SV40-immortalization of rabbit articular chondrocytes: alteration of differentiated functions

Micronutrient optimization for tissue engineered articular cartilage production of type II collagen

Tissue Engineering of cartilage has been hampered by the inability of engineered tissue to express native levels of type II collagen in vitro. Inadequate levels of type II collagen are, in part, due to a failure to recapitulate the physiological environment in culture. In this study, we engineered primary rabbit chondrocytes to express a secreted reporter, Gaussia Luciferase, driven by the type II collagen promoter, and applied a Design of Experiments approach to assess chondrogenic differentiation in micronutrient-supplemented medium. Using a Response Surface Model, 240 combinations of micronutrients absent in standard chondrogenic differentiation medium, were screened and assessed for type II collagen promoter-driven Gaussia luciferase expression. While the target of this study was to establish a combination of all micronutrients, alpha-linolenic acid, copper, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, vitamins A, E, D and B7 were all found to have a significant effect on type II collagen promoter activity. Five conditions containing all micronutrients predicted to produce the greatest luciferase expression were selected for further study. Validation of these conditions in 3D aggregates identified an optimal condition for type II collagen promoter activity. Engineered cartilage grown in this condition, showed a 170% increase in type II collagen expression (Day 22 Luminescence) and in Young's tensile modulus compared to engineered cartilage in basal media alone.Collagen cross-linking analysis confirmed formation of type II-type II collagen and type II-type IX collagen cross-linked heteropolymeric fibrils, characteristic of mature native cartilage. Combining a Design of Experiments approach and secreted reporter cells in 3D aggregate culture enabled a high-throughput platform that can be used to identify more optimal physiological culture parameters for chondrogenesis.

Establishment methods and research progress of livestock and poultry immortalized cell lines: A review

An infinite cell line is one of the most favored experimental tools and plays an irreplaceable role in cell-based biological research. Primary cells from normal animal tissues undergo a limited number of divisions and subcultures in vitro before they enter senescence and die. On the contrary, an infinite cell line is a population of non-senescent cells that could proliferate indefinitely in vitro under the stimulation of external factors such as physicochemical stimulation, virus infection, or transfer of immortality genes. Cell immortalization is the basis for establishing an infinite cell line, and previous studies have found that methods to obtain immortalized cells mainly included physical and chemical stimulations, heterologous expression of viral oncogenes, increased telomerase activity, and spontaneous formation. However, some immortalized cells do not necessarily proliferate permanently even though they can extend their lifespan compared with primary cells. An infinite cell line not only avoids the complicated process of collecting primary cell, it also provides a convenient and reliable tool for studying scientific problems in biology. At present, how to establish a stable infinite cell line to maximize the proliferation of cells while maintaining the normal function of cells is a hot issue in the biological community. This review briefly introduces the methods of cell immortalization, discusses the related progress of establishing immortalized cell lines in livestock and poultry, and compares the characteristics of several methods, hoping to provide some ideas for generating new immortalized cell lines.

Matrix reverses immortalization-mediated stem cell fate determination

Primary cell culture in vitro suffers from cellular senescence. We hypothesized that expansion on decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) deposited by simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40LT) transduced autologous infrapatellar fat pad stem cells (IPFSCs) could rejuvenate high-passage IPFSCs in both proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation. In the study, we found that SV40LT transduced IPFSCs exhibited increased proliferation and adipogenic potential but decreased chondrogenic potential. Expansion on dECMs deposited by passage 5 IPFSCs yielded IPFSCs with dramatically increased proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation capacity; however, this enhanced capacity diminished if IPFSCs were grown on dECM deposited by passage 15 IPFSCs. Interestingly, expansion on dECM deposited by SV40LT transduced IPFSCs yielded IPFSCs with enhanced proliferation and chondrogenic capacity but decreased adipogenic potential, particularly for the dECM group derived from SV40LT transduced passage 15 cells. Our immunofluorescence staining and proteomics data identify matrix components such as basement membrane proteins as top candidates for matrix mediated IPFSC rejuvenation. Both cell proliferation and differentiation were endorsed by transcripts measured by RNASeq during the process. This study provides a promising model for in-depth investigation of the matrix protein influence on surrounding stem cell differentiation.

Conditional reprogramming: next generation cell culture

Long-term primary culture of mammalian cells has been always difficult due to unavoidable senescence. Conventional methods for generating immortalized cell lines usually require manipulation of genome which leads to change of important biological and genetic characteristics. Recently, conditional reprogramming (CR) emerges as a novel next generation tool for long-term culture of primary epithelium cells derived from almost all origins without alteration of genetic background of primary cells. CR co-cultures primary cells with inactivated mouse 3T3-J2 fibroblasts in the presence of RHO-related protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632, enabling primary cells to acquire stem-like characteristics while retain their ability to fully differentiate. With only a few years' development, CR shows broad prospects in applications in varied areas including disease modeling, regenerative medicine, drug evaluation, drug discovery as well as precision medicine. This review is thus to comprehensively summarize and assess current progress in understanding mechanism of CR and its wide applications, highlighting the value of CR in both basic and translational researches and discussing the challenges faced with CR.

Ectopic Telomerase Expression Fails to Maintain Chondrogenic Capacity in Three-Dimensional Cultures of Clinically Relevant Cell Types

The poor healing capacity of cartilage and lack of effective treatment for associated disease and trauma makes it a strong candidate for a regenerative medicine approach. Potential therapies tested to date, although effective, have met with a number of intrinsic difficulties possibly related to limited autologous chondrocyte cell yield and quality of cartilage produced. A potential mechanism to bypass limited cell yields and improve quality of differentiation is to immortalize relevant cell types through the ectopic expression of telomerase. Pellet cultures of human chondrocytes (OK3), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMA13), and embryonic stem cell (H1 line)-derived cells (1C6) and their human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) transduced counterparts were maintained for 20 days in standard maintenance medium (MM) or transforming growth factor-β3-supplemented prochondrogenic medium (PChM). Pellets were assessed for volume and density by microcomputed tomography. Quantitative gene expression (COL1A2, COL2A1, COL3A1, COL6A3, COL10A1, ACAN, COMP, SOX9); sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs), and DNA quantification were performed. Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to determine matrix constituent distribution. Pellet culture in PChM resulted in significantly larger pellets with an overall increased density when compared with MM culture. Gene expression analysis revealed similarities in expression patterns between telomerase-transduced and parental cells in both MM and PChM. Of the three parental cell types examined OK3 and BMA13 produced similar amounts of pellet-associated sGAG in PChM (4.62 ± 1.20 and 4.91 ± 1.37 μg, respectively) with lower amounts in 1C6 (2.89 ± 0.52 μg), corresponding to 3.1, 2.3, and 1.6-fold increases from day 0. In comparison, telomerase-transduced cells all had much lower sGAG with OK3H at 2.74 ± 0.11 μg, BMA13H 1.29 ± 0.34 μg, and 1C6H 0.52 ± 0.01 μg corresponding to 1.2, 0.87, and 0.34-fold changes compared with day 0. Histology of day 20 pellets displayed reduced staining overall for collagens and sGAG in telomerase-transduced cells, most notably with alterations in aggrecan and collagen VI; all cells stained positively for collagen II. We conclude that while telomerase transduction may be an effective technique to extend cellular proliferative capacity, it is not sufficient in isolation to sustain a naive chondrogenic phenotype across multiple cell types.

The phenotypic characterization of A13/BACii, a novel bovine chondrocytic cell line with differentiation potential

In cartilage research bovine articular cartilage is used as an alternative to human tissue. However, animal material is subject to availability and primary cultures undergo senescence, limiting their use. Here we report the immortalization of primary bovine chondrocytes, which could be used as a surrogate for freshly isolated chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were isolated from cartilage explants and immortalized using 1.0 µg/ml benzo[alpha]pyrene. For 3-dimensional culture, chondrocytes were resuspended in 0.5% low-melt agarose at high density (HD) and cultured for 24 h prior to determining changes in expression profile and morphology. A13/BACii chondrocytes acquired a 'flat' irregular morphology and a foetal-like cell volume (1,509.59 ± 182.04 µm(3)). The human cell line C-20/A4 showed a statistically similar volume and length to A13/BACii. Two-dimensional-cultured A13/BACii expressed elevated levels of type I collagen (col1), reduced levels of type II collagen (col2) compared to freshly isolated chondrocytes and an overall col2 to col1 expression ratio (col2:col1) of 0.11 ± 0.01. Upon 3-dimensional encapsulation, there was a significant rise in col2 expression in both A13/BACii and C-20/A4, suggesting a capacity for redifferentiation in both cell lines with a return of col2:col1 values of A13/BACii to values previously observed in primary chondrocytes. A13/BACii chondrocytes expressed aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13, further supporting indications of the differentiated phenotype. Here we report the creation of a novel chondrocytic cell line and demonstrate its strong potential for redifferentiation upon HD 3-dimensional encapsulation, providing an alternative to conventional dedifferentiated cell lines and primary culture.

Generation of SV40-transformed rabbit tracheal-epithelial-cell-derived blastocyst by somatic cell nuclear transfer

The prospect of developing large animal models for the study of inherited diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has opened up new opportunities for enhancing our understanding of disease pathology and for identifying new therapies. Thus, the development of species-specific in vitro cell systems that will provide broader insight into organ- and cell-type-specific functions relevant to the pathology of the disease is crucial. Studies have been undertaken to establish transformed rabbit airway epithelial cell lines that display differentiated features characteristic of the primary airway epithelium. This study describes the successful establishment and characterization of two SV40-transformed rabbit tracheal epithelial cell lines. These cell lines, 5RTEo- and 9RTEo-, express the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, retain epithelial-specific differentiated morphology and show CFTR-based cAMP-dependent Cl(-) ion transport across the apical membrane of a confluent monolayer. Immunocytochemical analysis indicates the presence of airway cytokeratins and tight-junction proteins in the 9RTEo- cell line after multiple generations. However, the tight junctions appear to diminish in their efficacy in both cell lines after at  least 100 generations. Initial SCNT studies with the 9RTEo- cells have revealed that SV40-transformed rabbit airway epithelial donor cells can be used to generate blastocysts. These cell systems provide valuable models for studying the developmental and metabolic modulation of CFTR gene expression and rabbit airway epithelial cell biology.

TiO2 nanotube stimulate chondrogenic differentiation of limb mesenchymal cells by modulating focal activity

Vertically aligned, laterally spaced nanoscale titanium nanotubes were grown on a titanium surface by anodization, and the growth of chondroprogenitors on the resulting surfaces was investigated. Surfaces bearing nanotubes of 70 to 100 nm in diameter were found to trigger the morphological transition to a cortical actin pattern and rounded cell shape (both indicative of chondrocytic differentiation), as well as the up-regulation of type II collagen and integrin beta4 protein expression through the down-regulation of Erk activity. Inhibition of Erk signaling reduced stress fiber formation and induced the transition to the cortical actin pattern in cells cultured on 30-nm-diameter nanotubes, which maintained their fibroblastoid morphologies in the absence of Erk inhibition. Collectively, these results indicate that a titanium-based nanotube surface can support chondrocytic functions among chondroprogenitors, and may therefore be useful for future cartilaginous applications.

Differential effect of ECM molecules on re-expression of cartilaginous markers in near quiescent human chondrocytes

The limited source of healthy primary chondrocytes restricts the clinical application of tissue engineering for cartilage repair. Therefore, method to maintain or restore the chondrocyte phenotype during in vitro expansion is essential. The objective of this study is to establish the beneficial effect of ECM molecules on restoring the re-expression of cartilaginous markers in primary human chondrocytes after extensive monolayer expansion. During the course of chondrocyte serial expansion, COL2A1, SOX9, and AGN mRNA expression levels, and GAG accumulation level were reduced significantly in serially passaged cells. Exogenous type II collagen dose-dependently elevated GAG level and induced the re-expression of cartilaginous marker mRNAs in P7 chondrocytes. Chondroitin sulfate did not show significant effect on P7 chondrocytes, while hyaluronic acid inhibited the expression of SOX9 and AGN mRNAs. Upon treatment with type II collagen, FAK, ERK1/2, and JNK were activated via phosphorylation in P7 chondrocytes within 15 min. Furthermore, GFOGER integrin blocking peptide, MEK inhibitor and JNK inhibitor, not p38 inhibitor, significantly reduced the type II collagen-induced GAG deposition level. Finally, in the presence of TGF-β1 and IGF-I, P7 chondrocytes cultured in 3D type II collagen matrix exhibited better cartilaginous features than those cells cultured in the type I collagen matrix. In conclusion, type II collagen alone can effectively restore cartilaginous features of expanded P7 human chondrocytes. It is probably mediated via the activation of FAK-ERK1/2 and FAK-JNK signaling pathways. The potential application of type II collagen in expanding a scarcity of healthy chondrocytes in vitro for further tissue engineering is implicated.

Phenotypic re-expression of near quiescent chondrocytes: The effects of type II collagen and growth factors

After extensively expanding in monolayer culture, the cultured chondrocytes become quiescent. The aim of this study was to establish the hypothesis that the phenotypic function of extensively expanded primary chondrocytes may be restored with extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions with or without growth factors. The restoring effects of these microenvironmental factors on the near quiescent passage 9 (P9) chondrocyte were investigated. The data showed that exogenous type I collagen and type II collagen at 1:1 ratio stimulate cell proliferation greatly while type II collagen alone was enough to revive most of cartilaginous functions of near quiescent P9 chondrocytes. Exogenous type II collagen by itself was more effective in restoring cell proliferation rate, elevating glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation and promoting the re-expression of type II collagen mRNAs in the near quiescent chondrocytes. The supplement of P9 chondrocytes with type II collagen plus TGF-beta1 and IGF-I appeared essential for the re-expression of aggrecan and type II collagen mRNA in monolayer culture. In 3D type II collagen construct, P9 chondrocytes appeared healthy as chondrocytes and showed clear lacuna. However, in 3D type I collagen matrix, only some P9 chondrocytes exhibited lacuna. The cartilaginous microenvironments are crucial to restoring chondrocyte-phenotypic features of the quiescent or 'dedifferentiated' chondrocytes, implicating the potential of expanding a scarcity of healthy chondrocytes for cartilage repair or regeneration.

Immortalized mouse articular cartilage cell lines retain chondrocyte phenotype and respond to both anabolic factor BMP-2 and pro-inflammatory factor IL-1

Articular cartilage chondrocytes help in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and function of the articular joint. Study of primary chondrocytes in culture provides information closely related to in vivo functions of these cells. Limitations in the primary culture of chondrocytes have lead to the development of cells lines that serve as good surrogate models for the study of chondrocyte biology. In this study, we report the establishment and characterization of chondrocyte cell lines, MM-Sv/HP and MM-Sv/HP-2 from mouse articular cartilage. Cells were isolated from mouse femoral head articular cartilage, immortalized and maintained in culture through numerous passages. The morphology of the cells was from fibroblastic to polygonal in nature. Gene expression studies using quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) were performed on cells in monolayer culture and cells embedded in a three-dimensional alginate matrix. Stimulation of cells in monolayer culture with anabolic factor, BMP-2, resulted in increased gene expression of the extracellular matrix molecules, aggrecan and type II collagen and their regulator transcription factor, Sox9. Treatment by pro-inflammatory IL-1 resulted in increased gene expression of catabolic effectors including Aggrecanases (ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5), MMP-13 and nitric oxide synthase (Nos2). Cells in alginate treated with BMP-2 resulted in increased synthesis of proteoglycan which was released into the conditioned media on IL-1 stimulation. Western analysis of conditioned media showed the presence of Aggrecanase-cleaved aggrecan fragments. In summary, MM-Sv/HP and MM-Sv/HP-2 show preservation of important characteristics of articular chondrocytes as examined under multiple culture conditions and would provide a useful reagent in the study of chondrocyte biology.

Human immortalized chondrocytes carrying heterozygous FGFR3 mutations: an in vitro model to study chondrodysplasias

Achondroplasia and thanatophoric dysplasia are human chondrodysplasias caused by mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. We have developed an immortalized human chondrocyte culture model to study the regulation of chondrocyte functions. One control and eight mutant chondrocytic lines expressing different FGFR3 heterozygous mutations were obtained. FGFR3 signaling pathways were modified in the mutant lines as revealed by the constitutive activation of the STAT pathway and an increased level of P21(WAF1/CIP1) protein. This model will be useful for the study of FGFR3 function in cartilage studies and future therapeutic approaches in chondrodysplasias.

Immortalized cell lines from mouse xiphisternum preserve chondrocyte phenotype

Chondrocytes are unique to cartilage and the study of these cells in vitro is important for advancing our understanding of the role of these cells in normal homeostasis and disease including osteoarthritis (OA). As there are limitations to the culture of primary chondrocytes, cell lines have been developed to overcome some of these obstacles. In this study, we developed a procedure to immortalize and characterize chondrocyte cell lines from mouse xiphisternum. The cells displayed a polygonal to fibroblastic morphology in monolayer culture. Gene expression studies using quantitative PCR showed that the cell lines responded to bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) by increased expression of matrix molecules, aggrecan, and type II collagen together with transcriptional factor, Sox9. Stimulation by IL-1 results in the increased expression of catabolic effectors including MMP-13, nitric oxide synthase, ADAMTS4, and ADAMTS5. Cells cultured in alginate responded to BMP-2 by increased synthesis of proteoglycan (PG), a major matrix molecule of cartilage. IL-1 treatment of cells in alginate results in increased release of PG into the conditioned media. Further analysis of the media showed the presence of Aggrecanase-cleaved aggrecan fragments, a signature of matrix degradation. These results show that the xiphisternum chondrocyte cell lines preserve their chondrocyte phenotype cultured in either monolayer or 3-dimensional alginate bead culture systems. In summary, this study describes the establishment of chondrocyte cell lines from the mouse xiphisternum that may be useful as a surrogate model system to understand chondrocyte biology and to shed light on the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis in OA.

Continuous transforming growth factor beta1 secretion by cell-mediated gene therapy maintains chondrocyte redifferentiation

One of the most important factors in the production of cartilage is transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1). To obtain sustained release of TGF-beta1, a cell-mediated gene therapy technique was introduced. We infected chondrocytes with a retroviral vector carrying the TGF-beta1 gene. The single clone derivative showed sustained TGF-beta1 secretion. It also showed constitutive type II collagen expression. Whereas the TGF-beta1 protein itself is unable to induce formation of cartilage in vivo, human chondrocytes engineered to express a retroviral vector encoding TGF-beta1 showed cartilage formation in vivo when cells were injected into nude mice intradermally. These data suggest that cell-mediated gene therapy using TGF-beta1 as a transgene would be a promising treatment for osteoarthritis.

Control of human articular chondrocyte differentiation by reduced oxygen tension

Cell number is often a limiting factor in studies of chondrocyte physiology, particularly for human investigations. Chondrocytes can be readily proliferated in monolayer culture, however, differentiated phenotype is soon lost. We therefore endeavored to restore normal phenotype to human chondrocytes after serial passage in monolayer culture by manipulating cell morphology and oxygen tension towards the in vivo state. Third passage cells were encapsulated in alginate and exposed to either 20% or more physiologic 5% oxygen tensions. To assess cell phenotype, gene expression was measured using TaqMan real-time PCR. Encapsulated, primary chondrocytes cultured in 20% oxygen were used as a positive reference. Passaged human chondrocytes were fibroblastic in appearance and had lost normal phenotype as evidenced by a decrease in expression of collagen II, aggrecan, and sox9 genes of 66, 6, and 14 fold, respectively; with concomitant high expression of type I collagen (22 fold increase). A partial regaining of the differentiated phenotype was observed by encapsulation in 20% oxygen; however, even after 4 weeks, collagen II gene expression was not fully restored. Collagen II and aggrecan expression were increased, on average, 3 fold, in 5% oxygen tension compared to 20% cultures. Furthermore, matrix glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels were significantly increased in reduced oxygen. In fact, after 4 weeks in 5% oxygen, encapsulated third passage cells had collagen II expression fully regained and aggrecan and sox9 levels actually exceeding primary cell levels in 20% oxygen. Our results show that the phenotype of serially passaged human articular chondrocytes is more fully restored by combining encapsulation with culture in more physiological levels of oxygen. Sox9, an essential transcription factor for chondrocyte differentiation is strongly implicated in this process since its expression was upregulated almost 27 fold. These findings have implications for the optimal conditions for the in vitro culture of chondrocytes.

Phenotypic differences in murine chondrocyte cell lines derived from mature articular cartilage

OBJECTIVE

To obtain well characterized immortalized murine chondrocyte cell lines. The cell lines were obtained from mature articular chondrocytes, instead of embryonal cells which are used in most other studies.

METHODS

Pieces of articular cartilage were cut from murine patellae and femoral heads. Chondrocytes were isolated by digestion with collagenase. These cells were cultured in monolayer and immortalized by transfection of the SV40 large T antigen gene. To preserve the differentiated phenotype, the resulting clones were cultured in three-dimensional carriers, alginate beads. The phenotypes of the cells were characterized using the following parameters: Cell morphology (light microscopy), messenger RNA (RT-PCR) and protein (immunohistochemistry) levels of extracellular matrix molecules. Moreover, responsiveness to interleukin-1(IL-1) was determined by measuring production of proteoglycans ((35)S-sulfate incorporation) and of nitric oxide (Griess reaction).

RESULTS

Sixteen clones were obtained, ten (P1 to P10) derived from patellar cartilage, and six (H1 to H6) from femoral head cartilage. In seven cell lines (P2, P5, H1, H3, H4, H5, H6) high production of type II collagen corresponded with high levels of mRNA of type II collagen (and prevalence of the IIB type) and with high IL-1-induced suppression of proteoglycan synthesis. Like intact murine articular cartilage, all cell lines produced type I and type X collagens, but mRNA levels of both types of collagen were never higher in the cell lines as compared with intact cartilage.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that it is possible to immortalize mature murine articular chondrocytes. Each of the obtained chondrocyte cell lines appeared to have a stable phenotype. Both relatively differentiated and relatively dedifferentiated chondrocyte cell lines could be identified.

Maintenance of differentiated phenotype of articular chondrocytes by protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase

The differentiated phenotype of chondrocyte is rapidly lost during in vitro culture by a process designated "dedifferentiation." In this study, we investigate the roles of protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) in the maintenance of the differentiated chondrocyte phenotype. Chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage underwent dedifferentiation upon serial monolayer culture with cessation of type II collagen expression and proteoglycan synthesis, which was reversed by culturing dedifferentiated cells in alginate gel. The expression pattern of PKC alpha was essentially the same as that of type II collagen during de- and redifferentiation, in that expression was decreased during dedifferentiation and increased during redifferentiation. In contrast to PKC alpha, ERK activity increased 15-fold during dedifferentiation. This enhanced activity was terminated during redifferentiation. Down-regulation of PKC alpha in passage 0 chondrocytes resulted in dedifferentiation. However, overexpression of PKC alpha did not affect type II collagen levels, suggesting that PKC alpha expression is not sufficient to maintain the differentiated phenotype. However, inhibition of ERK by PD98059 enhanced type II collagen expression and proteoglycan synthesis in passage 0 cells, retarded dedifferentiation during monolayer cultures, and reversed dedifferentiation caused by down-regulation of PKC. Unlike PKC-dependent ERK regulation of chondrogenesis, PKC and ERK independently modulated chondrocyte dedifferentiation, as confirmed by observations that PKC down-regulation and ERK inhibition did not alter ERK phosphorylation and PKC expression, respectively. In addition, expression of N-cadherin, alpha-catenin, and beta-catenin, which are oppositely regulated to type II collagen during phenotype alterations, were modulated by PKC and ERK during chondrogenesis but not dedifferentiation, supporting distinct mechanisms for the regulation of chondrocyte differentiation and maintenance of differentiated phenotype by these two protein kinases.

Signal-selectivity of parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide receptor-mediated regulation of differentiation in conditionally immortalized growth-plate chondrocytes

Type-1 PTH/PTH-related peptide receptors (PTH1Rs), which activate both adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C (PLC), control endochondral bone development by regulating chondrocyte differentiation. To directly analyze PTH1R function in such cells, we isolated conditionally transformed clonal chondrocytic cell lines from tibial growth plates of neonatal mice heterozygous for PTH1R gene ablation. Among 104 cell lines isolated, messenger RNAs for PTH1R, collagen II, and collagen X were detected in 28%, 90%, and 29%, respectively. These cell lines were morphologically diverse. Some appeared large, rounded, and enveloped by abundant extracellular matrix; whereas others were smaller, flattened, and elongated. Two PTH1R-expressing clones showed similar PTH1R binding and cAMP responsiveness to PTH and PTH-related peptide but disparate morphologic features, characteristic of hypertrophic (hC1--5) or nonhypertrophic (nhC2--27) chondrocytes, respectively. hC1--5 cells expressed messenger RNAs for collagen II and X, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and matrix GLA protein, whereas nhC2--27 cells expressed collagen II and Indian hedgehog but not collagen X or ALP. In hC1--5 cells, PTH and cAMP analog, but not phorbol ester, inhibited both ALP and mineralization. PTH1R-null hC1--5 subclones were isolated by in vitro selection and then reconstituted by stable transfection with wild-type PTH1Rs or mutant (DSEL) PTH1Rs defective in PLC activation. ALP and mineralization were inhibited similarly via both forms of the receptor. These results indicate that PLC activation is not required for PTH1R regulation of mineralization or ALP in hypertrophic chondrocytes and are consistent with a major role for cAMP in regulating differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes.

Proteoglycan production by immortalized human chondrocyte cell lines cultured under conditions that promote expression of the differentiated phenotype

Large and small proteoglycans are essential components of articular cartilage. How to induce chondrocytes to repair damaged cartilage with normal ratios of matrix components after their loss due to degenerative joint disease has been a major research focus. We have developed immortalized human chondrocyte cell lines for examining the regulation of cartilage-specific matrix gene expression. However, the decreased synthesis and deposition of cartilage matrix associated with a rapid rate of proliferation has presented difficulties for further examination at the protein level. In these studies, proteoglycan synthesis was characterized in two chondrocyte cell lines, T/C-28a2 and tsT/AC62, derived, respectively, from juvenile costal and adult articular cartilage, under culture conditions that either promoted or decreased cell proliferation. Analysis of proteo[36S]glycans by Sepharose CL-4B chromatography and SDS-PAGE showed that the large proteoglycan aggrecan and the small, leucine-rich proteoglycans, decorin and biglycan, were produced under every culture condition studied. In monolayer cultures, a high initial cell density and conditions that promoted proliferation (presence of serum for T/C-28a2 cells or permissive temperature for the temperature-sensitive tsT/AC62 cells) favored cell survival and ratios of proteoglycans expected for differentiated chondrocytes. However, the tsT/AC62 cells produced more proteoglycans at the nonpermissive temperature. Culture of cells suspended in alginate resulted in a significant decrease in proteoglycan production in all culture conditions. While the tsT/AC62 cells continued to produce a larger amount of aggrecan than small proteoglycans, the T/C-28a2 cells lost the ability to produce significant amounts of aggrecan in alginate culture. In addition, our data indicate that immortalized chondrocytes may alter their ability to retain pericellular matrix under changing culture conditions, although the production of the individual matrix components does not change. These findings provide critical information that will assist in the development of a reproducible chondrocyte culture model for the study of regulation of proteoglycan biosynthesis in cartilage.

Immortalized human adult articular chondrocytes maintain cartilage-specific phenotype and responses to interleukin-1beta

OBJECTIVE

To develop a reproducible immortalized human chondrocyte culture model for studying the regulation of chondrocyte functions relevant to arthritic diseases in adult humans.

METHODS

Primary adult articular chondrocytes were immortalized with a retrovirus expressing a temperature-sensitive mutant of SV40-large T antigen (tsTAg). The established tsT/AC62 chondrocyte cell line was examined in monolayer and alginate culture systems. The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding cartilage matrix proteins and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-inducible mRNA were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Matrix protein synthesis was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 35S-sulfate-labeled proteoglycans and Western blotting of type II collagen and aggrecan. Type II collagen (COL2A1)-luciferase reporter gene expression was analyzed by transient transfection. Phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2) were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The tsT/AC62 cells expressed TAg at the permissive temperature (32degrees C), and the loss of TAg at 37 degrees C and 39 degrees C correlated with decreased cell proliferation. Cells in alginate culture deposited abundant alcian blue-stainable matrix and continued to proliferate at 32 degrees C. Preferential retention of aggrecan was observed in the cell-associated matrix, while biglycan and decorin were secreted into the medium of monolayer and alginate cultures. The levels of COL2A1 and aggrecan mRNA were increased after transfer from monolayer to alginate culture at 32 degrees C. Treatment with IL-1beta decreased COL2A1 and aggrecan mRNA levels and increased the levels of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 13 mRNA, as well as those of cyclooxygenase 2, type I collagen, and secretory phospholipase A2 type IIA mRNA, but not those of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA. IL-1beta also stimulated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, SAPK/JNK, and ATF-2. The p38 MAPK-selective inhibitor, SB203580, partially reversed IL-1beta-induced inhibition of COL2A1 mRNA levels and COL2A1-luciferase reporter gene expression.

CONCLUSION

The tsT/AC62 cells provide a reproducible model that mimics the adult articular chondrocyte phenotype, particularly in alginate culture, and demonstrates characteristic responses to IL-1beta. These studies also show, for the first time, that p38 MAPK is one of the signals required for IL-1beta-induced inhibition of COL2A1 gene expression. Availability of this model will permit identification of signals that regulate cytokine responses, and will also provide rational strategies for targeting these pathways.

Deep zone articular chondrocytes in vitro express genes that show specific changes with mineralization

We have developed a method to form reconstituted mineralized articular cartilagenous tissue in vitro from isolated deep zone chondrocytes. The aim of this study was to characterize further these cultures prior to and during mineralization. Histologic examination of the cells up to 8 days in culture showed that the chondrocytes had formed cartilagenous tissue. Similar to the in vivo cartilage, the chondrocytes expressed aggrecan, types II, I, and X collagens, osteopontin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). No osteocalcin mRNA expression was detected in either the in vivo cartilage or in vitro-generated tissue. Addition of beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP) to the medium on day 5 induced mineralization and changes in gene expression. Expression of type X collagen, type II collagen, aggrecan core protein, and ALP were inhibited significantly between 2 h and 24 h after the addition of beta-GP. At 72 h, expression of these genes were still significantly depressed. These changes correlated with a decrease in collagen and proteoglycan synthesis, and ALP activity. Osteopontin expression increased within 8 h but returned to constitutive levels by 72 h. No change in type I collagen expression was detected. The changes in gene expression were not due to a direct effect of beta-GP itself, because similar gene changes occurred in the presence of phosphoethanolamine, another agent which induces mineralization. No changes in gene expression were seen in nonmineralizing cultures. In summary, articular chondrocytes grown on filter culture show expression of similar genes to the chondrocytes in the deep zone of articular cartilage and that changes in expression of specific genes were observed during tissue mineralization, suggesting that it is a suitable model to use to study the mechanism(s) regulating the localized mineralization of articular cartilage.

SV40 large T antigen expression driven by col2a1 regulatory sequences immortalizes articular chondrocytes but does not allow stabilization of type II collagen expression

Immortalization of chondrocytes by SV40 T Ag has often been reported to trigger the loss of expression of type II collagen, one of the main differentiation markers, although some immortalized chondrocyte lines maintaining a differentiated phenotype have also been described. Here, we show using transient cotransfections in differentiated chondrocytes that, in contrast to c-src, neither SV40 T Ag, nor c-myc, decreases col2a1 transcriptional activity. Then, we report the possibility of immortalizing rabbit articular chondrocytes by expression of SV40 T Ag controlled by the col2a1 promoter and enhancer (pCol2SV). This strategy allows one to select within a population of differentiated chondrocytes those which are able to maintain functional regulation of the col2a1 gene through long-term culture. In precrisis pCol2SV-transfected chondrocytes, all-trans-retinoic acid, a down-regulator of col2a1 expression, induced apoptosis, strongly suggesting the strict control of T Ag expression by col2a1 regulatory sequences. Some pCol2SV-transfected chondrocytes were definitively immortalized, after a short crisis period. However, type II collagen synthesis was restricted to a small proportion of cells, which went on to decrease with subculture, while the proportion of cells expressing T Ag was not affected. In these postcrisis cells, T Ag remained at least partially under the control of functional col2a1 regulatory elements as assessed by all-trans-retinoic acid down-regulation.

Expression of cartilage extracellular matrix and potential regulatory genes in a new human chondrosarcoma cell line

A human chondrosarcoma cell line has been established from an aggressive chondrosarcoma. The cells grow in a monolayer culture (doubling time: 2 days) and form aggregates. The aggregates consist of a rim of cells surrounding a hollow core. The cell line exhibits a unique pattern of mRNA expression with several molecules characteristic of the chondrocyte phenotype. Consistent with the chondrocyte phenotype, mRNAs encoding types IX and XI collagens were present along with an abundant expression of mRNAs encoding the core protein of the cartilage proteoglycans biglycan and aggrecan. No expression of mRNAs encoding types I or II fibrillar collagens or the proteoglycan decorin was observed. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of [35S]sulfate-radiolabeled material confirmed the translation of proteoglycans containing glycosaminoglycan chains. The expression of molecules that contribute to cartilage development and tumorigenesis was examined. The cell line produces abundant mRNA that encodes transforming growth factor-beta1, a member of a family of cartilage and bone inductive proteins. The expression of mRNA encoding two proteins associated specifically with chondrogenesis was detected: Cart-1, a homeobox protein involved in cartilage differentiation, and CD-RAP, a secreted molecule restricted under normal conditions to differentiating chondrocytes and cartilage. Overexpression of p53, a tumor-suppressor gene, was detected. DNA analysis revealed a loss of heterozygosity at the chromosomal locus encoding p53, with the deletion of one p53 allele and the mutation of the remaining allele in both the parent tumor and the cell line. The malignant chondrosarcoma phenotype may be related to the unique gene expression pattern that is characteristic in many ways of differentiating chondroblasts, as well as to the inactivation of the p53 function that could contribute to the proliferative capacity of the cell line. This cell line may serve as a biological model for further investigation of the etiology of human chondrosarcomas and for the synthesis and regulation of cartilage-specific genes.

Dedifferentiated chondrocytes cultured in alginate beads: restoration of the differentiated phenotype and of the metabolic responses to interleukin-1beta

Chondrocytes cultivated in monolayer rapidly divide and lose their morphological and biochemical characteristics, whereas they maintain their phenotype for long periods of time when they are cultivated in alginate beads. Because cartilage has a low cellularity and is difficult to obtain in large quantities, the number of available cells often becomes a limiting factor in studies of chondrocyte biology. Therefore, we explored the possibility of restoring the differentiated properties of chondrocytes by cultivating them in alginate beads after two multiplication passages in monolayer. This resulted in the reexpression of the two main markers of differentiated chondrocytes: Aggrecan and type II collagen gene expression was strongly reinduced from day 4 after alginate inclusion and paralleled protein expression. However, 2 weeks were necessary for total suppression of type I and III collagen synthesis, indicators of a modulated phenotype. Interleukin-1beta, a cytokine that is present in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients, induces many metabolic changes on the chondrocyte biology. Compared with cells in primary culture, the production of nitric oxide and 92-kDa gelatinase in response to interleukin-1beta was impaired in cells at passage 2 in monolayer but was fully recovered after their culture in alginate beads for 2 weeks. This suggests that the effects of interleukin-1beta on cartilage depend on the differentiation state of chondrocytes. This makes the culture in alginate beads a relevant model for the study of chondrocyte biology in the presence of interleukin-1beta and other mediators of cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthrosis.

Chondrocytes in culture produce a mechanically functional tissue

A mechanically testable tissue was grown in vitro from rabbit chondrocytes that were initially plated at high density (approximately 80,000 cells/cm2). The DNA, collagen, and proteoglycan content, as well as the tissue thickness, tensile stiffness, and synthesis rates, were measured at 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The biochemical properties were similar to those for immature cartilage, with predominantly type-II collagen produced; this indicated that the cells retained their chondrocytic phenotype. The tissue formed a coherent mechanical layer with testable tensile stiffness as early as 4 weeks. The tensile elastic modulus reached 1.3 MPa at 8 weeks, which is in the range of values for native cartilage from the midzone. Collagen density was approximately 24 mg/ml at 8 weeks, which is about one-half the value for native cartilage, and the collagen fibril diameters were smaller. Chondrocytes in culture responded to culture conditions and were stimulated by cytokine interleukin-1beta. When culture conditions were varied to RPMI nutrient medium with lower fetal bovine serum and higher ascorbic acid concentrations, the thickness decreased and the modulus increased significantly. Interleukin-1beta, added to the 8-week culture for 2 weeks, caused a decrease of 60% in thickness, a decrease of 81% in proteoglycan content, and a decrease of 31% in collagen content; this is similar to the response of cartilage explants to interleukin-1beta. This cartilage analog may be useful as a model system to study structure-function relationships in cartilage or as cartilage-replacement tissue.

Restoration of the differentiated functions of serially passaged chondrocytes using staurosporine

Among the various directions explored in order to have a large number of differentiated articular chondrocytes easily available, the restoration of the differentiated properties after cell multiplication in monolayer has been proposed. It has been clearly shown that the synthesis of cartilage proteoglycans and type II collagen synthesis is coincident with the presence of a faint microfibrillar architecture but is absent in chondrocytes showing well-defined actin cables. Staurosporin, mainly described as a protein kinase C inhibitor, has also been shown to rapidly induce the disruption of the actin microfilaments. The purpose of this paper was to investigate whether properties of differentiated chondrocytes were reinitiated upon staurosporin treatment of serially passaged chondrocytes. Results showed, after staurosporine treatment of cells at Passage two for 5 d, complete suppression of type I and type III collagen synthesis and induction of type II collagen synthesis and of Alcian blue stainable matrix. Additionally, we showed that staurosporin restored metabolic responses that chondrocytes in primary culture exhibit upon interleukin-1 beta treatment (decrease of Alcian blue- positive cells, induction of expression of the 92 kDa gelatinase, nitric oxide production). We conclude that staurosporin is a potent redifferentiating agent of articular chondrocytes that have been subcultured up to Passage two for multiplication. Taking into account that the cellularity of cartilage is very low, staurosporine-treated chondrocytes could be useful as an alternative cellular model to evaluate pharmacotoxicological effects of drugs.

The use of Fluoresceincadaverine for detecting amine acceptor protein substrates accessible to active transglutaminase in living cells

The use of Fluoresceincadaverine as a primary amine donor for detecting the endogenous substrates for active transglutaminase in living cells was studied. Fluoresceincadaverine was found to be suitable for labelling cells in culture as it did not induce cytotoxicity when used at 0.5 mM in culture media and diffused throughout the cell. After appropriate fixation using methanol, Fluoresceincadaverine-labelled cells were observed by direct fluorescence microscopy, allowing visualization of the substrates for active transglutaminase. Simultaneous detection of transglutaminase and of Fluoresceincadaverine incorporated into proteins strongly suggested that cytosolic transglutaminase was inactive in these living cells. However, transglutaminase co-distributed with Fluoresceincadaverine-labelled structures, which resembled a lattice. Fluoresceincadaverine-labelled proteins detected by Western blotting using an anti-Fluorescein antibody showed that, in living cells, the major transglutaminase substrate migrated at an apparent molecular weight of 220 kDa, as does fibronectin. Fibronectin was found to co-distribute with Fluoresceincadaverine-labelled lattice. This confirmed that these lattice structures were extracellular and, therefore, that transglutaminase is in an active form in this compartment. This opportunity to perform morphological and biochemical analyses in the search for transglutaminase substrates in living cells should help in determining the specific function of transglutaminases in a particular cell type as well as in universal cellular events, such as apoptosis or cell growth.

Characterization of a SV40-transformed rheumatoid synovial fibroblast cell line which retains genotypic expression patterns: a model for evaluation of anti-arthritic agents

A chimeric Adenovirus-Simian Virus 40 (AdSV40) containing the large T antigen was used to transform rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. A rheumatoid synovial fibroblast cell line was established by infection of primary rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts at Passage 10 with AdSV40 recombinants followed by selection in semisoft agarose cultures. The transformed cells grew anchor independent, exhibited continuous proliferation (> 65 passages) in monolayer culture, and formed multiple visible foci. The transformed synovial fibroblasts showed expression of the simian virus 40 large T antigen in the nucleus as determined by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, indirect immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the transformed cells stained specifically with a fibroblast-specific antibody 1B10. Studies involving expression of metalloproteinases showed that collagenase and stromelysin were induced by phorbal 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and such an induction was repressed by dexamethasone typical of primary RA fibroblasts. Levels of mRNAs for IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and c-jun were increased by PMA, and the mRNA transcripts of these genes were also repressed by addition of dexamethasone to the culture media. Our results indicate that transformed RA synovial fibroblasts display a similar gene expression pattern in response to PMA and dexamethasone as observed for untransformed primary RA synovial fibroblasts. These transformed rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cells provide an ideal cell culture model in which to test the efficacy of novel arthritis gene therapy reagents.

Establishment of a novel chondrocyte-like cell line derived from transgenic mice harboring the temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene

We established a clonal chondrocyte-like cell line (TC6, TC stands for large T immortalized chondrocyte-like cell line) derived from articular cartilage of transgenic mice harboring a temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene. TC6 cells exhibited spindle-like or polygonal morphology and grew well at 33 degrees C in alpha-minimal essential medium supplemented with 0.5% fetal bovine serum. After confluence, these cells formed nodules that were positive for staining with alcian blue. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that these cells expressed messenger RNAs (mRNA) of the genes encoding cartilage-specific proteins such as type II procollagen, link protein, and aggrecan. Furthermore, the expression of type II procollagen and link protein genes in TC6 cells was regulated by parathyroid hormone and basic fibroblast growth factor, suggesting the presence of the receptors for the hormone and cytokine. The expression of link protein mRNA in TC6 cells was regulated in a time-dependent manner and was enhanced in culture within a week and increased continuously up to 10-fold by the end of 4 weeks. Expression of mRNAs encoding type II procollagen and versican/PG-M also increased moderately during the culture period. TC6 cells expressed type I procollagen mRNA, however, its level declined along with time in culture in contrast to the enhancement of the genes encoding cartilage-specific molecules in these cells. Interestingly, alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression was barely detectable in the TC6 cells in their growing phase while it was enhanced dramatically more than 7-fold by day 14 in culture. These results indicate that the TC6 cells could serve as an excellent model for the studies on chondrocyte physiology.

Analysis of chondroprogenitor frequency and cartilage differentiation in a novel family of clonal chondrogenic rat cell lines

We have isolated through sequential steps of subcloning a series of normal clonal cell lines enriched for chondroprogenitors that undergo differentiation in vitro from progenitors to mature chondroblasts and chondrocytes forming three-dimensional cartilage nodules. In the parental chondroblast clone RCJ 3.1C5 (C5), differentiation and cartilage formation occurred without added hormones or growth factors, but chondrogenesis could be stimulated markedly in the presence of the glucocorticoid steroid Dexamethasone (Dex). Limiting dilution analysis indicated that greater than one in ten C5 cells plated was a chondroprogenitor capable of differentiating and forming a cartilage nodule in low density cultures, but chondrogenesis was down-regulated in higher density cultures. Dex elicited a greater stimulatory effect on cartilage nodule formation when C5 cells were plated at higher rather than lower densities. Since Dex also maintained the chondrogenic potential of C5 cells passaged repeatedly, we subcloned C5 in the presence of Dex. Eight of eleven subclones were chondrogenic and the frequency of chondroprogenitors capable of cartilage formation in isolated subclones ranged from lower to much higher than in the parental C5 clone. Both Dex-independent as well as Dex-dependent clones were identified, although long-term maintenance of the chondrocyte phenotype in all subclones required Dex. These data suggest that there are Dex-dependent and Dex-independent chondroprogenitor cells, that cell-cell interactions and/or local factors can modulate cartilage nodule formation and that Dex-responsive steps are involved in long-term maintenance of chondroprogenitors in vitro. Thus, this unique family of non-transformed, clonal chondrogenic cell lines provides a quantifiable, readily manipulatable system in which cartilage differentiation and metabolism can be assessed.

Type II transglutaminase expression in rabbit articular chondrocytes in culture: relation with cell differentiation, cell growth, cell adhesion and cell apoptosis

Depending on the cell type studied, the involvement of type II transglutaminase (TGase) has been proposed in almost any event of the cell life such as differentiation, apoptosis, growth, aging, cell morphology and adhesion, metastatic capacity or extracellular matrix stabilization. In order to define the field(s) where this enzyme may be implicated in chondrocytes, type II TGase expression was studied in chondrocytes at different passages which differentiated state was modulated by retinoic acid, dihydrocytochalasin B or staurosporin. Results showed that (i) type II TGase expression is not incompatible with type II collagen expression, a main marker of chondrocyte differentiation (ii) type II TGase expression is higher when cells are in the exponential phase of growth than when growth arrested (iii) a high type II TGase expression does not imply that cells are apoptotic although cell apoptosis correlates with increased type II TGase expression (iv) non-adherent cells do not express type II TGase whereas adherent cells do whatever their differentiation state as assessed by type II collagen synthesis. These results suggest that, in articular chondrocytes, type II TGase is specifically implicated in the cell adhesion capacity.

Establishment and characterization of two clonal cell lines derived from murine mandibular condyles

We have established two clonal cell lines, designated SM1/9 and SM25/3 from the mandibular condyles of newborn BALB/c mice by immortalization with the SV40 large T antigen. These cells have a high proliferative activity and have been maintained in culture for over 50 passages. They are polygonal in shape. Electron microscopic studies indicate an immature phenotype for both clones and a lack of prominent intracellular filaments typical of fibroblasts. SM25/3 demonstrates different biological properties as compared to SM1/9, it is tumourigenic in nude mice, has a faster growth rate and exhibits less differentiated features. Both cell lines have low constitutive levels of alkaline phosphatase, and the activity of this enzyme is increased significantly in a dose and confluency dependent manner by retinoic acid and 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3. The cells express transcripts for retinoic acid receptors mRAR-alpha and mRAR-gamma but not for mRAR-beta. They also express mRNA for the 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 receptor. They co-express transcripts for collagen types I, II, III. Expression of mRNA for extracellular matrix proteins such as biglycan, osteopontin, PAI-1 is detected. Cultured cells do not express mRNA for osteocalcin and this transcript is not inducible with 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 or retinoic acid. Chondrocyte markers such as link protein and aggrecan are not detected. In vitro assays indicate that the cell lines have a limited capacity for osteogenic or chondrogenic differentiation. Similarly agarose culture experiments and extended treatment with retinoic acid indicate that they do not resemble dedifferentiated chondrocytes. Both the cell lines appear to express a phenotype intermediate to osteoblasts and chondroblasts and possibly represent transitional differentiation stages of the progenitor cells of the mandibular condyle. These cells could serve as useful models in elucidating the pathways of early mesenchymal cell differentiation.

Transglutaminase activity in rabbit articular chondrocytes in culture

In vivo, articular chondrocytes produce an important amount of extracellular matrix (cartilage) whose quality is impaired upon inflammation or aging leading to arthritis or arthrosis. Transglutaminases (EC 2.3.2.13) are a family of enzymes which have been shown to be involved in extracellular matrix stabilization, cell differentiation and possibly in initiation and propagation of inflammatory diseases. It is therefore of interest to study transglutaminase activity in chondrocytes. Transglutaminase activity was studied in rabbit articular chondrocytes in primary culture, where cells are in a well-differentiated state as assessed by collagen-type synthesis, as well as in subculture and in retinoic acid-treated cells, where cells are in a dedifferentiated state. Results showed that two different TGases activities are expressed in chondrocytes. One, down-regulated upon retinoic acid treatment of cells, preferentially membrane bound and strongly activated upon trypsin treatment of cell lysates, is expressed at a high level in primary culture. The other one is up-regulated upon retinoic acid treatment, preferentially cytosolic and inactivated upon trypsin treatment of cell lysates. The rate of expression of the TGase down-regulated by RA seems to correlate with the differentiation state of the chondrocyte. This suggests that this TGase activity may have a physiological role in cartilage and merits further study.

Chondrocyte differentiation

Data obtained while investigating growth plate chondrocyte differentiation during endochondral bone formation both in vivo and in vitro indicate that initial chondrogenesis depends on positional signaling mediated by selected homeobox-containing genes and soluble mediators. Continuation of the process strongly relies on interactions of the differentiating cells with the microenvironment, that is, other cells and extracellular matrix. Production of and response to different hormones and growth factors are observed at all times and autocrine and paracrine cell stimulations are key elements of the process. Particularly relevant is the role of the TGF-beta superfamily, and more specifically of the BMP subfamily. Other factors include retinoids, FGFs, GH, and IGFs, and perhaps transferrin. The influence of local microenvironment might also offer an acceptable settlement to the debate about whether hypertrophic chondrocytes convert to bone cells and live, or remain chondrocytes and die. We suggest that the ultimate fate of hypertrophic chondrocytes may be different at different microanatomical sites.

Human COL2A1-directed SV40 T antigen expression in transgenic and chimeric mice results in abnormal skeletal development

The ability of SV40 T antigen to cause abnormalities in cartilage development in transgenic mice and chimeras has been tested. The cis-regulatory elements of the COL2A1 gene were used to target expression of SV40 T antigen to differentiating chondrocytes in transgenic mice and chimeras derived from embryonal stem (ES) cells bearing the same transgene. The major phenotypic consequences of transgenic (pAL21) expression are malformed skeleton, disproportionate dwarfism, and perinatal/neonatal death. Expression of T antigen was tissue specific and in the main characteristic of the mouse alpha 1(II) collagen gene. Chondrocyte densities and levels of alpha 1(II) collagen mRNAs were reduced in the transgenic mice. Islands of cells which express cartilage characteristic genes such as type IIB procollagen, long form alpha 1(IX) collagen, alpha 2(XI) collagen, and aggrecan were found in the articular and growth cartilages of pAL21 chimeric fetuses and neonates. But these cells, which were expressing T antigen, were not properly organized into columns of proliferating chondrocytes. Levels of alpha 1(II) collagen mRNA were reduced in these chondrocytes. In addition, these cells did not express type X collagen, a marker for hypertrophic chondrocytes. The skeletal abnormality in pAL21 mice may therefore be due to a retardation of chondrocyte maturation or an impaired ability of chondrocytes to complete terminal differentiation and an associated paucity of some cartilage matrix components.

Interleukin-1 beta-modulated gene expression in immortalized human chondrocytes

Immortalized human chondrocytes were established by transfection of primary cultures of juvenile costal chondrocytes with vectors encoding simian virus 40 large T antigen and selection in suspension culture over agarose. Stable cell lines were generated that exhibited chondrocyte morphology, continuous proliferative capacity (> 80 passages) in monolayer culture in serum-containing medium, and expression of mRNAs encoding chondrocyte-specific collagens II, IX, and XI and proteoglycans in an insulin-containing serum substitute. They did not express type X collagen or versican mRNA. These cells synthesized and secreted extracellular matrix molecules that were reactive with monoclonal antibodies against type II collagen, large proteoglycan (PG-H, aggrecan), and chondroitin-4- and chondroitin-6-sulfate. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) decreased the levels of type II collagen mRNA and increased the levels of mRNAs for collagenase, stromelysin, and immediate early genes (egr-1, c-fos, c-jun, and jun-B). These cell lines also expressed reporter gene constructs containing regulatory sequences (-577/+3,428 bp) of the type II collagen gene (COL2A1) in transient transfection experiments, and IL-1 beta suppressed this expression by 50-80%. These results show that immortalized human chondrocytes displaying cartilage-specific modulation by IL-1 beta can be used as a model for studying normal and pathological repair mechanisms.

Preliminary characterization of a transformed cell strain derived from human trabecular meshwork

Cells isolated from the trabecular meshwork (TM) of a male glaucoma patient were transformed by transfection with an origin defective mutant of SV40 virus. Transformation dramatically increased the growth rate of these cells (designated HTM-3 cells), allowing biochemical and pharmacological characterization. The HTM-3 cells had cytoskeletal components that were reported to be present in TM tissue and non-transformed TM cells. Vimentin, tubulin and smooth muscle specific alpha-actin, but not desmin, were localized in these cells by immunocytochemistry. The extracellular matrix components collagen types I, III and IV, fibronectin and laminin were found in HTM-3 cells as well as their non-transformed parental cells. As predicted, the protein profile of the HTM-3 cells revealed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was different from that of the non-transformed cells, probably due to the enhanced growth characteristics of these cells. Furthermore, HTM-3 cells had various intracellular second messenger systems that responded to pharmacological agents. Forskolin, prostaglandin E2, beta-adrenergic and adenosine A2 agonists stimulated the adenylyl cyclase in these cells, whereas muscarinic, serotonergic, dopaminergic and other agonists were ineffective. Sodium nitroprusside increased the intracellular concentration of cGMP, demonstrating the presence of a functional guanylyl cyclase. Phospholipase C activity in these cells was also detected. Muscarinic agonists, histamine and bradykinin, but not adrenergic, serotonergic agonists or prostaglandins, increased phosphoinositide turnover. These drug responses of HTM-3 cells agree with published data on primary TM cells and TM tissues, suggesting that the transformed cells may be a valid substitute for certain pharmacological studies of TM.

Stable murine chondrogenic cell lines derived from c-fos-induced cartilage tumors

This study describes the detailed characterization of four murine chondrogenic cell lines (wT2-1, wT2-7, wT2-8, and wT2-9) that were isolated from a cartilage tumor induced by the protooncogene c-fos in chimeric mice. All cell lines are clonal and display a fibroblastic morphology with a doubling time of 1-2 days. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that in addition to expressing high levels of exogenous c-fos, all clones express varying levels of the cartilage marker gene type II collagen in addition to type I collagen. The clones also expressed high levels of the AP-1 genes c-jun and fra-1. The doubling times of these clones did not change over a period of 14 months in culture. Most importantly, however, expression of type II collagen was maintained in all cell lines for 8 months in culture, and two cell lines maintained type II collagen expression when analyzed after 14 months. Interestingly, type I collagen expression was lost after long-term culture. Following injection into syngeneic and nude mice, all cell lines formed tumors containing areas with the morphologic appearance of hyaline cartilage, indicating that these cell lines are chondrogenic. Thus, these stable murine chondrogenic cell lines provide a useful tool for studying the transcriptional control of cartilage-specific gene expression, as well as the growth control of chondrogenic cells.

Expression of simian virus 40 large T (tumor) oncogene in mouse chondrocytes induces cell proliferation without loss of the differentiated phenotype

We have infected primary embryonic mouse limb chondrocytes with a retrovirus carrying simian virus 40 early regions and have obtained a monoclonal mouse chondrocyte line, MC615, that was able to grow on culture dishes for at least 7 months and 20 passages. MC615 cells show expression of simian virus 40 large T (tumor) antigen and express markers characteristic of cartilage in vivo, such as types II, IX, and XI collagen, as well as cartilage aggrecan and link protein. These data show that cell growth induced by large T oncogene expression does not prevent the maintenance of the chondrocytic phenotype.