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Mark Kim MK, Lawrence M, Quinonez D, Brooks C, Ramachandran R, Séguin CA. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 regulates extracellular matrix composition and mediates load-induced intervertebral disc degeneration in a mouse model. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2024; 32:881-894. [PMID: 38604493 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a multi-modally activated cation channel that mediates mechanotransduction pathways by which musculoskeletal tissues respond to mechanical load and regulate tissue health. Using conditional Trpv4 knockout mice, we investigated the role of Trpv4 in regulating intervertebral disc (IVD) health and injury-induced IVD degeneration. METHODS Col2-Cre;Trpv4fl/f (Trpv4 KO) mice were used to knockout Trpv4 in all type 2 collagen-expressing cells. Effects of gene targeting alone was assessed in lumbar spines, using vertebral bone length measurement, histological, immunohistochemistry and gene expression analyses, and mechanical testing. Disc puncture was performed on caudal IVDs of wild-type (WT) and Trpv4 KO mice at 2.5- and 6.5-months-of-age. Six weeks after puncture (4- and 8-months-of-age at sacrifice), caudal spines were assessed using histological analyses. RESULTS While loss of Trpv4 did not significantly alter vertebral bone length and tissue histomorphology compared to age-matched WT mice, Trpv4 KO mice showed decreased proteoglycan and PRG4 staining in the annulus fibrosus compared to WT. At the gene level, Trpv4 KO mice showed significantly increased expression of Acan, Bgn, and Prg4 compared to WT. Functionally, loss of Trpv4 was associated with significantly increased neutral zone length in lumbar IVDs. Following puncture, both Trpv4 KO and WT mice showed similar signs of degeneration at the site of injury. Interestingly, loss of Trpv4 prevented mechanically-induced degeneration in IVDs adjacent to sites of injury. CONCLUSION These studies suggest a role for Trpv4 in regulating extracellular matrix synthesis and mediating the response of IVD tissues to mechanical stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyu Mark Kim
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Lawrence
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diana Quinonez
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Courtney Brooks
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rithwik Ramachandran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryle A Séguin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Tan Z, Chen P, Dong X, Guo S, Leung VYL, Cheung JPY, Chan D, Richardson SM, Hoyland JA, To MKT, Cheah KSE. Progenitor-like cells contributing to cellular heterogeneity in the nucleus pulposus are lost in intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114342. [PMID: 38865240 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114342] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleus pulposus (NP) in the intervertebral disc (IVD) arises from embryonic notochord. Loss of notochordal-like cells in humans correlates with onset of IVD degeneration, suggesting that they are critical for healthy NP homeostasis and function. Comparative transcriptomic analyses identified expression of progenitor-associated genes (GREM1, KRT18, and TAGLN) in the young mouse and non-degenerated human NP, with TAGLN expression reducing with aging. Lineage tracing using Tagln-CreERt2 mice identified peripherally located proliferative NP (PeriNP) cells in developing and postnatal NP that provide a continuous supply of cells to the entire NP. PeriNP cells were diminished in aged mice and absent in puncture-induced degenerated discs. Single-cell transcriptomes of postnatal Tagln-CreERt2 IVD cells indicate enrichment for TGF-β signaling in Tagln descendant NP sub-populations. Notochord-specific removal of TGF-β/BMP mediator Smad4 results in loss of Tagln+ cells and abnormal NP morphologies. We propose Tagln+ PeriNP cells are potential progenitors crucial for NP homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peikai Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Lab, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaonan Dong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Victor Y L Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason P Y Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen M Richardson
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Michael K T To
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathryn S E Cheah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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3
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Chen M, Li F, Qu M, Jin X, He T, He S, Chen S, Yao Q, Wang L, Chen D, Wu X, Xiao G. Pip5k1γ promotes anabolism of nucleus pulposus cells and intervertebral disc homeostasis by activating CaMKII-Ampk pathway in aged mice. Aging Cell 2024:e14237. [PMID: 38840443 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14237] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) represents a significant global health challenge, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of type 1 phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (Pip5k1) in intervertebral disc (IVD) homeostasis and disease. All three Pip5k1 isoforms, namely Pip5k1α, Pip5k1β, and Pip5k1γ, were detectable in mouse and human IVD tissues, with Pip5k1γ displaying a highest expression in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. The expression of Pip5k1γ was significantly down-regulated in the NP cells of aged mice and patients with severe DDD. To determine whether Pip5k1γ expression is required for disc homeostasis, we generated a Pip5k1γfl/fl; AggrecanCreERT2 mouse model for the conditional knockout of the Pip5k1γ gene in aggrecan-expressing IVD cells. Our findings revealed that the conditional deletion of Pip5k1γ did not affect the disc structure or cellular composition in 5-month-old adult mice. However, in aged (15-month-old) mice, this deletion led to several severe degenerative disc defects, including decreased NP cellularity, spontaneous fibrosis and cleft formation, and a loss of the boundary between NP and annulus fibrosus. At the molecular level, the absence of Pip5k1γ reduced the anabolism of NP cells without markedly affecting their catabolic or anti-catabolic activities. Moreover, the loss of Pip5k1γ significantly dampened the activation of the protective Ampk pathway in NP cells, thereby accelerating NP cell senescence. Notably, Pip5k1γ deficiency blunted the effectiveness of metformin, a potent Ampk activator, in activating the Ampk pathway and mitigating lumbar spine instability (LSI)-induced disc lesions in mice. Overall, our study unveils a novel role for Pip5k1γ in promoting anabolism and maintaining disc homeostasis, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for DDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjue Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feiyun Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Minghao Qu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaowan Jin
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tailin He
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuangshuang He
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Di Chen
- Research Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohao Wu
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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4
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Song C, Hu P, Peng R, Li F, Fang Z, Xu Y. Bioenergetic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration. Pharmacol Res 2024; 202:107119. [PMID: 38417775 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a frequent cause of low back pain and is the most common cause of disability. Treatments for symptomatic IVD degeneration, including conservative treatments such as analgesics, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and surgeries, are aimed at alleviating neurological symptoms. However, there are no effective treatments to prevent or delay IVD degeneration. Previous studies have identified risk factors for IVD degeneration such as aging, inflammation, genetic factors, mechanical overload, nutrient deprivation and smoking, but metabolic dysfunction has not been highlighted. IVDs are the largest avascular structures in the human body and determine the hypoxic and glycolytic features of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that intracellular metabolic dysfunction is associated with IVD degeneration, but a comprehensive review is lacking. Here, by reviewing the physiological features of IVDs, pathological processes and metabolic changes associated with IVD degeneration and the functions of metabolic genes in IVDs, we highlight that glycolytic pathway and intact mitochondrial function are essential for IVD homeostasis. In degenerated NPs, glycolysis and mitochondrial function are downregulated. Boosting glycolysis such as HIF1α overexpression protects against IVD degeneration. Moreover, the correlations between metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and IVD degeneration and their underlying molecular mechanisms are discussed. Hyperglycemia in diabetic diseases leads to cell senescence, the senescence-associated phenotype (SASP), apoptosis and catabolism of extracellualr matrix in IVDs. Correcting the global metabolic disorders such as insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonist administration is beneficial for diabetes associated IVD degeneration. Overall, we summarized the recent progress of investigations on metabolic contributions to IVD degeneration and provide a new perspective that correcting metabolic dysfunction may be beneficial for treating IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Peixuan Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Renpeng Peng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Zhong Fang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.
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5
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Couasnay G, Garcia H, Elefteriou F. A comparative analysis of TonEBP conditional knockout mouse models reveals inter-dependency between compartments of the intervertebral disc. Development 2024; 151:dev202354. [PMID: 38421307 PMCID: PMC11006390 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202354] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between notochord and sclerotome are required for normal embryonic spine patterning, but whether the postnatal derivatives of these tissues also require interactions for postnatal intervertebral disc (IVD) growth and maintenance is less established. We report here the comparative analysis of four conditional knockout mice deficient for TonEBP, a transcription factor known to allow cells to adapt to changes in extracellular osmotic pressure, in specific compartments of the IVD. We show that TonEBP deletion in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells does not affect their survival or aggrecan expression, but promoted cell proliferation in the NP and in adjacent vertebral growth plates (GPs). In cartilage end plates/GPs, TonEBP deletion induced cell death, but also structural alterations in the adjacent NP cells and vertebral bodies. Embryonic or postnatal TonEBP loss generated similar IVD changes. In addition to demonstrating the requirement of TonEBP in the different compartments of the IVD, this comparative analysis uncovers the in vivo interdependency of the different IVD compartments during the growth of the postnatal IVD-vertebral units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greig Couasnay
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haley Garcia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Florent Elefteriou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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6
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Zhang L, Hu S, Xiu C, Li M, Zheng Y, Zhang R, Li B, Chen J. Intervertebral disc-intrinsic Hedgehog signaling maintains disc cell phenotypes and prevents disc degeneration through both cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:74. [PMID: 38308696 PMCID: PMC10838248 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05106-x] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is closely related to abnormal phenotypic changes in disc cells. However, the mechanism by which disc cell phenotypes are maintained remains poorly understood. Here, Hedgehog-responsive cells were found to be specifically localized in the inner annulus fibrosus and cartilaginous endplate of postnatal discs, likely activated by Indian Hedgehog. Global inhibition of Hedgehog signaling using a pharmacological inhibitor or Agc1-CreERT2-mediated deletion of Smo in disc cells of juvenile mice led to spontaneous degenerative changes in annulus fibrosus and cartilaginous endplate accompanied by aberrant disc cell differentiation in adult mice. In contrast, Krt19-CreER-mediated deletion of Smo specifically in nucleus pulposus cells led to healthy discs and normal disc cell phenotypes. Similarly, age-related degeneration of nucleus pulposus was accelerated by genetic inactivation of Hedgehog signaling in all disc cells, but not in nucleus pulposus cells. Furthermore, inactivation of Gli2 in disc cells resulted in partial loss of the vertebral growth plate but otherwise healthy discs, whereas deletion of Gli3 in disc cells largely corrected disc defects caused by Smo ablation in mice. Taken together, our findings not only revealed for the first time a direct role of Hedgehog-Gli3 signaling in maintaining homeostasis and cell phenotypes of annuls fibrosus and cartilaginous endplate, but also identified disc-intrinsic Hedgehog signaling as a novel non-cell-autonomous mechanism to regulate nucleus pulposus cell phenotype and protect mice from age-dependent nucleus pulposus degeneration. Thus, targeting Hedgehog signaling may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
- Orthopedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Siyuan Hu
- Orthopedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunmei Xiu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Li
- Orthopedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yixin Zheng
- Orthopedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Orthopedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China.
- Orthopedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jianquan Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China.
- Orthopedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
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7
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Wu X, Chen M, Lin S, Chen S, Gu J, Wu Y, Qu M, Gong W, Yao Q, Li H, Zou X, Chen D, Xiao G. Loss of Pinch Proteins Causes Severe Degenerative Disc Disease-Like Lesions in Mice. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1818-1833. [PMID: 37196110 PMCID: PMC10529740 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most common skeletal disorders affecting aged populations. DDD is the leading cause of low back/neck pain, resulting in disability and huge socioeconomic burdens. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DDD initiation and progression remain poorly understood. Pinch1 and Pinch2 are LIM-domain-containing proteins with crucial functions in mediating multiple fundamental biological processes, such as focal adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, cell proliferation, migration, and survival. In this study, we found that Pinch1 and Pinch2 were both highly expressed in healthy intervertebral discs (IVDs) and dramatically downregulated in degenerative IVDs in mice. Deleting Pinch1 in aggrecan-expressing cells and Pinch2 globally (AggrecanCreERT2; Pinch1fl/fl; Pinch2-/-) caused striking spontaneous DDD-like lesions in lumbar IVDs in mice. Pinch loss inhibited cell proliferation and promoted extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and apoptosis in lumbar IVDs. Pinch loss markedly enhanced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially TNFα, in lumbar IVDs and exacerbated instability-induced DDD defects in mice. Pharmacological inhibition of TNFα signaling mitigated the DDD-like lesions caused by Pinch loss. In human degenerative NP samples, reduced expression of Pinch proteins was correlated with severe DDD progression and a markedly upregulated expression of TNFα. Collectively, we demonstrate the crucial role of Pinch proteins in maintaining IVD homeostasis and define a potential therapeutic target for DDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Mingjue Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Sixiong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Jingliang Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Yuchen Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Minghao Qu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Weiyuan Gong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Qing Yao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Huiping Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xuenong Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Di Chen
- Research Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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8
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Zhou T, Chen Y, Liao Z, Zhang L, Su D, Li Z, Yang X, Ke X, Liu H, Chen Y, Weng R, Shen H, Xu C, Wan Y, Xu R, Su P. Spatiotemporal Characterization of Human Early Intervertebral Disc Formation at Single-Cell Resolution. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206296. [PMID: 36965031 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) acts as a fibrocartilaginous joint to anchor adjacent vertebrae. Although several studies have demonstrated the cellular heterogeneity of adult mature IVDs, a single-cell transcriptomic atlas mapping early IVD formation is still lacking. Here, the authors generate a spatiotemporal and single cell-based transcriptomic atlas of human IVD formation at the embryonic stage and a comparative mouse transcript landscape. They identify two novel human notochord (NC)/nucleus pulposus (NP) clusters, SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10)+ and cathepsin K (CTSK)+ , that are distributed in the early and late stages of IVD formation and they are validated by lineage tracing experiments in mice. Matrisome NC/NP clusters, T-box transcription factor T (TBXT)+ and CTSK+ , are responsible for the extracellular matrix homeostasis. The IVD atlas suggests that a subcluster of the vertebral chondrocyte subcluster might give rise to an inner annulus fibrosus of chondrogenic origin, while the fibroblastic outer annulus fibrosus preferentially expresseds transgelin and fibromodulin . Through analyzing intercellular crosstalk, the authors further find that notochordal secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is a novel cue in the IVD microenvironment, and it is associated with IVD development and degeneration. In conclusion, the single-cell transcriptomic atlas will be leveraged to develop preventative and regenerative strategies for IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taifeng Zhou
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhiheng Liao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Long Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Deying Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics and State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhuling Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiaona Ke
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hengyu Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuyu Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ricong Weng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Huimin Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Caixia Xu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ren Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Peiqiang Su
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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9
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Lu Z, Chen P, Xu Q, Li B, Jiang S, Jiang L, Zheng X. Constitutive and conditional gene knockout mice for the study of intervertebral disc degeneration: Current status, decision considerations, and future possibilities. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1242. [PMID: 36994464 PMCID: PMC10041386 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been an increasing number of patients with degenerative disc diseases due to the aging population. In light of this, studies on the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration have become a hot topic, and gene knockout mice have become a valuable tool in this field of research. With the development of science and technology, constitutive gene knockout mice can be constructed using homologous recombination, zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator-like effector nuclease technology and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system, and conditional gene knockout mice can be constructed using the Cre/LoxP system. The gene-edited mice using these techniques have been widely used in the studies on disc degeneration. This paper reviews the development process and principles of these technologies, functions of the edited genes in disc degeneration, advantages, and disadvantages of different methods and possible targets of the specific Cre recombinase in intervertebral discs. Recommendations for the choice of suitable gene-edited model mice are presented. At the same time, possible technological improvements in the future are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze‐Yu Lu
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Peng‐Bo Chen
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Qing‐Yin Xu
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Bo Li
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Sheng‐Dan Jiang
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Lei‐Sheng Jiang
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Xin‐Feng Zheng
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
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10
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Yang YH, Gu XP, Hu H, Hu B, Wan XL, Gu ZP, Zhong SJ. Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis, inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation via the YAP1/TAZ pathway in rats with intervertebral disc degeneration. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:555. [PMID: 36539815 PMCID: PMC9768949 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03443-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the main causes of low back pain, which not only affects patients' life quality, but also places a great burden on the public health system. Recently, ginsenoside Rg1 has been found to act in IDD; however, the mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the function of ginsenoside Rg1 and its molecular mechanism in IDD. METHODS The rat model of IDD and nucleus pulposus (NP) experimental groups treated with ginsenoside Rg1 was constructed for investing the role of ginsenoside Rg1 in IDD rats. In the in vitro and in vivo study, the histological morphological changes, motor threshold (MT), inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, apoptosis and expression of the YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway-related proteins of the intervertebral discs (IVD) were measured by histological staining, mechanical and thermal stimulation, ELISA, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and western blot, respectively. RESULTS Ginsenoside Rg1 significantly increased the threshold for mechanical and thermal stimulation and alleviated histological changes in IDD rats. Ginsenoside Rg1 had a significant inhibitory effect on the secretion level of inflammatory factors, redox activity, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in IVD tissue and NP cells, and apoptosis in NP cells. Further investigation revealed that ginsenoside Rg1 significantly inhibited the expression of YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway-related proteins. Additionally, the above inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on IDD progression was concentration-dependent, that is, the highest concentration of ginsenoside Rg1 was most effective. CONCLUSION Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits IDD progression by suppressing the activation of YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway. This means that ginsenoside Rg1 has the potential to treat IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-hua Yang
- grid.460061.5The Third Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, 332000 Jiangxi China
| | - Xiao-peng Gu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhoushan Guhechuan Bone Injury Hospital, Zhoushan,, 316101 Zhejiang China
| | - Hong Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhoushan Guhechuan Bone Injury Hospital, Zhoushan,, 316101 Zhejiang China
| | - Bin Hu
- grid.460061.5The Third Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, 332000 Jiangxi China
| | - Xiang-lian Wan
- grid.460061.5The Nursing Department, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, 332000 Jiangxi China
| | - Zhi-ping Gu
- grid.460061.5The Third Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, 332000 Jiangxi China
| | - Shao-jin Zhong
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Pharmaceutical Department, Orthopedics and Diabetes Hospital in Haikou, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Haikou, 570311 Hainan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Pharmaceutical Department, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, 570208 Hainan China
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11
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Iwahashi S, Lyu J, Tokumura K, Osumi R, Hiraiwa M, Kubo T, Horie T, Demura S, Kawakami N, Saito T, Park G, Fukasawa K, Iezaki T, Suzuki A, Tomizawa A, Ochi H, Hojo H, Ohba S, Hinoi E. Conditional inactivation of the L-type amino acid transporter LAT1 in chondrocytes models idiopathic scoliosis in mice. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:4292-4302. [PMID: 36161979 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Scoliosis, usually diagnosed in childhood and early adolescence, is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), encoded by solute carrier transporter 7a5 (Slc7a5), plays a crucial role in amino acid sensing and signaling in specific cell types. We previously demonstrated the pivotal role of LAT1 on bone homeostasis in mice, and the expression of LAT1/SLC7A5 in vertebral cartilage of pediatric scoliosis patients; however, its role in chondrocytes on spinal homeostasis and implications regarding the underlying mechanisms during the onset and progression of scoliosis, remain unknown. Here, we identified LAT1 in mouse chondrocytes as an important regulator of postnatal spinal homeostasis. Conditional inactivation of LAT1 in chondrocytes resulted in a postnatal-onset severe thoracic scoliosis at the early adolescent stage with normal embryonic spinal development. Histological analyses revealed that Slc7a5 deletion in chondrocytes led to general disorganization of chondrocytes in the vertebral growth plate, along with an increase in apoptosis and a decrease in cell proliferation. Furthermore, loss of Slc7a5 in chondrocytes activated the general amino acid control (GAAC) pathway but inactivated the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway in the vertebrae. The spinal deformity in Slc7a5-deficient mice was corrected by genetic inactivation of the GAAC pathway, but not by genetic activation of the mTORC1 pathway. These findings suggest that the LAT1-GAAC pathway in chondrocytes plays a critical role in the maintenance of proper spinal homeostasis by modulating cell proliferation and survivability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuki Iwahashi
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Jiajun Lyu
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kazuya Tokumura
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Ryoma Osumi
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Manami Hiraiwa
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takuya Kubo
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Horie
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoru Demura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Noriaki Kawakami
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital, Ichinomiya, Japan
| | - Taku Saito
- Sensory and Motor System Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gyujin Park
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kazuya Fukasawa
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Iezaki
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akane Suzuki
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akane Tomizawa
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ochi
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hironori Hojo
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ohba
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Eiichi Hinoi
- Department of Bioactive Molecules, Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.,United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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12
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Wang D, Peng P, Dudek M, Hu X, Xu X, Shang Q, Wang D, Jia H, Wang H, Gao B, Zheng C, Mao J, Gao C, He X, Cheng P, Wang H, Zheng J, Hoyland JA, Meng QJ, Luo Z, Yang L. Restoring the dampened expression of the core clock molecule BMAL1 protects against compression-induced intervertebral disc degeneration. Bone Res 2022; 10:20. [PMID: 35217644 PMCID: PMC8881495 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-022-00187-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock participates in maintaining homeostasis in peripheral tissues, including intervertebral discs (IVDs). Abnormal mechanical loading is a known risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Based on the rhythmic daily loading pattern of rest and activity, we hypothesized that abnormal mechanical loading could dampen the IVD clock, contributing to IDD. Here, we investigated the effects of abnormal loading on the IVD clock and aimed to inhibit compression-induced IDD by targeting the core clock molecule brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (BMAL1). In this study, we showed that BMAL1 KO mice exhibit radiographic features similar to those of human IDD and that BMAL1 expression was negatively correlated with IDD severity by systematic analysis based on 149 human IVD samples. The intrinsic circadian clock in the IVD was dampened by excessive loading, and BMAL1 overexpression by lentivirus attenuated compression-induced IDD. Inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway by Y-27632 or melatonin attenuated the compression-induced decrease in BMAL1 expression. Finally, the two drugs partially restored BMAL1 expression and alleviated IDD in a diurnal compression model. Our results first show that excessive loading dampens the circadian clock of nucleus pulposus tissues via the RhoA/ROCK pathway, the inhibition of which potentially protects against compression-induced IDD by preserving BMAL1 expression. These findings underline the importance of the circadian clock for IVD homeostasis and provide a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Pandi Peng
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China.,Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710068, People's Republic of China
| | - Michal Dudek
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Xueyu Hu
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiliang Shang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoruo Jia
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Gao
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Mao
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Chu Gao
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Medicine Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengzhen Cheng
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanbo Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianmin Zheng
- Radiology Department, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Qing-Jun Meng
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Zhuojing Luo
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China. .,Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710068, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liu Yang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China. .,Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710068, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Couasnay G, Madel MB, Lim J, Lee B, Elefteriou F. Sites of Cre-recombinase activity in mouse lines targeting skeletal cells. J Bone Miner Res 2021; 36:1661-1679. [PMID: 34278610 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Cre/Lox system is a powerful tool in the biologist's toolbox, allowing loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies, as well as lineage tracing, through gene recombination in a tissue-specific and inducible manner. Evidence indicates, however, that Cre transgenic lines have a far more nuanced and broader pattern of Cre activity than initially thought, exhibiting "off-target" activity in tissues/cells other than the ones they were originally designed to target. With the goal of facilitating the comparison and selection of optimal Cre lines to be used for the study of gene function, we have summarized in a single manuscript the major sites and timing of Cre activity of the main Cre lines available to target bone mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteocytes, tenocytes, and osteoclasts, along with their reported sites of "off-target" Cre activity. We also discuss characteristics, advantages, and limitations of these Cre lines for users to avoid common risks related to overinterpretation or misinterpretation based on the assumption of strict cell-type specificity or unaccounted effect of the Cre transgene or Cre inducers. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Greig Couasnay
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Joohyun Lim
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brendan Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Florent Elefteriou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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14
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Liu Z, Hussien AA, Wang Y, Heckmann T, Gonzalez R, Karner CM, Snedeker JG, Gray RS. An adhesion G protein-coupled receptor is required in cartilaginous and dense connective tissues to maintain spine alignment. eLife 2021; 10:67781. [PMID: 34318745 PMCID: PMC8328515 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spine disorder affecting children worldwide, yet little is known about the pathogenesis of this disorder. Here, we demonstrate that genetic regulation of structural components of the axial skeleton, the intervertebral discs, and dense connective tissues (i.e., ligaments and tendons) is essential for the maintenance of spinal alignment. We show that the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor ADGRG6, previously implicated in human AIS association studies, is required in these tissues to maintain typical spine alignment in mice. Furthermore, we show that ADGRG6 regulates biomechanical properties of tendon and stimulates CREB signaling governing gene expression in cartilaginous tissues of the spine. Treatment with a cAMP agonist could mirror aspects of receptor function in culture, thus defining core pathways for regulating these axial cartilaginous and connective tissues. As ADGRG6 is a key gene involved in human AIS, these findings open up novel therapeutic opportunities for human scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
| | - Amro A Hussien
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yunjia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States.,Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Terry Heckmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States
| | - Roberto Gonzalez
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States
| | - Courtney M Karner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Jess G Snedeker
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ryan S Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
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15
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Fu F, Bao R, Yao S, Zhou C, Luo H, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Li Y, Yan S, Yu H, Du W, Yang Y, Jin H, Tong P, Sun ZT, Yue M, Chen D, Wu C, Ruan H. Aberrant spinal mechanical loading stress triggers intervertebral disc degeneration by inducing pyroptosis and nerve ingrowth. Sci Rep 2021; 11:772. [PMID: 33437038 PMCID: PMC7804398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80756-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant mechanical factor is one of the etiologies of the intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD). However, the exact molecular mechanism of spinal mechanical loading stress-induced IVDD has yet to be elucidated due to a lack of an ideal and stable IVDD animal model. The present study aimed to establish a stable IVDD mouse model and evaluated the effect of aberrant spinal mechanical loading on the pathogenesis of IVDD. Eight-week-old male mice were treated with lumbar spine instability (LSI) surgery to induce IVDD. The progression of IVDD was evaluated by μCT and Safranin O/Fast green staining analysis. The metabolism of extracellular matrix, ingrowth of sensory nerves, pyroptosis in IVDs tissues were determined by immunohistological or real-time PCR analysis. The apoptosis of IVD cells was tested by TUNEL assay. IVDD modeling was successfully produced by LSI surgery, with substantial reductions in IVD height, BS/TV, Tb.N. and lower IVD score. LSI administration led to the histologic change of disc degeneration, disruption of the matrix metabolism, promotion of apoptosis of IVD cells and invasion of sensory nerves into annulus fibrosus, as well as induction of pyroptosis. Moreover, LSI surgery activated Wnt signaling in IVD tissues. Mechanical instability caused by LSI surgery accelerates the disc matrix degradation, nerve invasion, pyroptosis, and eventually lead to IVDD, which provided an alternative mouse IVDD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangda Fu
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.,The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ronghua Bao
- Hangzhou Fuyang Hospital of TCM Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hangzhou, 311400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sai Yao
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.,The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengcong Zhou
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.,The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.,The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huihao Zhang
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.,The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Li
- The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuxin Yan
- The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.,Research Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.,The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weibin Du
- Research Institute of Orthopedics, the Affiliated JiangNan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311200, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanping Yang
- Longhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hongting Jin
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peijian Tong
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi-Tao Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ming Yue
- Department of Physiology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Di Chen
- Research Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chengliang Wu
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hongfeng Ruan
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China. .,Longhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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16
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Intervertebral Disc and Adipokine Leptin-Loves Me, Loves Me Not. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010375. [PMID: 33396484 PMCID: PMC7795371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin—the most famous adipose tissue-secreted hormone—in the human body is mostly observed in a negative connotation, as the hormone level increases with the accumulation of body fat. Nowadays, fatness is becoming another normal body shape. Fatness is burdened with numerous illnesses—including low back pain and degenerative disease of lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD). IVD degeneration and IVD inflammation are two indiscerptible phenomena. Irrespective of the underlying pathophysiological background (trauma, obesity, nutrient deficiency), the inflammation is crucial in triggering IVD degeneration. Leptin is usually depicted as a proinflammatory adipokine. Many studies aimed at explaining the role of leptin in IVD degeneration, though mostly in in vitro and on animal models, confirmed leptin’s “bad reputation”. However, several studies found that leptin might have protective role in IVD metabolism. This review examines the current literature on the metabolic role of different depots of adipose tissue, with focus on leptin, in pathogenesis of IVD degeneration.
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17
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Holland ND, Somorjai IML. Serial blockface SEM suggests that stem cells may participate in adult notochord growth in an invertebrate chordate, the Bahamas lancelet. EvoDevo 2020; 11:22. [PMID: 33088474 PMCID: PMC7568382 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-020-00167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The cellular basis of adult growth in cephalochordates (lancelets or amphioxus) has received little attention. Lancelets and their constituent organs grow slowly but continuously during adult life. Here, we consider whether this slow organ growth involves tissue-specific stem cells. Specifically, we focus on the cell populations in the notochord of an adult lancelet and use serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM) to reconstruct the three-dimensional fine structure of all the cells in a tissue volume considerably larger than normally imaged with this technique. Results In the notochordal region studied, we identified 10 cells with stem cell-like morphology at the posterior tip of the organ, 160 progenitor (Müller) cells arranged along its surface, and 385 highly differentiated lamellar cells constituting its core. Each cell type could clearly be distinguished on the basis of cytoplasmic density and overall cell shape. Moreover, because of the large sample size, transitions between cell types were obvious. Conclusions For the notochord of adult lancelets, a reasonable interpretation of our data indicates growth of the organ is based on stem cells that self-renew and also give rise to progenitor cells that, in turn, differentiate into lamellar cells. Our discussion compares the cellular basis of adult notochord growth among chordates in general. In the vertebrates, several studies implied that proliferating cells (chordoblasts) in the cortex of the organ might be stem cells. However, we think it is more likely that such cells actually constitute a progenitor population downstream from and maintained by inconspicuous stem cells. We venture to suggest that careful searches should find stem cells in the adult notochords of many vertebrates, although possibly not in the notochordal vestiges (nucleus pulposus regions) of mammals, where the presence of endogenous proliferating cells remains controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California At San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Ildiko M L Somorjai
- School of Biology, University of Saint Andrews, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST Scotland
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18
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Gao B, Yin J, Xu X, Fan J, Wang D, Zheng C, Lu W, Cheng P, Sun J, Wang D, Li L, Zhou BO, Yang L, Luo Z. Leptin receptor-expressing cells represent a distinct subpopulation of notochord-derived cells and are essential for disc homoeostasis. J Orthop Translat 2019; 21:91-99. [PMID: 32110508 PMCID: PMC7033302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/objective Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains to be an intractable clinical challenge. Although IDD is characterised by loss of notochordal cells (NCs) and dysfunction of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, little is known about the origin, heterogeneity, fate and maintenance of NCs and NP cells, which further stunts the therapeutic development. Thus, effective tools to spatially and temporally trace specific cell lineage and clarify cell functions in intervertebral disc (IVD) development and homoeostasis are urgently required. Methods In this study, NP specimens were obtained from 20 patients with degenerative disc disease or scoliosis. LepR-Cre mice was crossed with R26R-Tdtomato mice to generate LepR-Cre; R26R-Tdtomato mice, which enabled fate-mapping of NPs from embryo stage to late adult. LMNA G609G/G609G mice was used to determine the effect of premature-aging induced IDD on LepR NPs. X-ray imaging was used to measure lumber disc height of mice. Results Here, we provide the first evidence that the leptin receptor (LepR) is preferentially expressed in NCs at embryonic stages and notochord-derived cells in the postnatal IVD. By using R26R-Tdtomato fluorescent reporter mice, we systematically analysed the specificity of activity and targeting efficiency of leptin receptor-Cre (LepR-Cre) in IVD tissues from the embryonic stage E15.5 to 6-month-old LepR-Cre; Rosa26-Tdtomato (R26R-Tdtomato) mice. Specifically, LepR-Cre targets a distinct subpopulation of notochord-derived cells closely associated with disc homoeostasis. The percentage of LepR-expressing NP cells markedly decreases in the postnatal mouse IVD and, more importantly, in the human IVD with the progression of IDD. Moreover, both spine instability-induced and premature ageing-induced IDD mouse models display the phenotype of IDD with decreased percentage of LepR-expressing NP cells. These findings uncover a potential role of LepR-expressing notochord-derived cells in disc homoeostasis and open the gate for therapeutically targeting the NP cell subpopulation. Conclusion In conclusion, our data prove LepR-Cre mice useful for mapping the fate of specific subpopulations of IVD cells and uncovering the underlying mechanisms of IDD. The translational potential of this article The translation potential of article is that we first identified LepR as a candidate marker of subpopulation of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and provided LepR as a potential target for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which have certain profound significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Gao
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jinhua Yin
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jing Fan
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Di Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Weiguang Lu
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Pengzhen Cheng
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jicheng Sun
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lu Li
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bo O Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhuojing Luo
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
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19
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Silva MJ, Holguin N. Aging aggravates intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating transcription factors toward chondrogenesis. FASEB J 2019; 34:1970-1982. [PMID: 31909538 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902109r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Osterix is a critical transcription factor of mesenchymal stem cell fate, where its loss or loss of Wnt signaling diverts differentiation to a chondrocytic lineage. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration activates the differentiation of prehypertrophic chondrocyte-like cells and inactivates Wnt signaling, but its interactive role with osterix is unclear. First, compared to young-adult (5 mo), mechanical compression of old (18 mo) IVD induced greater IVD degeneration. Aging (5 vs 12 mo) and/or compression reduced the transcription of osterix and notochordal marker T by 40-75%. Compression elevated the transcription of hypertrophic chondrocyte marker MMP13 and pre-osterix transcription factor RUNX2, but less so in 12 mo IVD. Next, using an Ai9/td reporter and immunohistochemical staining, annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells of young-adult IVD expressed osterix, but aging and compression reduced its expression. Lastly, in vivo LRP5-deficiency in osterix-expressing cells inactivated Wnt signaling in the nucleus pulposus by 95%, degenerated the IVD to levels similar to aging and compression, reduced the biomechanical properties by 45-70%, and reduced the transcription of osterix, notochordal markers and chondrocytic markers by 60-80%. Overall, these data indicate that age-related inactivation of Wnt signaling in osterix-expressing cells may limit regeneration by depleting the progenitors and attenuating the expansion of chondrocyte-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nilsson Holguin
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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20
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Liu Z, Ramachandran J, Vokes SA, Gray RS. Regulation of terminal hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation in Prmt5 mutant mice modeling infantile idiopathic scoliosis. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm.041251. [PMID: 31848143 PMCID: PMC6955203 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is the most common type of musculoskeletal defect affecting children worldwide, and is classified by age of onset, location and degree of spine curvature. Although rare, IS with onset during infancy is the more severe and rapidly progressive form of the disease, associated with increased mortality due to significant respiratory compromise. The pathophysiology of IS, in particular for infantile IS, remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate the role of PRMT5 in the infantile IS phenotype in mouse. Conditional genetic ablation of PRMT5 in osteochondral progenitors results in impaired terminal hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation and asymmetric defects of endochondral bone formation in the perinatal spine. Analysis of these several markers of endochondral ossification revealed increased type X collagen (COLX) and Ihh expression, coupled with a dramatic reduction in Mmp13 and RUNX2 expression, in the vertebral growth plate and in regions of the intervertebral disc in the Prmt5 conditional mutant mice. We also demonstrate that PRMT5 has a continuous role in the intervertebral disc and vertebral growth plate in adult mice. Altogether, our results establish PRMT5 as a critical promoter of terminal hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation and endochondral bone formation during spine development and homeostasis. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Loss of Prmt5 in osteochondral progenitors impairs terminal hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation, leading to defects in endochondral bone formation and models infantile idiopathic scoliosis in mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Janani Ramachandran
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, 2500 Speedway, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Steven A Vokes
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, 2500 Speedway, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ryan S Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX 78723, USA .,Department of Nutritional Sciences, 200 W 24th Street, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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21
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Wei Y, Tower RJ, Tian Z, Mohanraj B, Mauck RL, Qin L, Zhang Y. Spatial distribution of type II collagen gene expression in the mouse intervertebral disc. JOR Spine 2019; 2:e1070. [PMID: 31891119 PMCID: PMC6920692 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic tools such as the Cre-Lox reporter system are powerful aids for tissue-specific cell tracking. For example, it would be useful in examining intervertebral disc (IVD) cell populations in normal and diseased states. A Cre recombinase and its recognition site, loxP have been adapted from the bacteriophage for use in genetic manipulation. The reporter mice used here express the red fluorescent protein, tdTomato with flanking LoxP sites (Rosa26 TdTomato mice). We compared two different Collagen type II (Col2) promoter constructs that drive Cre-recombinase expression in mice: (a) Col2-Cre, which allows constitutive Cre-recombinase expression under the control of the Col2 promoter/enhancer and (b) Col2-CreER, which contains a shorter promoter/enhancer region than Col2-Cre, but has human estrogen binding elements that bind tamoxifen, resulting in Cre-recombinase expression. The goal of the study is to characterize Cre-recombinase distribution pattern in Col2-Cre and Col2-CreER mice using tdTomato as reporter in the spine. The expression patterns of these two mice were further compared with Col2 gene expression in the native mouse NP and AF tissues by real-time PCR. We crossed Col2-Cre mice or Col2-CreER mice with the tdTomato reporter mice, and compared the tdTomato expression patterns. Col2-CreER/tdTomato mice were injected with tamoxifen at postnatal day 7 to activate the Cre-recombinase. TdTomato in the constitutively active Col2-Cre mice was detected in the nucleus pulposus (NP), the entire annulus fibrosus (AF), and in cartilaginous endplate and growth plate cells in the lower lumbar and coccygeal spine. In contrast, when Col2-CreER activity was induced by tamoxifen at P7, tdTomato was limited to the inner AF, and was absent from the NP. We have described the differences in Col2 reporter gene expression, in Col2-Cre/tdTomato and Col2-Cre-ER/tdTomato mouse IVD. The information provided here will help to guide future investigations of IVD biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Wei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
- Department of OrthopaedicsUnion Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Robert J. Tower
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Zuozhen Tian
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Bhavana Mohanraj
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Robert L. Mauck
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center (TMRC)Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvania
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Yejia Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center (TMRC)Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvania
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22
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Mohanty S, Pinelli R, Dahia CL. Characterization of Krt19 CreERT allele for targeting the nucleus pulposus cells in the postnatal mouse intervertebral disc. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:128-140. [PMID: 31187500 PMCID: PMC6778700 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration and associated back pain are relatively common but sparsely understood conditions, affecting over 70% of the population during some point of life. Disc degeneration is often associated with a loss of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Genetic mouse models offer convenient avenues to understand the cellular and molecular regulation of the disc during its formation, growth, maintenance, and aging. However, due to the lack of inducible driver lines to precisely target NP cells in the postnatal mouse disc, progress in this area of research has been moderate. NP cells are known to express cytokeratin 19 (Krt19), and tamoxifen (Tam)‐inducible Krt19CreERT allele is available. The current study describes the characterization of Krt19CreERT allele to specifically and efficiently target NP cells in neonatal, skeletally mature, middle‐aged, and aged mice using two independent fluorescent reporter lines. The efficiency of recombination at all ages was validated by immunostaining for KRT19. Results show that following Tam induction, Krt19CreERT specifically drives recombination of NP cells in the spine of neonatal and aged mice, while no recombination was detected in the surrounding tissues. Knee joints from skeletally mature Tam‐treated Krt19CreERT/+; R26tdTOM mouse show the absence of recombination in all tissues and cells of the knee joint. Thus, this study provides evidence for the use of Krt19CreERT allele for genetic characterization of NP cells at different stages of the mouse life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak Mohanty
- Orthopaedic Soft Tissue Research, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | - Robert Pinelli
- Orthopaedic Soft Tissue Research, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | - Chitra Lekha Dahia
- Orthopaedic Soft Tissue Research, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York
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