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Wei X, Qiu J, Lai R, Wei T, Lin Z, Huang S, Jiang Y, Kuang Z, Zeng H, Gong Y, Xie X, Yang J, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Zou Z, Gao X, Bai X. A human organoid drug screen identifies α2-adrenergic receptor signaling as a therapeutic target for cartilage regeneration. Cell Stem Cell 2024:S1934-5909(24)00315-1. [PMID: 39353427 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.09.001] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Directed differentiation of stem cells toward chondrogenesis in vitro and in situ to regenerate cartilage suffers from off-target differentiation and hypertrophic tendency. Here, we generated a cartilaginous organoid system from human expanded pluripotent stem cells (hEPSCs) carrying a COL2A1mCherry and COL10A1eGFP double reporter, enabling real-time monitoring of chondrogenesis and hypertrophy. After screening 2,040 FDA-approved drugs, we found that α-adrenergic receptor (α-AR) antagonists, especially phentolamine, stimulated chondrogenesis but repressed hypertrophy, while α2-AR agonists reduced chondrogenesis and induced hypertrophy. Phentolamine prevented cartilage degeneration in hEPSC cartilaginous organoid and human cartilage explant models and stimulated microfracture-activated endogenous skeletal stem cells toward hyaline-like cartilage regeneration without fibrotic degeneration in situ. Mechanistically, α2-AR signaling induced hypertrophic degeneration via cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) production. SLPI-deleted cartilaginous organoid was degeneration resistant, facilitating large cartilage defect healing. Ultimately, targeting α2-AR/SLPI was a promising and clinically feasible strategy to regenerate cartilage via promoting chondrogenesis and repressing hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jingyang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruijun Lai
- Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Tiantian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhijie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shijiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuanjun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhanpeng Kuang
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yan Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoling Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhipeng Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xuefei Gao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
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Liu L, Zhang H, Chen S, Dian W, Zheng Z. Cinnamaldehyde Alleviates Alveolar Epithelial Cell Injury in ALI by Inhibiting the CaMKII Pathway. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01544-x. [PMID: 39316262 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01544-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Alveolar epithelial cell injury plays a key role in acute lung injury (ALI) and is a vital determinant of its severity. Here, we aimed to assess the protective effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced A549 cells and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. A549 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/mL LPS for 24 h to establish an alveolar epithelial cell injury model and subsequently treated with CA or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN93. Flow cytometry, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and lactate dehydrogenase release assays were used to evaluate apoptosis, cell viability, and lactate dehydrogenase activity, respectively. Levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis tactor-α, and interferon-γ) and oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and specific assay kits, respectively. Furthermore, levels of apoptosis-related proteins (cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2-associated X, and Bcl-2) and CaMKII were assessed via western blotting. CA did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity in A549 cells. It dose-dependently improved the cell viability, suppressed apoptosis, decreased cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-2-associated X levels, and increased Bcl-2 levels in LPS-treated A549 cells. It also inhibited inflammatory factor release and oxidative stress in LPS-induced A549 cells. Similar results were observed in the KN93- and CA-treated groups. Western blotting assay revealed that CA and KN93 inhibited CaMKII pathway activation, as indicated by the reduced p-CaMKII and p-phospholamban (PLN) levels and p-CaMKII/CaMKII and p-PLN/PLN ratios. Overall, CA alleviated alveolar epithelial cell injury by inhibiting the inflammatory response and oxidative stress and inducing cell apoptosis in LPS-induced A549 cells by regulating the CaMKII pathway, serving as a potential candidate for ALI prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Emergency, Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Siming Chen
- Department of Emergency, Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wankang Dian
- Department of Emergency, Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Zheng
- Department of Emergency, Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Huang J, Ren Q, Jiao L, Niu S, Liu C, Zhou J, Wu L, Yang Y. TMF suppresses chondrocyte hypertrophy in osteoarthritic cartilage by mediating the FOXO3a/BMPER pathway. Exp Ther Med 2024; 28:283. [PMID: 38800044 PMCID: PMC11117099 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the joints, characterized by chronic inflammation, cartilage destruction and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Aberrant chondrocyte hypertrophy promotes cartilage destruction and OA development. Collagen X, the biomarker of chondrocyte hypertrophy, is upregulated by runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), which is mediated by the bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4)/Smad1 signaling pathway. BMP binding endothelial regulator (BMPER), a secreted glycoprotein, acts as an agonist of BMP4. 5,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF) is a natural flavonoid derived from Murraya exotica L. Results of our previous study demonstrated that TMF exhibits chondroprotective effects against OA development through the activation of Forkhead box protein O3a (FOXO3a) expression. However, whether TMF suppresses chondrocyte hypertrophy through activation of FOXO3a expression and inhibition of BMPER/BMP4/Smad1 signaling remains unknown. Results of the present study revealed that TMF inhibited collagen X and Runx2 expression, inhibited BMPER/BMP4/Smad1 signaling, and activated FOXO3a expression; thus, protecting against chondrocyte hypertrophy and OA development. However, BMPER overexpression and FOXO3a knockdown impacted the protective effects of TMF. Thus, TMF inhibited chondrocyte hypertrophy in OA cartilage through mediating the FOXO3a/BMPER signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jishang Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Qun Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Linhui Jiao
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Niu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Chenghong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Juan Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Longhuo Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Yadong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
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Koosha E, Brenna CTA, Ashique AM, Jain N, Ovens K, Koike T, Kitagawa H, Eames BF. Proteoglycan inhibition of canonical BMP-dependent cartilage maturation delays endochondral ossification. Development 2024; 151:dev201716. [PMID: 38117077 PMCID: PMC10820745 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
During endochondral ossification, chondrocytes secrete a proteoglycan (PG)-rich extracellular matrix that can inhibit the process of cartilage maturation, including expression of Ihh and Col10a1. Because bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) can promote cartilage maturation, we hypothesized that cartilage PGs normally inhibit BMP signalling. Accordingly, BMP signalling was evaluated in chondrocytes of wild-type and PG mutant (fam20b-/-) zebrafish and inhibited with temporal control using the drug DMH1 or an inducible dominant-negative BMP receptor transgene (dnBMPR). Compared with wild type, phospho-Smad1/5/9, but not phospho-p38, was increased in fam20b-/- chondrocytes, but only after they secreted PGs. Phospho-Smad1/5/9 was decreased in DMH1-treated or dnBMPR-activated wild-type chondrocytes, and DMH1 also decreased phospho-p38 levels. ihha and col10a1a were decreased in DMH1-treated or dnBMPR-activated chondrocytes, and less perichondral bone formed. Finally, early ihha and col10a1a expression and early perichondral bone formation of fam20b mutants were rescued with DMH1 treatment or dnBMPR activation. Therefore, PG inhibition of canonical BMP-dependent cartilage maturation delays endochondral ossification, and these results offer hope for the development of growth factor therapies for skeletal defects of PG diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Koosha
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Connor T. A. Brenna
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Amir M. Ashique
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Niteesh Jain
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Katie Ovens
- Department of Computer Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Toshiyasu Koike
- Department of Biochemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0003, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kitagawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0003, Japan
| | - B. Frank Eames
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
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Feng X, Zhang J, Yang R, Bai J, Deng B, Cheng L, Gao F, Xie J, Zhang B. The CaMKII Inhibitory Peptide AIP Alleviates Renal Fibrosis Through the TGF- β/Smad and RAF/ERK Pathways. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 386:310-322. [PMID: 37419684 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix that destroys and replaces the functional renal parenchyma, ultimately leading to organ failure. It is a common pathway by which chronic kidney disease can develop into end-stage renal disease, which has high global morbidity and mortality, and there are currently no good therapeutic agents available. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) has been indicated to be closely related to the occurrence of renal fibrosis, and its specific inhibitory peptide, autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide (AIP), was shown to directly bind the active site of CaMKII. In this study, we examined the effect of AIP on the progression of renal fibrosis and its possible mechanism. The results showed that AIP could inhibit the expression of the fibrosis markers fibronectin, collagen I, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and α-smooth muscle actin in vivo and in vitro. Further analysis revealed that AIP could inhibit the expression of various epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation-related markers, such as vimentin and Snail 1, in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, AIP could significantly inhibit the activation of CaMKII, Smad 2, Raf, and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) in vitro and in vivo and reduce the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in vivo. These results suggested that AIP could alleviate renal fibrosis by inhibiting CaMKII and blocking activation of the TGF-β/Smad2 and RAF/ERK pathways. Our study provides a possible drug candidate and demonstrates that CaMKII is a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of renal fibrosis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We have demonstrated that AIP significantly attenuated transforming growth factor-β-1-induced fibrogenesis and ameliorated unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal fibrosis through the CaMKII/TGF-β/Smad and CaMKII/RAF/ERK signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. Our study provides a possible drug candidate and demonstrates that CaMKII can be a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Feng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Runling Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingya Bai
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bochuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feiyun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bangzhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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He Y, Shi Y, Zhang Y, Zhang R, Cao L, Liu Y, Ma T, Chen J. T-2 toxin-induced chondrocyte apoptosis contributes to growth plate damage through Smad2 and Smad3 signaling. Toxicon 2023:107193. [PMID: 37423522 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The growth plate cartilage is one of the most common areas that Kashin-Beck Disease attacks. However, the exact mechanism of growth plate damage remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that Smad2 and Smad3 were closely associated with the differentiation of chondrocytes. Reduction of Smad2 and Smad3 were found both in T-2 toxin-induced human chondrocytes in vitro and in T-2 toxin-induced rat growth plate in vivo. Blunting Smad2 or Smad3 both strikingly induced human chondrocytes apoptosis, implying a plausible signaling pathway to clarify the mechanism of T-2 toxin-induced oxidative damage. Furthermore, decreased Smad2 and Smad3 were also observed in the growth plates of KBD children. Collectively, our findings clearly illustrated that T-2 toxin-induced chondrocyte apoptosis contributes to growth plate damage through Smad2 and Smad3 signaling, which refines the pathogenesis of endemic osteoarthritis and provides two potential targets for the prevention and repairment of endemic osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying He
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, Shaanxi, China; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yawen Shi
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruotong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinan Liu
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tianyou Ma
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, Shaanxi, China.
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Besio R, Contento BM, Garibaldi N, Filibian M, Sonntag S, Shmerling D, Tonelli F, Biggiogera M, Brini M, Salmaso A, Jovanovic M, Marini JC, Rossi A, Forlino A. CaMKII inhibition due to TRIC-B loss-of-function dysregulates SMAD signaling in osteogenesis imperfecta. Matrix Biol 2023; 120:43-59. [PMID: 37178987 PMCID: PMC11123566 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.05.002] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Ca2+ is a second messenger that regulates a variety of cellular responses in bone, including osteoblast differentiation. Mutations in trimeric intracellular cation channel B (TRIC-B), an endoplasmic reticulum channel specific for K+, a counter ion for Ca2+flux, affect bone and cause a recessive form of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) with a still puzzling mechanism. Using a conditional Tmem38b knock out mouse, we demonstrated that lack of TRIC-B in osteoblasts strongly impairs skeleton growth and structure, leading to bone fractures. At the cellular level, delayed osteoblast differentiation and decreased collagen synthesis were found consequent to the Ca2+ imbalance and associated with reduced collagen incorporation in the extracellular matrix and poor mineralization. The impaired SMAD signaling detected in mutant mice, and validated in OI patient osteoblasts, explained the osteoblast malfunction. The reduced SMAD phosphorylation and nuclear translocation were mainly caused by alteration in Ca2+ calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII)-mediated signaling and to a less extend by a lower TGF-β reservoir. SMAD signaling, osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization were only partially rescued by TGF-β treatment, strengthening the impact of CaMKII-SMAD axes on osteoblast function. Our data established the TRIC-B role in osteoblasts and deepened the contribution of the CaMKII-SMAD signaling in bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Besio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara M Contento
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nadia Garibaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Filibian
- Centro Grandi Strumenti, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; INFN, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare-Pavia Unit, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stephan Sonntag
- PolyGene AG, Rümlang, Switzerland; LIMES-Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn , Germany
| | | | - Francesca Tonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Biggiogera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marisa Brini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Centro Studi per la Neurodegenerazione (CESNE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmaso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Milena Jovanovic
- Section on Heritable Disorders of Bone and Extracellular Matrix, Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Joan C Marini
- Section on Heritable Disorders of Bone and Extracellular Matrix, Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonella Forlino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Yan N, Wang S, Gao H, Chen J, Cao J, Wei P, Li X, Yu Y, Wang Y, Niu Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Jin G. Neuroprotective effect of aloe emodin against Huntington's disease-like symptoms in R6/1 transgenic mice. Food Funct 2023. [PMID: 37191091 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo00156c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Aloe emodin is a natural anthraquinone derived from aloe or rhubarb, showing anti-renal fibrosis, anti-atherosclerosis and anti-cancer effects. Aloe emodin also shows neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke rats. Naturally, anthraquinone derivatives generally have the effect of inhibiting the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) pathway. There is an increase in the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and TGF-β1 levels in both Huntington's disease (HD) patients' brains and HD transgenic mice. Thus, we hypothesized that aloe emodin may inhibit the phosphorylation of CaMKII (p-CaMKII) and TGF-β1/sma- and mad-related protein (Smad) signaling in the brain, further preventing motor and cognitive dysfunction. Aloe emodin was orally administered to 10- to 20-week-old HD R6/1 transgenic mice. Aloe emodin improved the motor coordination of R6/1 transgenic mice in the rotarod test and attenuated visual recognition impairment in the novel object recognition test. Aloe emodin downregulated levels of the mutant huntingtin protein, p-CaMKII and TGF-β1, but not the TGF-β2 or TGF-β3 levels, in the brains of R6/1 mice. Aloe emodin could also inhibit neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of R6/1 mice. Altogether, these results indicated that aloe emodin prevents several HD-like symptoms through the inhibition of CaMKII/Smad and TGF-β1/Smad signaling in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Yan
- School of Medical Applied Technology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Haotian Gao
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Jiahui Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China.
| | - Pengsheng Wei
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Xue Li
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yu
- Liaoning Medical Device Test Institute, Shenyang, 110171, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Yalin Niu
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Yijie Wang
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Shuyuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
| | - Ge Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, P.R. China
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Gill AK, McCormick PJ, Sochart D, Nalesso G. Wnt signalling in the articular cartilage: A matter of balance. Int J Exp Pathol 2023; 104:56-63. [PMID: 36843204 PMCID: PMC10009303 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Degradation of the articular cartilage is a hallmark of osteoarthritis, a progressive and chronic musculoskeletal condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. The activation of several signalling cascades is altered during disease development: among them, the Wnt signalling plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Increasing evidence is showing that its activation needs to be maintained within a certain range to avoid the triggering of degenerative mechanisms. In this review, we summarise our current knowledge about how a balanced activation of the Wnt signalling is maintained in the articular cartilage, with a particular focus on receptor-mediated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Kaur Gill
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - Peter J McCormick
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - David Sochart
- South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre, Epsom, UK
| | - Giovanna Nalesso
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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10
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Woods S, Humphreys PA, Bates N, Richardson SA, Kuba SY, Brooks IR, Cain SA, Kimber SJ. Regulation of TGFβ Signalling by TRPV4 in Chondrocytes. Cells 2021; 10:726. [PMID: 33805168 PMCID: PMC8064313 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth factor TGFβ and the mechanosensitive calcium-permeable cation channel TRPV4 are both important for the development and maintenance of many tissues. Although TRPV4 and TGFβ both affect core cellular functions, how their signals are integrated is unknown. Here we show that pharmacological activation of TRPV4 significantly increased the canonical response to TGFβ stimulation in chondrocytes. Critically, this increase was only observed when TRPV4 was activated after, but not before TGFβ stimulation. The increase was prevented by pharmacological TRPV4 inhibition or knockdown and is calcium/CamKII dependent. RNA-seq analysis after TRPV4 activation showed enrichment for the TGFβ signalling pathway and identified JUN and SP1 as key transcription factors involved in this response. TRPV4 modulation of TGFβ signalling represents an important pathway linking mechanical signalling to tissue development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Woods
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.A.H.); (N.B.); (S.A.R.); (S.Y.K.); (I.R.B.); (S.A.C.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan J. Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.A.H.); (N.B.); (S.A.R.); (S.Y.K.); (I.R.B.); (S.A.C.)
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11
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Nalesso G, Thorup AS, Eldridge SE, De Palma A, Kaur A, Peddireddi K, Blighe K, Rana S, Stott B, Vincent TL, Thomas BL, Bertrand J, Sherwood J, Fioravanti A, Pitzalis C, Dell'Accio F. Calcium calmodulin kinase II activity is required for cartilage homeostasis in osteoarthritis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5682. [PMID: 33707504 PMCID: PMC7952598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82067-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT ligands can activate several signalling cascades of pivotal importance during development and regenerative processes. Their de-regulation has been associated with the onset of different diseases. Here we investigated the role of the WNT/Calcium Calmodulin Kinase II (CaMKII) pathway in osteoarthritis. We identified Heme Oxygenase I (HMOX1) and Sox-9 as specific markers of the WNT/CaMKII signalling in articular chondrocytes through a microarray analysis. We showed that the expression of the activated form of CaMKII, phospho-CaMKII, was increased in human and murine osteoarthritis and the expression of HMOX1 was accordingly reduced, demonstrating the activation of the pathway during disease progression. To elucidate its function, we administered the CaMKII inhibitor KN93 to mice in which osteoarthritis was induced by resection of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus and of the medial collateral ligament in the knee joint. Pharmacological blockade of CaMKII exacerbated cartilage damage and bone remodelling. Finally, we showed that CaMKII inhibition in articular chondrocytes upregulated the expression of matrix remodelling enzymes alone and in combination with Interleukin 1. These results suggest an important homeostatic role of the WNT/CaMKII signalling in osteoarthritis which could be exploited in the future for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Nalesso
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK.
| | - Anne-Sophie Thorup
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Suzanne Elizabeth Eldridge
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Anna De Palma
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Amanpreet Kaur
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Kiran Peddireddi
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | | | | | - Bryony Stott
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Bethan Lynne Thomas
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Jessica Bertrand
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Joanna Sherwood
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Antonella Fioravanti
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Francesco Dell'Accio
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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12
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De Palma A, Nalesso G. WNT Signalling in Osteoarthritis and Its Pharmacological Targeting. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:337-356. [PMID: 34510305 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_525] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly disabling musculoskeletal condition affecting millions of people worldwide. OA is characterised by progressive destruction and irreversible morphological changes of joint tissues and architecture. At molecular level, de-regulation of several pathways contributes to the disruption of tissue homeostasis in the joint. Overactivation of the WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway has been associated with degenerative processes in OA. However, the multiple layers of complexity in the modulation of the signalling and the still insufficient knowledge of the specific molecular drivers of pathogenetic mechanisms have made difficult the pharmacological targeting of this pathway for therapeutic purposes. This review aims to provide an overview of the WNT/β-catenin signalling in OA with a particular focus on its role in the articular cartilage. Pathway components whose targeting showed therapeutic potential will be highlighted and described. A specific section will be dedicated to Lorecivivint, the first inhibitor of the β-catenin-dependent pathway currently in phase III clinical trial as OA-modifying agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna De Palma
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Giovanna Nalesso
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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13
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Targeting miR-18a sensitizes chondrocytes to anticytokine therapy to prevent osteoarthritis progression. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:947. [PMID: 33144571 PMCID: PMC7609664 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation participates in the development of OA and targeting inflammatory signaling pathways is a potential strategy for OA treatment. IL-1β is one of the most important inflammatory factors to trigger the activation of NF-κB signaling and accelerate OA progression, whereas OA patients could hardly benefit from inhibiting IL-1β in clinic, suggesting the importance to further explore the details of OA inflammation. We here showed that expression of miR-18a in chondrocytes was specifically induced in response to IL-1β in vitro as well as in rat model of OA during which NF-κB signaling was involved, and that nuclear-translocated p65 directly upregulated miR-18a expression at transcriptional level. Further, increased miR-18a mediated hypertrophy of chondrocytes, resulting in OA degeneration, by targeting TGFβ1, SMAD2, and SMAD3 and subsequently leading to repression of TGF-β signaling. And the level of serum miR-18a was positively correlated to severity of OA. Interestingly, other than IL-1β, pro-inflammation cytokines involving TNFα could also remarkably upregulate miR-18a via activating NF-κB signaling and subsequently induce chondrocytes hypertrophy, suggesting a pivotal central role of miR-18a in inflammatory OA progression. Thus, our study revealed a novel convergence of NF-κB and TGF-β signaling mediated by miR-18a, and a novel mechanism underlying inflammation-regulated OA dependent of NF-κB/miR-18a/TGF-β axis. Notably, in vivo assay showed that targeting miR-18a sensitized OA chondrocytes to IL-1β inhibitor as targeting IL-1β and miR-18a simultaneously had much stronger inhibitory effects on OA progression than suppressing IL-1β alone. Therefore, the diagnostic and therapeutic potentials of miR-18a for OA were also revealed.
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14
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Estaras M, Peña FJ, Tapia JA, Fernandez-Bermejo M, Mateos JM, Vara D, Roncero V, Blanco G, Lopez D, Salido GM, Gonzalez A. Melatonin modulates proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells through caspase-3 activation and changes in cyclin A and D expression. J Physiol Biochem 2020; 76:345-355. [PMID: 32361979 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-020-00740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the effects of melatonin (1 μM-1 mM) on pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) have been examined. Cell viability and proliferation, caspase-3 activation, and the expression of cyclin A and cyclin D were analyzed. Our results show that melatonin decreased PSC viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This effect was not inhibited by treatment of cells with MT1, MT2, calmodulin, or ROR-alpha inhibitors prior to melatonin addition. Activation of caspase-3 in response to melatonin was detected. The expression of cyclin A and cyclin D was decreased in cells treated with melatonin. Finally, changes in BrdU incorporation into the newly synthesized DNA of proliferating cells were also observed in the presence of melatonin. We conclude that melatonin, at pharmacological concentrations, modulates proliferation of PSC through activation of apoptosis and involving crucial regulators of the cell cycle. These actions might not require specific melatonin receptors. Our observations suggest that melatonin, at high doses, could potentially exert anti-fibrotic effects and, thus, could be taken into consideration as supportive treatment in the therapy of pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Estaras
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, E-10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José A Tapia
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, E-10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Jose M Mateos
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Pedro de Alcantara Hospital, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Daniel Vara
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Pedro de Alcantara Hospital, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Vicente Roncero
- Unit of Histology and Pathological Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gerardo Blanco
- Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Infanta Cristina Hospital, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Diego Lopez
- Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Infanta Cristina Hospital, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Gines M Salido
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, E-10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Antonio Gonzalez
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, E-10003, Cáceres, Spain.
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15
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Lack of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) Disturbs Callus Formation. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 71:1543-1555. [PMID: 31808034 PMCID: PMC8349325 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01448-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a naturally secreted signaling peptide and has important regulatory roles in the differentiation of the central nervous system and its absence results in disorders in femur development. PACAP has an important function in prevention of oxidative stress or mechanical stress in chondrogenesis but little is known about its function in bone regeneration. A new callus formation model was set to investigate its role in bone remodeling. Fracturing was 5 mm distal from the proximal articular surface of the tibia and the depth was 0.5 mm. Reproducibility of callus formation was investigated with CT 3, 7, and 21 days after the operation. Absence of PACAP did not alter the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activation in PACAP KO healing process. In developing callus, the expression of collagen type I increased in wild-type (WT) and PACAP KO mice decreased to the end of healing process. Expression of the elements of BMP signaling was disturbed in the callus formation of PACAP KO mice, as bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) and 6 showed an early reduction in bone regeneration. However, elevated Smad1 expression was demonstrated in PACAP KO mice. Our results indicate that PACAP KO mice show various signs of disturbed bone healing and suggest PACAP compensatory and fine tuning effects in proper bone regeneration.
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