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Grünewald TA, Liebi M, Birkedal H. Crossing length scales: X-ray approaches to studying the structure of biological materials. IUCRJ 2024; 11:708-722. [PMID: 39194257 PMCID: PMC11364038 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252524007838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Biological materials have outstanding properties. With ease, challenging mechanical, optical or electrical properties are realised from comparatively `humble' building blocks. The key strategy to realise these properties is through extensive hierarchical structuring of the material from the millimetre to the nanometre scale in 3D. Though hierarchical structuring in biological materials has long been recognized, the 3D characterization of such structures remains a challenge. To understand the behaviour of materials, multimodal and multi-scale characterization approaches are needed. In this review, we outline current X-ray analysis approaches using the structures of bone and shells as examples. We show how recent advances have aided our understanding of hierarchical structures and their functions, and how these could be exploited for future research directions. We also discuss current roadblocks including radiation damage, data quantity and sample preparation, as well as strategies to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianne Liebi
- Photon Science DivisionPaul Scherrer InstituteVilligenPSI5232Switzerland
- Institute of MaterialsÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne1015 LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Henrik Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry & iNANOAarhus UniversityGustav Wieds Vej 14Aarhus8000Denmark
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2
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Ajami S, Van den Dam Z, Hut J, Savery D, Chin M, Koudstaal M, Steacy M, Carriero A, Pitsillides A, Chang YM, Rau C, Marathe S, Dunaway D, Jeelani NUO, Schievano S, Pauws E, Borghi A. Cranial bone microarchitecture in a mouse model for syndromic craniosynostosis. J Anat 2024. [PMID: 39096036 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14121] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Crouzon syndrome is a congenital craniofacial disorder caused by mutations in the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2). It is characterized by the premature fusion of cranial sutures, leading to a brachycephalic head shape, and midfacial hypoplasia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the FGFR2 mutation on the microarchitecture of cranial bones at different stages of postnatal skull development, using the FGFR2C342Y mouse model. Apart from craniosynostosis, this model shows cranial bone abnormalities. High-resolution synchrotron microtomography images of the frontal and parietal bone were acquired for both FGFR2C342Y/+ (Crouzon, heterozygous mutant) and FGFR2+/+ (control, wild-type) mice at five ages (postnatal days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21, n = 6 each). Morphometric measurements were determined for cortical bone porosity: osteocyte lacunae and canals. General linear model to assess the effect of age, anatomical location and genotype was carried out for each morphometric measurement. Histological analysis was performed to validate the findings. In both groups (Crouzon and wild-type), statistical difference in bone volume fraction, average canal volume, lacunar number density, lacunar volume density and canal volume density was found at most age points, with the frontal bone generally showing higher porosity and fewer lacunae. Frontal bone showed differences between the Crouzon and wild-type groups in terms of lacunar morphometry (average lacunar volume, lacunar number density and lacunar volume density) with larger, less dense lacunae around the postnatal age of P7-P14. Histological analysis of bone showed marked differences in frontal bone only. These findings provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Crouzon syndrome and will contribute to computational models that predict postoperative changes with the aim to improve surgical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ajami
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Craniofacial Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Zoe Van den Dam
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julia Hut
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dawn Savery
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Milton Chin
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Koudstaal
- Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Miranda Steacy
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandra Carriero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Pitsillides
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, UK
| | - Y-M Chang
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, UK
| | - Christoph Rau
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | | | - David Dunaway
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Craniofacial Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Noor Ul Owase Jeelani
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Craniofacial Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Silvia Schievano
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Craniofacial Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Erwin Pauws
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Borghi
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Craniofacial Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Engineering, Durham University, Durham, UK
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Vom Scheidt A, Krug J, Goggin P, Bakker AD, Busse B. 2D vs. 3D Evaluation of Osteocyte Lacunae - Methodological Approaches, Recommended Parameters, and Challenges: A Narrative Review by the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS). Curr Osteoporos Rep 2024; 22:396-415. [PMID: 38980532 PMCID: PMC11324773 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-024-00877-z] [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] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Quantification of the morphology of osteocyte lacunae has become a powerful tool to investigate bone metabolism, pathologies and aging. This review will provide a brief overview of 2D and 3D imaging methods for the determination of lacunar shape, orientation, density, and volume. Deviations between 2D-based and 3D-based lacunar volume estimations are often not sufficiently addressed and may give rise to contradictory findings. Thus, the systematic error arising from 2D-based estimations of lacunar volume will be discussed, and an alternative calculation proposed. Further, standardized morphological parameters and best practices for sampling and segmentation are suggested. RECENT FINDINGS We quantified the errors in reported estimation methods of lacunar volume based on 2D cross-sections, which increase with variations in lacunar orientation and histological cutting plane. The estimations of lacunar volume based on common practice in 2D imaging methods resulted in an underestimation of lacunar volume of up to 85% compared to actual lacunar volume in an artificial dataset. For a representative estimation of lacunar size and morphology based on 2D images, at least 400 lacunae should be assessed per sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Vom Scheidt
- Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 25, Graz, 8036, Austria.
| | - Johannes Krug
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lottestr. 55a, 22529, Hamburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Competence Center for Interface Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Goggin
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Laboratory and Pathology Block, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Astrid Diana Bakker
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam Movement Sciences, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan, Amsterdam, 3004, 1081 LA, The Netherlands
| | - Björn Busse
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lottestr. 55a, 22529, Hamburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Competence Center for Interface Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Germany
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Wittig NK, Østergaard M, Palle J, Christensen TEK, Langdahl BL, Rejnmark L, Hauge EM, Brüel A, Thomsen JS, Birkedal H. Opportunities for biomineralization research using multiscale computed X-ray tomography as exemplified by bone imaging. J Struct Biol 2021; 214:107822. [PMID: 34902560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biominerals typically have complex hierarchical structures traversing many length scales. This makes their structural characterization complicated, since it requires 3D techniques that can probe full specimens at down to nanometer-resolution, a combination that is difficult - if not impossible - to achieve simultaneously. One challenging example is bone, a mineralized tissue with a highly complex architecture that is replete with a network of cells. X-ray computed tomography techniques enable multiscale structural characterization through the combination of various equipment and emerge as promising tools for characterizing biominerals. Using bone as an example, we discuss how combining different X-ray imaging instruments allow characterizing bone structures from the nano- to the organ-scale. In particular, we compare and contrast human and rodent bone, emphasize the importance of the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network in bone, and finally illustrate how combining synchrotron X-ray imaging with laboratory instrumentation for computed tomography is especially helpful for multiscale characterization of biominerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kølln Wittig
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Maja Østergaard
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jonas Palle
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thorbjørn Erik Køppen Christensen
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Sino-Danish College (SDC), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Bente Lomholt Langdahl
- Department of Clinical Medicine - The Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Rejnmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine - The Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
- Department of Clinical Medicine - The Department of Rheumatology, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 45, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Annemarie Brüel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jesper Skovhus Thomsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
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Wittig NK, Birkbak ME, Bach-Gansmo FL, Pacureanu A, Wendelboe MH, Brüel A, Thomsen JS, Birkedal H. No Signature of Osteocytic Osteolysis in Cortical Bone from Lactating NMRI Mice. Calcif Tissue Int 2019; 105:308-315. [PMID: 31147741 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-019-00569-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The roles of osteocytes in bone homeostasis have garnered increasing attention since it has been realized that osteocytes communicate with other organs. It has long been debated whether and/or to which degree osteocytes can break down the bone matrix surrounding them in a process called osteocytic osteolysis. Osteocytic osteolysis has been indicated to be induced by a number of skeletal challenges including lactation in CD1 and C57BL/6 mice, whereas immobilization-induced osteocytic osteolysis is still a matter of controversy. Motivated by the wish to understand this process better, we studied osteocyte lacunae in lactating NMRI mice, which is a widely used outbred mouse strain. Surprisingly, no trace of osteocytic osteolysis could be detected in tibial or femoral cortical bone either by 3D investigation by synchrotron nanotomography, by studies of lacunar cross-sectional areas using scanning electron microscopy, or by light microscopy. These results lead us to conclude that osteocytic osteolysis does not occur in NMRI mice as a response to lactation, in turn suggesting that osteocytic osteolysis may not play a generic role in mobilizing calcium during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kølln Wittig
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mie Elholm Birkbak
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Fiona Linnea Bach-Gansmo
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Alexandra Pacureanu
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71, Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, 38043, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Mette Høegh Wendelboe
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Annemarie Brüel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jesper Skovhus Thomsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Wittig NK, Laugesen M, Birkbak ME, Bach-Gansmo FL, Pacureanu A, Bruns S, Wendelboe MH, Brüel A, Sørensen HO, Thomsen JS, Birkedal H. Canalicular Junctions in the Osteocyte Lacuno-Canalicular Network of Cortical Bone. ACS NANO 2019; 13:6421-6430. [PMID: 31095362 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b08478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network (LCN) is essential for bone remodeling because osteocytes regulate cell recruitment. This has been proposed to occur through liquid-flow-induced shear forces in the canaliculi. Models of the LCN have thus far assumed that it contains canaliculi connecting the osteocyte lacunae. However, here, we reveal that enlarged spaces occur at places where several canaliculi cross; we name these spaces canalicular junctions. We characterize them in detail within mice cortical bone using synchrotron nanotomography at two length scales, with 50 and 130 nm voxel size, and show that canalicular junctions occur at a density similar to that of osteocyte lacunae and that canalicular junctions tend to cluster. Through confocal laser scanning microscopy, we show that canalicular junctions are widespread as we have observed them in cortical bone from several species, even though the number density of the canalicular junctions was not universal. Fluid flow simulations of a simple model system with and without a canalicular junction clearly show that liquid mass transport and flow velocities are altered by the presence of canalicular junctions. We suggest that these canalicular junctions may play an important role in osteocyte communication and possibly also in canalicular fluid flow. Therefore, we believe that they constitute an important component in the bone osteocyte network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Bruns
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , 2100 Copenhagen Ø , Denmark
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Lin JH, Lee MC, Chen CK, Huang CL, Chen YS, Wen SP, Kuo ST, Lou CW. Recovery evaluation of rats' damaged tibias: Implantation of core-shell structured bone scaffolds made using hollow braids and a freeze-thawing process. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.04.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Bach-Gansmo FL, Brüel A, Jensen MV, Ebbesen EN, Birkedal H, Thomsen JS. Osteocyte lacunar properties and cortical microstructure in human iliac crest as a function of age and sex. Bone 2016; 91:11-9. [PMID: 27397700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Osteocytes are suggested to play a central role in bone remodeling. Evaluation of iliac crest biopsies is a standard procedure for evaluating bone conditions in the clinical setting. Despite the widespread use of such biopsies, little is known about the population of osteocytes in the iliac crest from normal individuals. Contradicting results have been reported on osteocyte lacunar properties in human bone. Hence, a solid understanding of the osteocyte population in healthy bone and the effect of age and sex is needed as good reference data are lacking. Furthermore, the role of cortical bone in bone quality has recently been suggested to be more important than previously realized. Therefore, the present study assesses osteocyte lacunar properties and cortical microstructure of the iliac crest as a function of age and sex. A total of 88 iliac crest bone samples from healthy individuals (46 women, aged 18.5-96.4years and 42 men, aged 22.6-94.6years) with an even age-distribution were examined using synchrotron radiation μCT and in house μCT, with >5×10(6) osteocyte lacunae measured and analyzed. The study revealed that osteocyte lacunar volumes were unaffected by both age and sex. Osteocyte lacunar density did not differ between women and men, and only showed a significant decrease with age when pooling data from both sexes. Cortical porosity and Haversian canal density increased while cortical thickness decreased with age, with cortical thinning dominating the age-related cortical bone loss. None of the cortical microstructural parameters showed any sex dependency. Only weak links between osteocyte lacunar properties and cortical microstructural properties in iliac crest bone were found. Interestingly, the Haversian canal diameters were significantly but weakly negatively correlated with osteocyte lacunar volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemarie Brüel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Henrik Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Bach-Gansmo FL, Wittig NK, Brüel A, Thomsen JS, Birkedal H. Immobilization and long-term recovery results in large changes in bone structure and strength but no corresponding alterations of osteocyte lacunar properties. Bone 2016; 91:139-47. [PMID: 27404494 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability of osteocytes to demineralize the perilacunar matrix, osteocytic osteolysis, and thereby participate directly in bone metabolism, is an aspect of osteocyte biology that has received increasing attention during the last couple of years. The aim of the present work was to investigate whether osteocyte lacunar properties change during immobilization and subsequent recovery. A rat cortical bone model with negligible Haversian remodeling effects was used, with temporary immobilization of one hindlimb induced by botulinum toxin. Several complementary techniques covering multiple length scales enabled correlation of osteocyte lacunar properties to changes observed on the organ and tissue level of femoral bone. Bone structural parameters measured by μCT and mechanical properties were compared to sub-micrometer resolution SR μCT data mapping an unprecedented number (1.85 million) of osteocyte lacunae. Immobilization induced a significant reduction in aBMD, bone volume, tissue volume, and load to fracture, as well as the muscle mass of rectus femoris. During the subsequent recovery period, the bone structural and mechanical properties were only partly regained in spite of a long-term (28weeks) study period. No significant changes in osteocyte lacunar volume, density, oblateness, stretch, or orientation were detected upon immobilization or subsequent recovery. In conclusion, the bone architecture and not osteocyte lacunar properties or bone material characteristics dominate the immobilization response as well as the subsequent recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Linnea Bach-Gansmo
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, 140 Langelandsgade, DK -8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nina Kølln Wittig
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, 140 Langelandsgade, DK -8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Annemarie Brüel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Henrik Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, 140 Langelandsgade, DK -8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
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