1
|
Liu X, Wang B, Chang M, Zhang X, Zou H, Zhang Z, Han G. USP12 regulates ER stress-associated osteogenesis in human periodontal ligament cells under tension stress. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111015. [PMID: 38113977 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111015] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The bone formation (osteogenesis) of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under tension stress is essential for alveolar bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) remove ubiquitin from target proteins, affecting their function and mediating cell survival and differentiation. However, whether and how DUBs regulate hPDLC function under tension force is poorly understood. In this study, we first investigated the expression of DUBs in hPDLCs under cyclic tension stimulation (CTS). Up-regulation of USP12 was observed in hPDLCs and at the tension side of molar teeth in OTM C57BL6 mice models. Knockdown (KD) of USP12 led to enhanced osteogenesis of hPDLCs under CTS. RNA-seq analysis suggested that the unfolded protein response (UPR) was the prevailing biological process in hPDLCs with USP12 KD, indicating that USP12 depletion triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The three major UPR-related signaling branches, namely PERK/eIF2α/ATF4, IRE1α/XBP1s, and ATF6 axis, were activated in hPDLCs with USP12 KD. By utilizing specific inhibitors, we proved that the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 axis predominantly mediated the enhanced osteogenesis in hPDLCs with USP12 KD under CTS. In summary, our study demonstrates that USP12 serves as a key regulator for CTS-induced osteogenesis in hPDLCs, suggesting that USP12 upregulation serves as an adaptive mechanism for hPDLCs to alleviate ER stress during OTM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan, China
| | - Beike Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan, China; Orthodontic Department Division II, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Maolin Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan, China; Orthodontic Department Division II, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaocen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan, China; Orthodontic Department Division II, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangli Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan, China; Orthodontic Department Division II, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wen ZQ, Lin J, Xie WQ, Shan YH, Zhen GH, Li YS. Insights into the underlying pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of endoplasmic reticulum stress in degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:54. [PMID: 37941072 PMCID: PMC10634069 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00485-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases are structural and functional failures of the musculoskeletal system, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), and sarcopenia. As the global population ages, degenerative musculoskeletal diseases are becoming more prevalent. However, the pathogenesis of degenerative musculoskeletal diseases is not fully understood. Previous studies have revealed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a stress response that occurs when impairment of the protein folding capacity of the ER leads to the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins in the ER, contributing to degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. By affecting cartilage degeneration, synovitis, meniscal lesion, subchondral bone remodeling of osteoarthritis, bone remodeling and angiogenesis of osteoporosis, nucleus pulposus degeneration, annulus fibrosus rupture, cartilaginous endplate degeneration of IVDD, and sarcopenia, ER stress is involved in the pathogenesis of degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Preclinical studies have found that regulation of ER stress can delay the progression of multiple degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. These pilot studies provide foundations for further evaluation of the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ER stress modulators in the treatment of musculoskeletal degenerative diseases in clinical trials. In this review, we have integrated up-to-date research findings of ER stress into the pathogenesis of degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. In a future perspective, we have also discussed possible directions of ER stress in the investigation of degenerative musculoskeletal disease, potential therapeutic strategies for degenerative musculoskeletal diseases using ER stress modulators, as well as underlying challenges and obstacles in bench-to-beside research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Qin Wen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215001, China
| | - Wen-Qing Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yun-Han Shan
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ge-Hua Zhen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Yu-Sheng Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Park J, Cho YE, Kim KH, Shin S, Kim S, Lim CH, Chung SY, Park YG. Correlation Between the Severity of Multifidus Fatty Degeneration and the Size of Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament at Each Spinal Level. Neurospine 2023; 20:921-930. [PMID: 37798986 PMCID: PMC10562234 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2346506.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) size and multifidus fatty degeneration (MFD), hypothesizing that larger OPLL sizes are associated with worse MFD. METHODS One hundred four patients with cervical OPLL who underwent surgery were screened. OPLL occupying diameter and area ratios, the severity of MFD using the Goutallier classification, and range of motion (ROM) of cervical flexion-extension (ΔCobb) were measured. Correlation analyses between OPLL size, MFD severity, and ΔCobb were conducted. MFD severity was compared for each OPLL type using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS The final clinical data from 100 patients were analyzed. The average Goutallier grade of C2-7 significantly correlated with the average OPLL diameter and area occupying ratios, and OPLL involved vertebral level (r = 0.58, p < 0.01; r = 0.40, p < 0.01; r = 0.47, p < 0.01, respectively). The OPLL size at each cervical level significantly correlated with MFD of the same or 1-3 adjacent levels. ΔCobb angle was negatively correlated with the average Goutallier grade (r = -0.31, p < 0.01) and average OPLL occupying diameter and area ratios (r = -0.31, p < 0.01; r = -0.35, p < 0.01, respectively). Patients with continuous OPLL exhibited worse MFD than those with segmental OPLL (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION OPLL size is clinically correlated with MFD and cervical ROM. OPLL at one spinal level affects MFD at the same and 1-3 adjacent spinal levels. The worsening severity of MFD is associated with the longitudinal continuity of OPLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyoung Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Eun Cho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Gangnam Severance Spine Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Gangnam Severance Spine Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungjun Kim
- Department of Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chae Hwan Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Young Chung
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Ghil Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tang T, Zhu Z, He Z, Wang F, Chen H, Liu S, Zhan M, Wang J, Tian W, Chen D, Wu X, Liu X, Zhou Z, Liu S. DLX5
regulates the osteogenic differentiation of spinal ligaments cells derived from ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament patients via
NOTCH
signaling. JOR Spine 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tang
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Shenzhen China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Research Institute/Department of Spinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Zhengya Zhu
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Shenzhen China
| | - Zhongyuan He
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Shenzhen China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Research Institute/Department of Spinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Fuan Wang
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Shenzhen China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Research Institute/Department of Spinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Hongkun Chen
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Shenzhen China
| | - Shengkai Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Research Institute/Department of Spinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Mingbin Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Research Institute/Department of Spinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Shenzhen China
| | - Wei Tian
- Laboratory of Bone Tissue Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials Beijing Research Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Beijing China
| | - Dafu Chen
- Laboratory of Bone Tissue Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials Beijing Research Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Beijing China
| | - Xinbao Wu
- Laboratory of Bone Tissue Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials Beijing Research Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Beijing China
| | - Xizhe Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Research Institute/Department of Spinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Zhiyu Zhou
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Shenzhen China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Research Institute/Department of Spinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Shaoyu Liu
- Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Shenzhen China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Research Institute/Department of Spinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Won YI, Lee CH, Yuh WT, Kwon SW, Kim CH, Chung CK. Genetic Odyssey to Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine: A Systematic Review. Neurospine 2022; 19:299-306. [PMID: 35793933 PMCID: PMC9260552 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2244038.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous studies, the pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is still unclear. Previous genetic studies proposed variations in genes related to bone and collagen as a cause of OPLL. It is unclear whether the upregulations of those genes are the cause of OPLL or an intermediate result of endochondral ossification process. Causal variations may be in the inflammation-related genes supported by clinical and updated genomic studies. OPLL demonstrates features of genetic diseases but can also be induced by mechanical stress by itself. OPLL may be a combination of various diseases that share ossification as a common pathway and can be divided into genetic and idiopathic. The phenotype of OPLL can be divided into continuous (including mixed) and segmental (including localized) based on the histopathology, prognosis, and appearance. Continuous OPLL shows substantial overexpression of osteoblast-specific genes, frequent upper cervical involvement, common progression, and need for surgery, whereas segmental OPLL shows moderate-to-high expression of these genes and is often clinically silent. Genetic OPLL seems to share clinical features with the continuous type, while idiopathic OPLL shares features with the segmental type. Further genomic studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between genetic OPLL and phenotype of OPLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young Il Won
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Korea
| | - Chang-Hyun Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Corresponding Author Chang-Hyun Lee Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehakro, Jongro-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Woon Tak Yuh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Won Kwon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chi Heon Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chun Kee Chung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Sun Y, Xu Y, Lin WW, Luo Z, Han Z, Liu S, Qi B, Sun C, Go K, Kang XR, Chen J. Single-Cell Integration Analysis of Heterotopic Ossification and Fibrocartilage Developmental Lineage: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Effector Xbp1 Transcriptionally Regulates the Notch Signaling Pathway to Mediate Fibrocartilage Differentiation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7663366. [PMID: 34737845 PMCID: PMC8563124 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7663366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regeneration of fibrochondrocytes is essential for the healing of the tendon-bone interface (TBI), which is similar to the formation of neurogenic heterotopic ossification (HO). Through single-cell integrative analysis, this study explored the homogeneity of HO cells and fibrochondrocytes. METHODS This study integrated six datasets, namely, GSE94683, GSE144306, GSE168153, GSE138515, GSE102929, and GSE110993. The differentiation trajectory and key transcription factors (TFs) for HO occurrence were systematically analyzed by integrating single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and assay of transposase accessible chromatin seq. The differential expression and enrichment pathways of TFs in heterotopically ossified tissues were identified. RESULTS HO that mimicked pathological cells was classified into HO1 and HO2 cell subsets. Results of the pseudo-temporal sequence analysis suggested that HO2 is a differentiated precursor cell of HO1. The analysis of integrated scRNA data revealed that ectopically ossified cells have similar transcriptional characteristics to cells in the fibrocartilaginous zone of tendons. The modified SCENIC method was used to identify specific transcriptional regulators associated with ectopic ossification. Xbp1 was defined as a common key transcriptional regulator of ectopically ossified tissues and the fibrocartilaginous zone of tendons. Subsequently, the CellPhoneDB database was completed for the cellular ligand-receptor analysis. With further pathway screening, this study is the first to propose that Xbp1 may upregulate the Notch signaling pathway through Jag1 transcription. Twenty-four microRNAs were screened and were found to be potentially associated with upregulation of XBP1 expression after acute ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION A systematic analysis of the differentiation landscape and cellular homogeneity facilitated a molecular understanding of the phenotypic similarities between cells in the fibrocartilaginous region of tendon and HO cells. Furthermore, by identifying Xbp1 as a hub regulator and by conducting a ligand-receptor analysis, we propose a potential Xbp1/Jag1/Notch signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaying Sun
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhen Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong Province 271000, China
| | - Wei-Wei Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Shaohua Liu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beijie Qi
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyu Sun
- Internal Medicine, AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, 2900 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 60657 Illinois, USA
| | - Ken Go
- Department of Clinical Training Centre, St. Marianna Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - x.-R. Kang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jiwu Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang Y, Lin Z, Chen J, Ding S, Mao W, Shi S, Liang B. Autophagy in spinal ligament fibroblasts: evidence and possible implications for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. J Orthop Surg Res 2020; 15:490. [PMID: 33092625 PMCID: PMC7579890 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-020-02017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanisms of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the autophagy of spinal ligament fibroblasts derived from patients with OPLL and to examine whether autophagy-associated gene expression was correlated with the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes. Methods Expression of autophagy-associated genes was detected in 37 samples from 21 OPLL patients and 16 non-OPLL patients. The correlation of autophagy-associated gene expression and the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation. The expression of autophagy-associated genes of ligament fibroblasts was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The incidence of autophagy was assessed by flow cytometry. After knockdown using small interfering RNA targeting Beclin1, the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes were compared in spinal ligament fibroblasts. Results In clinical specimens, mRNA expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 and Beclin1 were higher in the OPLL group compared with the non-OPLL group. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that Beclin1 expression was positively correlated with expression of osteocalcin (OCN) (r = 0.8233, P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase, biomineralization associated (ALP) (r = 0.7821, P < 0.001), and collagen type 1 (COL 1) (r = 0.6078, P = 0.001). Consistently, the upregulation of autophagy-associated genes in ligament fibroblasts from patients with OPLL were further confirmed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. The incidence of autophagy was also increased in ligament fibroblasts from patients with OPLL. Furthermore, knockdown of Beclin1 led to a decrease in the expression of OCN, ALP, and COL 1 by 63.2% (P < 0.01), 52% (P < 0.01), and 53.2% (P < 0.01) in ligament fibroblasts from patients with OPLL, respectively. Conclusions Beclin1-mediated autophagy was involved in the osteogenic differentiation of ligament fibroblasts and promoted the development of OPLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 566 Congcheng Avenue, Conghua District, Guangzhou, 510900, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zunwen Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangwei Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Ding
- Department of Stomatology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Mao
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Biru Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 566 Congcheng Avenue, Conghua District, Guangzhou, 510900, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|