgenic mouse models. With the achievements on Nell-1's osteogenic therapeutic evaluations from multiple preclinical animal models for local and systemic bone regeneration, the synergistic effect of Nell-1 with BMP-2 on osteogenesis, as well as the advantages of Nell-1 as an osteogenic protein with antiadipogenic, anti-inflammatory, and provascularized characteristics over BMP-2 in bone tissue engineering, is highlighted, which lays the groundwork for the clinical trial approval of Nell-1. At the molecular level, besides the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, we emphasize the significant involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as well as the key regulatory molecules Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in Nell-1-induced osteogenesis. In addition, the involvement of Nell-1 in chondrogenesis and its relevant pathologies have been revealed with the participation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (Nfatc1), Runx3, and Indian hedgehog (Ihh) signaling pathways, although the mechanistic insights of Nell-1's osteochondrogenic property will be continuously evolving. With this perspective, we elucidate some emerging and novel functional properties of Nell-1 in oral-dental and neural tissues that will be the frontiers of future Nell-1 studies beyond the context of bone and cartilage. As such, the therapeutic potential of Nell-1 continues to evolve and grow with continuous pursuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Li
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - X Zhang
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Z Zheng
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A Nguyen
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - K Ting
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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18
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Li C, Zheng Z, Ha P, Jiang W, Berthiaume EA, Lee S, Mills Z, Pan H, Chen EC, Jiang J, Culiat CT, Zhang X, Ting K, Soo C. Neural EGFL like 1 as a potential pro-chondrogenic, anti-inflammatory dual-functional disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug. Biomaterials 2019; 226:119541. [PMID: 31634652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Arthritis, an inflammatory condition that causes pain and cartilage destruction in joints, affects over 54.4 million people in the US alone. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated the emerging role of neural EGFL like 1 (NELL-1) in arthritis pathogenesis by showing that Nell-1-haploinsufficient (Nell-1+/6R) mice had accelerated and aggravated osteoarthritis (OA) progression with elevated inflammatory markers in both spontaneous primary OA and chemical-induced secondary OA models. In the chemical-induced OA model, intra-articular injection of interleukin (IL)1β induced more severe inflammation and cartilage degradation in the knee joints of Nell-1+/6R mice than in wildtype animals. Mechanistically, in addition to its pro-chondrogenic potency, NELL-1 also effectively suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and their downstream cartilage catabolic enzymes by upregulating runt-related transcription factor (RUNX)1 in mouse and human articular cartilage chondrocytes. Notably, NELL-1 significantly reduced IL1β-stimulated inflammation and damage to articular cartilage in vivo. In particular, NELL-1 administration markedly reduced the symptoms of antalgic gait observed in IL1β-challenged Nell-1+/6R mice. Therefore, NELL-1 is a promising pro-chondrogenic, anti-inflammatory dual-functional disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) candidate for preventing and suppressing arthritis-related cartilage damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshuang Li
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Pin Ha
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Wenlu Jiang
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Emily A Berthiaume
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Seungjun Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Letters and Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Zane Mills
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Hsinchuan Pan
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Eric C Chen
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Jie Jiang
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | | | - Xinli Zhang
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Kang Ting
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Chia Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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19
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Chen X, Wang H, Yu M, Kim JK, Qi H, Ha P, Jiang W, Chen E, Luo X, Needle RB, Baik L, Yang C, Shi J, Kwak JH, Ting K, Zhang X, Soo C. Cumulative inactivation of Nell-1 in Wnt1 expressing cell lineages results in craniofacial skeletal hypoplasia and postnatal hydrocephalus. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:1415-1430. [PMID: 31582804 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of Nell-1 has been associated with craniosynostosis (CS) in humans, and validated in a mouse transgenic Nell-1 overexpression model. Global Nell-1 inactivation in mice by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis results in neonatal lethality with skeletal abnormalities including cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD)-like calvarial bone defects. This study further defines the role of Nell-1 in craniofacial skeletogenesis by investigating specific inactivation of Nell-1 in Wnt1 expressing cell lineages due to the importance of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) in craniofacial tissue development. Nell-1flox/flox; Wnt1-Cre (Nell-1Wnt1 KO) mice were generated for comprehensive analysis, while the relevant reporter mice were created for CNCC lineage tracing. Nell-1Wnt1 KO mice were born alive, but revealed significant frontonasal and mandibular bone defects with complete penetrance. Immunostaining demonstrated that the affected craniofacial bones exhibited decreased osteogenic and Wnt/β-catenin markers (Osteocalcin and active-β-catenin). Nell-1-deficient CNCCs demonstrated a significant reduction in cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Active-β-catenin levels were significantly low in Nell-1-deficient CNCCs, but were rescued along with osteogenic capacity to a level close to that of wild-type (WT) cells via exogenous Nell-1 protein. Surprisingly, 5.4% of young adult Nell-1Wnt1 KO mice developed hydrocephalus with premature ossification of the intrasphenoidal synchondrosis and widened frontal, sagittal, and coronal sutures. Furthermore, the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus and ependymal cells exhibited degenerative changes with misplaced expression of their respective markers, transthyretin and vimentin, as well as dysregulated Pit-2 expression in hydrocephalic Nell-1Wnt1 KO mice. Nell-1Wnt1 KO embryos at E9.5, 14.5, 17.5, and newborn mice did not exhibit hydrocephalic phenotypes grossly and/or histologically. Collectively, Nell-1 is a pivotal modulator of CNCCs that is essential for normal development and growth of the cranial vault and base, and mandibles partially via activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Nell-1 may also be critically involved in regulating cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of postnatal hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Orthodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Huiming Wang
- Department of Oral Implantology, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Mengliu Yu
- Department of Oral Implantology, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Center of Stomatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 2nd Yinghuayuan East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jong Kil Kim
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Huichuan Qi
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, PR China
| | - Pin Ha
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wenlu Jiang
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eric Chen
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiangyou Luo
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ryan Brent Needle
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lloyd Baik
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cathryn Yang
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiejun Shi
- Department of Orthodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jin Hee Kwak
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kang Ting
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xinli Zhang
- Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Chia Soo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, UCLA and Orthopaedic Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,UCLA Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Han Q, Wang Q, Wu J, Li M, Fang Y, Zhu H, Wang X. Nell-1 promotes the neural-like differentiation of dental pulp cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:515-521. [PMID: 30979495 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that Nel-like molecule-1 (Nell-1) can positively regulate odontoblastic differentiation and dentin formation. Intriguingly, our group found that Nell-1 is co-expressed with neural markers. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Nell-1 protein plays a regulatory role in the differentiation of dental pulp cells into neural-like cells by in vivo and in vitro studies. The expression patterns of Nell-1 and dental pulp neural markers were observed by double immunofluorescence staining in normal dental pulp tissue sections of Wistar rat. Collagen sponge containing Nell-1 protein was added into the pulp cavity of rat molars in order to observe the expression patterns of neural markers in rat dental pulp repair and regeneration model by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were cultured, and different concentrations of Nell-1 protein were added for 12 h, 24 h, and 72h. The expression of neural markers was detected by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Nell-1 was co-expressed with neural markers including substance P (SP) and Nestin in rat dental pulp tissue. The expression of neural markers including SP, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and Nestin was increased obviously in rat dental pulp tissues stimulated with Nell-1 protein. In cultured hDPSCs induced by Nell-1 protein, the expression of neural markers including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Nestin, and β-III tubulin was increased. Nell-1 plays a positive role in inducing the differentiation of DPSCs into neural-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, 44-1Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Jiameng Wu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, 44-1Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Mengyue Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, 44-1Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yixuan Fang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, 44-1Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Hongfan Zhu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, 44-1Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, 44-1Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Meyers CA, Sun Z, Chang L, Ding C, Lu A, Ting K, Pang S, James AW. Age dependent effects of NELL-1 isoforms on bone marrow stromal cells. J Orthop 2019; 16:175-178. [PMID: 30899146 PMCID: PMC6406628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
NELL-1 is an osteogenic protein first discovered to control ossification of the cranium. NELL-1 exists in at least two isoforms. The full-length NELL-1 contains 810 amino acid (aa) (NELL-1810), the N-terminal-truncated NELL-1 isoform contains 570 aa (NELL-1570). The differences in cellular effects between NELL-1 isoforms are not well understood. Methods: Here, BMSC were derived from adult or aged mice, followed by overexpression of NELL-1810 or NELL-1570. Cell morphology, proliferation, and gene expression were examined. Results/Conclusions: Overall, the proliferative effect of NELL-1570 was age dependent, showing prominent induction in adult but not aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhibo Sun
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, 21205, USA
| | - Leslie Chang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, 21205, USA
| | - Catherine Ding
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Amy Lu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, 21205, USA
| | - Kang Ting
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Shen Pang
- UCLA and Orthopaedic Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, 90095, USA
| | - Aaron W. James
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, 21205, USA
- UCLA and Orthopaedic Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, 90095, USA
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