The presence and distribution of glycogen particles in chondrogenic cells of the tibiotarsal anlage of developing chick embryos

From Prokaryotes to Eukaryotes: Insights Into the Molecular Structure of Glycogen Particles

Glycogen is a highly-branched polysaccharide that is widely distributed across the three life domains. It has versatile functions in physiological activities such as energy reserve, osmotic regulation, blood glucose homeostasis, and pH maintenance. Recent research also confirms that glycogen plays important roles in longevity and cognition. Intrinsically, glycogen function is determined by its structure that has been intensively studied for many years. The recent association of glycogen α-particle fragility with diabetic conditions further strengthens the importance of glycogen structure in its function. By using improved glycogen extraction procedures and a series of advanced analytical techniques, the fine molecular structure of glycogen particles in human beings and several model organisms such as Escherichia coli, Caenorhabditis elegans, Mus musculus, and Rat rattus have been characterized. However, there are still many unknowns about the assembly mechanisms of glycogen particles, the dynamic changes of glycogen structures, and the composition of glycogen associated proteins (glycogen proteome). In this review, we explored the recent progresses in glycogen studies with a focus on the structure of glycogen particles, which may not only provide insights into glycogen functions, but also facilitate the discovery of novel drug targets for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Metabolic regulation of skeletal cell fate and function in physiology and disease

The skeleton is diverse in its functions, which include mechanical support, movement, blood cell production, mineral storage and endocrine regulation. This multifaceted role is achieved through an interplay of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, bone marrow adipocytes and stromal cells, all generated from skeletal stem cells. Emerging evidence shows the importance of cellular metabolism in the molecular control of the skeletal system. The different skeletal cell types not only have distinct metabolic demands relating to their particular functions but also are affected by microenvironmental constraints. Specific metabolites control skeletal stem cell maintenance, direct lineage allocation and mediate cellular communication. Here, we discuss recent findings on the roles of cellular metabolism in determining skeletal stem cell fate, coordinating osteoblast and chondrocyte function, and organizing stromal support of haematopoiesis. We also consider metabolic dysregulation in skeletal ageing and degenerative diseases, and provide an outlook on how the field may evolve in the coming years.

The Emerging Role of Glucose Metabolism in Cartilage Development

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Proper cartilage development is critical to bone formation during endochondral ossification. This review highlights the current understanding of various aspects of glucose metabolism in chondrocytes during cartilage development.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies indicate that chondrocytes transdifferentiate into osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells during endochondral ossification. In cartilage development, signaling molecules, including IGF2 and BMP2, tightly control glucose uptake and utilization in a stage-specific manner. Perturbation of glucose metabolism alters the course of chondrocyte maturation, suggesting a key role for glucose metabolism during endochondral ossification. During prenatal and postnatal growth, chondrocytes experience bursts of nutrient availability and energy expenditure, which demand sophisticated control of the glucose-dependent processes of cartilage matrix production, cell proliferation, and hypertrophy. Investigating the regulation of glucose metabolism may therefore lead to a unifying mechanism for signaling events in cartilage development and provide insight into causes of skeletal growth abnormalities.

An essential role for IGF2 in cartilage development and glucose metabolism during postnatal long bone growth

Postnatal bone growth involves a dramatic increase in length and girth. Intriguingly, this period of growth is independent of growth hormone and the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Recently, an IGF2 mutation was identified in humans with early postnatal growth restriction. Here, we show that IGF2 is essential for longitudinal and appositional murine postnatal bone development, which involves proper timing of chondrocyte maturation and perichondrial cell differentiation and survival. Importantly, the Igf2 null mouse model does not represent a simple delay of growth but instead uncoordinated growth plate development. Furthermore, biochemical and two-photon imaging analyses identified elevated and imbalanced glucose metabolism in the Igf2 null mouse. Attenuation of glycolysis rescued the mutant phenotype of premature cartilage maturation, thereby indicating that IGF2 controls bone growth by regulating glucose metabolism in chondrocytes. This work links glucose metabolism with cartilage development and provides insight into the fundamental understanding of human growth abnormalities.