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Luo S, Chen Y, Zhou W, Canavese F, Li L. Pioneering a chick embryo model to explore the intrauterine etiology of developmental dysplasia of the hip in oligohydramnios conditions. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2024; 32:869-880. [PMID: 38588889 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2024.03.118] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact of oligohydramnios on fetal movement and hip development, given its association with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) but unclear mechanisms. METHODS Chick embryos were divided into four groups based on the severity of oligohydramnios induced by amniotic fluid aspiration (control, 0.2 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.6 mL). Fetal movement was assessed by detection of movement and quantification of residual amniotic fluid volume. Hip joint development was assessed by gross anatomic analysis, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for cartilage assessment, and histologic observation at multiple time points. In addition, a subset of embryos from the 0.4 mL aspirated group underwent saline reinfusion and subsequent evaluation. RESULTS Increasing volumes of aspirated amniotic fluid resulted in worsening of fetal movement restrictions (e.g., 0.4 mL aspirated and control group at E10: frequency difference -7.765 [95% CI: -9.125, -6.404]; amplitude difference -0.343 [95% CI: -0.588, -0.097]). The 0.4 mL aspirated group had significantly smaller hip measurements compared to controls, with reduced acetabular length (-0.418 [95% CI: -0.575, -0.261]) and width (-0.304 [95% CI: -0.491, -0.117]) at day E14.5. Histological analysis revealed a smaller femoral head (1.084 ± 0.264 cm) and shallower acetabulum (0.380 ± 0.106 cm) in the 0.4 mL group. Micro-CT showed cartilage matrix degeneration (13.6% [95% CI: 0.6%, 26.7%], P = 0.043 on E14.5). Saline reinfusion resulted in significant improvements in the femoral head to greater trochanter (0.578 [95% CI: 0.323, 0.833], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Oligohydramnios can cause DDH by restricting fetal movement and disrupting hip morphogenesis in a time-dependent manner. Timely reversal of oligohydramnios during the fetal period may prevent DDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoting Luo
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Yufan Chen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Weizheng Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Federico Canavese
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Lille University Centre, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Lianyong Li
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China.
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2
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Collins JM, Lang A, Parisi C, Moharrer Y, Nijsure MP, Thomas Kim JH, Ahmed S, Szeto GL, Qin L, Gottardi R, Dyment NA, Nowlan NC, Boerckel JD. YAP and TAZ couple osteoblast precursor mobilization to angiogenesis and mechanoregulation in murine bone development. Dev Cell 2024; 59:211-227.e5. [PMID: 38141609 PMCID: PMC10843704 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Fetal bone development occurs through the conversion of avascular cartilage to vascularized bone at the growth plate. This requires coordinated mobilization of osteoblast precursors with blood vessels. In adult bone, vessel-adjacent osteoblast precursors are maintained by mechanical stimuli; however, the mechanisms by which these cells mobilize and respond to mechanical cues during embryonic development are unknown. Here, we show that the mechanoresponsive transcriptional regulators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) spatially couple osteoblast precursor mobilization to angiogenesis, regulate vascular morphogenesis to control cartilage remodeling, and mediate mechanoregulation of embryonic murine osteogenesis. Mechanistically, YAP and TAZ regulate a subset of osteoblast-lineage cells, identified by single-cell RNA sequencing as vessel-associated osteoblast precursors, which regulate transcriptional programs that direct blood vessel invasion through collagen-integrin interactions and Cxcl12. Functionally, in 3D human cell co-culture, CXCL12 treatment rescues angiogenesis impaired by stromal cell YAP/TAZ depletion. Together, these data establish functions of the vessel-associated osteoblast precursors in bone development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Collins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Annemarie Lang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cristian Parisi
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yasaman Moharrer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Madhura P Nijsure
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jong Hyun Thomas Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Saima Ahmed
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ling Qin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Riccardo Gottardi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nathaniel A Dyment
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Niamh C Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK; School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joel D Boerckel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Ahmed S, Rogers AV, Nowlan NC. Mechanical loading due to muscle movement regulates establishment of the collagen network in the developing murine skeleton. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:231023. [PMID: 37859832 PMCID: PMC10582611 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical loading is critical for collagen network maintenance and remodelling in adult skeletal tissues, but the role of loading in collagen network formation during development is poorly understood. We test the hypothesis that mechanical loading is necessary for the onset and maturation of spatial localization and structure of collagens in prenatal cartilage and bone, using in vivo and in vitro mouse models of altered loading. The majority of collagens studied was aberrant in structure or localization, or both, when skeletal muscle was absent in vivo. Using in vitro bioreactor culture system, we demonstrate that mechanical loading directly modulates the spatial localization and structure of collagens II and X. Furthermore, we show that mechanical loading in vitro rescues aspects of the development of collagens II and X from the effects of fetal immobility. In conclusion, our findings show that mechanical loading is a critical determinant of collagen network establishment during prenatal skeletal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Ahmed
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Niamh C. Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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4
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Kwok B, Chandrasekaran P, Wang C, He L, Mauck RL, Dyment NA, Koyama E, Han L. Rapid specialization and stiffening of the primitive matrix in developing articular cartilage and meniscus. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:235-251. [PMID: 37414114 PMCID: PMC10529006 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.047] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding early patterning events in the extracellular matrix (ECM) formation can provide a blueprint for regenerative strategies to better recapitulate the function of native tissues. Currently, there is little knowledge on the initial, incipient ECM of articular cartilage and meniscus, two load-bearing counterparts of the knee joint. This study elucidated distinctive traits of their developing ECMs by studying the composition and biomechanics of these two tissues in mice from mid-gestation (embryonic day 15.5) to neo-natal (post-natal day 7) stages. We show that articular cartilage initiates with the formation of a pericellular matrix (PCM)-like primitive matrix, followed by the separation into distinct PCM and territorial/interterritorial (T/IT)-ECM domains, and then, further expansion of the T/IT-ECM through maturity. In this process, the primitive matrix undergoes a rapid, exponential stiffening, with a daily modulus increase rate of 35.7% [31.9 39.6]% (mean [95% CI]). Meanwhile, the matrix becomes more heterogeneous in the spatial distribution of properties, with concurrent exponential increases in the standard deviation of micromodulus and the slope correlating local micromodulus with the distance from cell surface. In comparison to articular cartilage, the primitive matrix of meniscus also exhibits exponential stiffening and an increase in heterogeneity, albeit with a much slower daily stiffening rate of 19.8% [14.9 24.9]% and a delayed separation of PCM and T/IT-ECM. These contrasts underscore distinct development paths of hyaline versus fibrocartilage. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into how knee joint tissues form to better guide cell- and biomaterial-based repair of articular cartilage, meniscus and potentially other load-bearing cartilaginous tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Successful regeneration of articular cartilage and meniscus is challenged by incomplete knowledge of early events that drive the initial formation of the tissues' extracellular matrix in vivo. This study shows that articular cartilage initiates with a pericellular matrix (PCM)-like primitive matrix during embryonic development. This primitive matrix then separates into distinct PCM and territorial/interterritorial domains, undergoes an exponential daily stiffening of ≈36% and an increase in micromechanical heterogeneity. At this early stage, the meniscus primitive matrix shows differential molecular traits and exhibits a slower daily stiffening of ≈20%, underscoring distinct matrix development between these two tissues. Our findings thus establish a new blueprint to guide the design of regenerative strategies to recapitulate the key developmental steps in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Kwok
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Prashant Chandrasekaran
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Lan He
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Robert L Mauck
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Nathaniel A Dyment
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Eiki Koyama
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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5
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Khatib NS, Monsen J, Ahmed S, Huang Y, Hoey DA, Nowlan NC. Mechanoregulatory role of TRPV4 in prenatal skeletal development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade2155. [PMID: 36696489 PMCID: PMC9876556 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade2155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical cues are essential for guiding skeletal development, but the mechanisms underlying the mechanical regulation of cartilage and bone formation are unknown. TRPV4 is a mechanically sensitive ion channel involved in cartilage and bone cell mechanosensing, mutations of which lead to skeletal developmental pathologies. We tested the hypothesis that loading-driven prenatal skeletal development is dependent on TRPV4 activity. We first establish that mechanically stimulating mouse embryo hindlimbs cultured ex vivo stimulates knee cartilage growth, morphogenesis, and expression of TRPV4, which localizes to areas of high biophysical stimuli. We then demonstrate that loading-driven joint cartilage growth and shape are dependent on TRPV4 activity, mediated via control of cell proliferation and matrix biosynthesis, indicating a mechanism by which mechanical loading could direct growth and morphogenesis during joint formation. We conclude that mechanoregulatory pathways initiated by TRPV4 guide skeletal development; therefore, TRPV4 is a valuable target for the development of skeletal regenerative and repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidal S. Khatib
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James Monsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Saima Ahmed
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yuming Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David A. Hoey
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh C. Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Collins JM, Lang A, Parisi C, Moharrer Y, Nijsure MP, Kim JH(T, Szeto GL, Qin L, Gottardi RL, Dyment NA, Nowlan NC, Boerckel JD. YAP and TAZ couple osteoblast precursor mobilization to angiogenesis and mechanoregulated bone development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.20.524918. [PMID: 36711590 PMCID: PMC9882292 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.524918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Endochondral ossification requires coordinated mobilization of osteoblast precursors with blood vessels. During adult bone homeostasis, vessel adjacent osteoblast precursors respond to and are maintained by mechanical stimuli; however, the mechanisms by which these cells mobilize and respond to mechanical cues during embryonic development are unknown. Previously, we found that deletion of the mechanoresponsive transcriptional regulators, YAP and TAZ, from Osterix-expressing osteoblast precursors and their progeny caused perinatal lethality. Here, we show that embryonic YAP/TAZ signaling couples vessel-associated osteoblast precursor mobilization to angiogenesis in developing long bones. Osterix-conditional YAP/TAZ deletion impaired endochondral ossification in the primary ossification center but not intramembranous osteogenesis in the bone collar. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed YAP/TAZ regulation of the angiogenic chemokine, Cxcl12, which was expressed uniquely in vessel-associated osteoblast precursors. YAP/TAZ signaling spatially coupled osteoblast precursors to blood vessels and regulated vascular morphogenesis and vessel barrier function. Further, YAP/TAZ signaling regulated vascular loop morphogenesis at the chondro-osseous junction to control hypertrophic growth plate remodeling. In human cells, mesenchymal stromal cell co-culture promoted 3D vascular network formation, which was impaired by stromal cell YAP/TAZ depletion, but rescued by recombinant CXCL12 treatment. Lastly, YAP and TAZ mediated mechanotransduction for load-induced osteogenesis in embryonic bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Collins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Annemarie Lang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cristian Parisi
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yasaman Moharrer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Madhura P. Nijsure
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jong Hyun (Thomas) Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ling Qin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Riccardo L. Gottardi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nathanial A. Dyment
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Niamh C. Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joel D. Boerckel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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7
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Pierantoni M, Le Cann S, Sotiriou V, Ahmed S, Bodey AJ, Jerjen I, Nowlan NC, Isaksson H. Muscular loading affects the 3D structure of both the mineralized rudiment and growth plate at early stages of bone formation. Bone 2021; 145:115849. [PMID: 33454374 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.115849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fetal immobilization affects skeletal development and can lead to severe malformations. Still, how mechanical load affects embryonic bone formation is not fully elucidated. This study combines mechanobiology, image analysis and developmental biology, to investigate the structural effects of muscular loading on embryonic long bones. We present a novel approach involving a semi-automatic workflow, to study the spatial and temporal evolutions of both hard and soft tissues in 3D without any contrast agent at micrometrical resolution. Using high-resolution phase-contrast-enhanced X-ray synchrotron microtomography, we compare the humeri of Splotch-delayed embryonic mice lacking skeletal muscles with healthy littermates. The effects of skeletal muscles on bone formation was studied from the first stages of mineral deposition (Theiler Stages 23 and 24) to just before birth (Theiler Stage 27). The results show that muscle activity affects both growth plate and mineralized regions, especially during early embryonic development. When skeletal muscles were absent, there was reduced mineralization, altered tuberosity size and location, and, at early embryonic stages, decreased chondrocyte density, size and elongation compared to littermate controls. The proposed workflow enhances our understanding of mechanobiology of early bone formation and could be implemented for the study of other complex biological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Sophie Le Cann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Vivien Sotiriou
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Saima Ahmed
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Iwan Jerjen
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Niamh C Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Hanna Isaksson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
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8
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Bridglal DL, Boyle CJ, Rolfe RA, Nowlan NC. Quantifying the tolerance of chick hip joint development to temporary paralysis and the potential for recovery. Dev Dyn 2020; 250:450-464. [PMID: 32776603 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal fetal movements are implicated in joint pathologies such as arthrogryposis and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Experimentally induced paralysis disrupts joint cavitation and morphogenesis leading to postnatal abnormalities. However, the developmental window(s) most sensitive to immobility-and therefore the best time for intervention-have never been identified. Here, we systematically vary the timing and duration of paralysis during early chick hip joint development. We then test whether external manipulation of immobilized limbs can mitigate the effects of immobility. RESULTS Timing of paralysis affected the level of disruption to joints, with paralysis periods between embryonic days 4 and 7 most detrimental. Longer paralysis periods produced greater disruption in terms of failed cavitation and abnormal femoral and acetabular geometry. External manipulation of an immobilized limb led to more normal morphogenesis and cavitation compared to un-manipulated limbs. CONCLUSIONS Temporary paralysis is detrimental to joint development, particularly during days 4 to 7. Developmental processes in the very early stages of joint development may be critical to DDH, arthrogryposis, and other joint pathologies. The developing limb has the potential to recover from periods of immobility, and external manipulation provides an innovative avenue for prevention and treatment of developmental joint pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi L Bridglal
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Colin J Boyle
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca A Rolfe
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh C Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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9
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Gabner S, Böck P, Fink D, Glösmann M, Handschuh S. The visible skeleton 2.0: phenotyping of cartilage and bone in fixed vertebrate embryos and foetuses based on X-ray microCT. Development 2020; 147:dev187633. [PMID: 32439754 DOI: 10.1242/dev.187633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
For decades, clearing and staining with Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red has been the gold standard to image vertebrate skeletal development. Here, we present an alternate approach to visualise bone and cartilage based on X-ray microCT imaging, which allows the collection of genuine 3D data of the entire developing skeleton at micron resolution. Our novel protocol is based on ethanol fixation and staining with Ruthenium Red, and efficiently contrasts cartilage matrix, as demonstrated in whole E16.5 mouse foetuses and limbs of E14 chicken embryos. Bone mineral is well preserved during staining, thus the entire embryonic skeleton can be imaged at high contrast. Differences in X-ray attenuation of ruthenium and calcium enable the spectral separation of cartilage matrix and bone by dual energy microCT (microDECT). Clearing of specimens is not required. The protocol is simple and reproducible. We demonstrate that cartilage contrast in E16.5 mouse foetuses is adequate for fast visual phenotyping. Morphometric skeletal parameters are easily extracted. We consider the presented workflow to be a powerful and versatile extension to the toolkit currently available for qualitative and quantitative phenotyping of vertebrate skeletal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Gabner
- Histology and Embryology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Böck
- Histology and Embryology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Fink
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Glösmann
- VetCore Facility for Research/Imaging Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Handschuh
- VetCore Facility for Research/Imaging Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
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10
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Sotiriou V, Rolfe RA, Murphy P, Nowlan NC. Effects of Abnormal Muscle Forces on Prenatal Joint Morphogenesis in Mice. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:2287-2296. [PMID: 31297860 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fetal movements are essential for normal development of the human skeleton. When fetal movements are reduced or restricted, infants are at higher risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip and arthrogryposis (multiple joint contractures). Joint shape abnormalities have been reported in mouse models with abnormal or absent musculature, but the effects on joint shape in such models have not been quantified or characterized in detail. In this study, embryonic mouse forelimbs and hindlimbs at a single developmental stage (Theiler Stage 23) with normal, reduced, or absent muscle were imaged in three-dimensions. Skeletal rudiments were virtually segmented and rigid image registration was used to reliably align rudiments with each other, enabling repeatable assessment and measurement of joint shape differences between normal, reduced-muscle and absent-muscle groups. We demonstrate qualitatively and quantitatively that joint shapes are differentially affected by a lack of, or reduction in, skeletal muscle, with the elbow joint being the most affected of the major limb joints. Surprisingly, the effects of reduced muscle were often more pronounced than those of absent skeletal muscle, indicating a complex relationship between muscle mass and joint morphogenesis. These findings have relevance for human developmental disorders of the skeleton in which abnormal fetal movements are implicated, particularly developmental dysplasia of the hip and arthrogryposis. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2287-2296, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Sotiriou
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW6 7NA, UK
| | - Rebecca A Rolfe
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW6 7NA, UK.,Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paula Murphy
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh C Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW6 7NA, UK
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11
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Stein MJ, Buckley MR, Manuele D, Gutierrez A, Loor JS, Nguyen PK, Kuo CK. Design of a Bioreactor to Assess the Effect of Passive Joint Loading in a Live Chick Embryo In Ovo. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2019; 25:655-661. [PMID: 31547795 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2019.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in understanding how mechanical cues (e.g., physical forces due to kicking and other movements) influence the embryological development of tissues and organs. For example, recent studies from our laboratory and others have used the chick embryo model to demonstrate that the compositional and mechanical properties of developing tendons are strongly regulated by embryo movement frequency. However, current research tools for manipulating embryological movements and in ovo (or in utero) mechanical forces are generally limited to chemical treatments that either paralyze or overstimulate muscles without allowing for precise control of physical cues. Thus, in this study, we introduce an instrument that enables application of passive, dynamic ankle flexion at prescribed amplitudes and frequencies in live, developing chick embryos. This device meets the design goals of allowing for precise (<1.5°) control of different waveforms of ankle motion at a physiologically relevant frequency (0.17 Hz) across a range of ankle angles (0-90° plantarflexion) with maintenance of embryo viability comparable to other methods. Impact Statement We describe the design and implementation of a novel bioreactor to precisely control ankle motion in a chick embryo within its physiological environment. The chick embryo has been used for decades to study mechanobiology of musculoskeletal tissue development and regeneration, but approaches have been limited to chemical treatments that either paralyze or overstimulate muscles without allowing for precise control of physical cues. Thus, this novel instrument is a major advancement over current research tools for manipulating chick embryological movements in ovo (or in utero).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Stein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Mark R Buckley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York.,Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Dylan Manuele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Andrew Gutierrez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Jose Suarez Loor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Phong K Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Catherine K Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York.,Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.,Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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12
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Verbruggen SW, Kainz B, Shelmerdine SC, Hajnal JV, Rutherford MA, Arthurs OJ, Phillips ATM, Nowlan NC. Stresses and strains on the human fetal skeleton during development. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2017.0593. [PMID: 29367236 PMCID: PMC5805961 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces generated by fetal kicks and movements result in stimulation of the fetal skeleton in the form of stress and strain. This stimulation is known to be critical for prenatal musculoskeletal development; indeed, abnormal or absent movements have been implicated in multiple congenital disorders. However, the mechanical stress and strain experienced by the developing human skeleton in utero have never before been characterized. Here, we quantify the biomechanics of fetal movements during the second half of gestation by modelling fetal movements captured using novel cine-magnetic resonance imaging technology. By tracking these movements, quantifying fetal kick and muscle forces, and applying them to three-dimensional geometries of the fetal skeleton, we test the hypothesis that stress and strain change over ontogeny. We find that fetal kick force increases significantly from 20 to 30 weeks' gestation, before decreasing towards term. However, stress and strain in the fetal skeleton rises significantly over the latter half of gestation. This increasing trend with gestational age is important because changes in fetal movement patterns in late pregnancy have been linked to poor fetal outcomes and musculoskeletal malformations. This research represents the first quantification of kick force and mechanical stress and strain due to fetal movements in the human skeleton in utero, thus advancing our understanding of the biomechanical environment of the uterus. Further, by revealing a potential link between fetal biomechanics and skeletal malformations, our work will stimulate future research in tissue engineering and mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernhard Kainz
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Joseph V Hajnal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Science, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Mary A Rutherford
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health & Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Science, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Andrew T M Phillips
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Niamh C Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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13
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Parisi C, Chandaria VV, Nowlan NC. Blocking mechanosensitive ion channels eliminates the effects of applied mechanical loading on chick joint morphogenesis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:rstb.2017.0317. [PMID: 30249769 PMCID: PMC6158207 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in joint shape are increasingly considered a critical risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in life. It has been shown that mechanical forces during prenatal development, particularly those due to fetal movements, play a fundamental role in joint morphogenesis. However, how mechanical stimuli are sensed or transduced in developing joint tissues is unclear. Stretch-activated and voltage-gated calcium ion channels have been shown to be involved in the mechanoregulation of chondrocytes in vitro. In this study, we analyse, for the first time, how blocking these ion channels influences the effects of mechanical loading on chick joint morphogenesis. Using in vitro culture of embryonic chick hindlimb explants in a mechanostimulation bioreactor, we block stretch-activated and voltage-gated ion channels using, respectively, gadolinium chloride and nifedipine. We find that the administration of high doses of either drug largely removed the effects of mechanical stimulation on growth and shape development in vitro, while neither drug had any effect in static cultures. This study demonstrates that, during joint morphogenesis, mechanical cues are transduced—at least in part—through mechanosensitive calcium ion channels, advancing our understanding of cartilage development and mechanotransduction. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Mechanics of development’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Parisi
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Vikesh V Chandaria
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Niamh C Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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14
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Verbruggen SW, Kainz B, Shelmerdine SC, Arthurs OJ, Hajnal JV, Rutherford MA, Phillips ATM, Nowlan NC. Altered biomechanical stimulation of the developing hip joint in presence of hip dysplasia risk factors. J Biomech 2018; 78:1-9. [PMID: 30037582 PMCID: PMC6135936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Fetal kicking and movements generate biomechanical stimulation in the fetal skeleton, which is important for prenatal musculoskeletal development, particularly joint shape. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common joint shape abnormality at birth, with many risk factors for the condition being associated with restricted fetal movement. In this study, we investigate the biomechanics of fetal movements in such situations, namely fetal breech position, oligohydramnios and primiparity (firstborn pregnancy). We also investigate twin pregnancies, which are not at greater risk of DDH incidence, despite the more restricted intra-uterine environment. We track fetal movements for each of these situations using cine-MRI technology, quantify the kick and muscle forces, and characterise the resulting stress and strain in the hip joint, testing the hypothesis that altered biomechanical stimuli may explain the link between certain intra-uterine conditions and risk of DDH. Kick force, stress and strain were found to be significantly lower in cases of breech position and oligohydramnios. Similarly, firstborn fetuses were found to generate significantly lower kick forces than non-firstborns. Interestingly, no significant difference was observed in twins compared to singletons. This research represents the first evidence of a link between the biomechanics of fetal movements and the risk of DDH, potentially informing the development of future preventative measures and enhanced diagnosis. Our results emphasise the importance of ultrasound screening for breech position and oligohydramnios, particularly later in pregnancy, and suggest that earlier intervention to correct breech position through external cephalic version could reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernhard Kainz
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Joseph V Hajnal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Science, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Mary A Rutherford
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health & Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Science, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew T M Phillips
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Niamh C Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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15
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Tsutsumi R, Tran MP, Cooper KL. Changing While Staying the Same: Preservation of Structural Continuity During Limb Evolution by Developmental Integration. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 57:1269-1280. [PMID: 28992070 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 150 years since Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species", gradual evolution by natural selection is still not fully reconciled with the apparent sudden appearance of complex structures, such as the bat wing, with highly derived functions. This is in part because developmental genetics has not yet identified the number and types of mutations that accumulated to drive complex morphological evolution. Here, we consider the experimental manipulations in laboratory model systems that suggest tissue interdependence and mechanical responsiveness during limb development conceptually reduce the genetic complexity required to reshape the structure as a whole. It is an exciting time in the field of evolutionary developmental biology as emerging technical approaches in a variety of non-traditional laboratory species are on the verge of filling the gaps between theory and evidence to resolve this sesquicentennial debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rio Tsutsumi
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0380, USA
| | - Mai P Tran
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0380, USA
| | - Kimberly L Cooper
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0380, USA
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16
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Marcucio RS, Qin L, Alsberg E, Boerckel JD. Reverse engineering development: Crosstalk opportunities between developmental biology and tissue engineering. J Orthop Res 2017; 35:2356-2368. [PMID: 28660712 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The fields of developmental biology and tissue engineering have been revolutionized in recent years by technological advancements, expanded understanding, and biomaterials design, leading to the emerging paradigm of "developmental" or "biomimetic" tissue engineering. While developmental biology and tissue engineering have long overlapping histories, the fields have largely diverged in recent years at the same time that crosstalk opportunities for mutual benefit are more salient than ever. In this perspective article, we will use musculoskeletal development and tissue engineering as a platform on which to discuss these emerging crosstalk opportunities and will present our opinions on the bright future of these overlapping spheres of influence. The multicellular programs that control musculoskeletal development are rapidly becoming clarified, represented by shifting paradigms in our understanding of cellular function, identity, and lineage specification during development. Simultaneously, advancements in bioartificial matrices that replicate the biochemical, microstructural, and mechanical properties of developing tissues present new tools and approaches for recapitulating development in tissue engineering. Here, we introduce concepts and experimental approaches in musculoskeletal developmental biology and biomaterials design and discuss applications in tissue engineering as well as opportunities for tissue engineering approaches to inform our understanding of fundamental biology. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2356-2368, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph S Marcucio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 36th Street and Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia 19104-6081, Pennsylvania
| | - Eben Alsberg
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopaedic Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joel D Boerckel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 36th Street and Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia 19104-6081, Pennsylvania.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennslyvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
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