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Puviindran V, Shimada E, Huang Z, Ma X, Ban GI, Xiang Y, Zhang H, Ou J, Wei X, Nakagawa M, Martin J, Diao Y, Alman BA. Single cell analysis of Idh mutant growth plates identifies cell populations responsible for longitudinal bone growth and enchondroma formation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:26208. [PMID: 39482341 PMCID: PMC11527983 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76539-y] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Enchondromas are a common tumor in bone that can occur as multiple lesions in enchondromatosis, which is associated with deformity of the affected bone. These lesions harbor somatic mutations in IDH and driving expression of a mutant Idh1 in Col2 expressing cells in mice causes an enchondromatosis phenotype. Here we compared growth plates from E18.5 mice expressing a mutant Idh1 with control littermates using single cell RNA sequencing. Data from Col2 expressing cells were analysed using UMAP and RNA pseudo-time analyses. A unique cluster of cells was identified in the mutant growth plates that expressed genes known to be upregulated in enchondromas. There was also a cluster of cells that was underrepresented in the mutant growth plates that expressed genes known to be important in longitudinal bone growth. Immunofluorescence showed that the genes from the unique cluster identified in the mutant growth plates were expressed in multiple growth plate anatomic zones, and pseudo-time analysis also suggested these cells could arise from multiple growth plate chondrocyte subpopulations. This data supports the notion that a subpopulation of chondrocytes become enchondromas at the expense of contributing to longitudinal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijitha Puviindran
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eijiro Shimada
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zeyu Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xinyi Ma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ga I Ban
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yu Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hongyuan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jianhong Ou
- Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiaolin Wei
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Makoto Nakagawa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John Martin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yarui Diao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin A Alman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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2
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Graham J, Zhang Y, He L, Gonzalez-Fernandez T. CRISPR-GEM: A Novel Machine Learning Model for CRISPR Genetic Target Discovery and Evaluation. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:3413-3429. [PMID: 39375864 PMCID: PMC11494708 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00473] [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: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR gene editing strategies are shaping cell therapies through precise and tunable control over gene expression. However, limitations in safely delivering high quantities of CRISPR machinery demand careful target gene selection to achieve reliable therapeutic effects. Informed target gene selection requires a thorough understanding of the involvement of target genes in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and thus their impact on cell phenotype. Effective decoding of these complex networks has been achieved using machine learning models, but current techniques are limited to single cell types and focus mainly on transcription factors, limiting their applicability to CRISPR strategies. To address this, we present CRISPR-GEM, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) based synthetic GRN constructed to accurately predict the downstream effects of CRISPR gene editing. First, input and output nodes are identified as differentially expressed genes between defined experimental and target cell/tissue types, respectively. Then, MLP training learns regulatory relationships in a black-box approach allowing accurate prediction of output gene expression using only input gene expression. Finally, CRISPR-mimetic perturbations are made to each input gene individually, and the resulting model predictions are compared to those for the target group to score and assess each input gene as a CRISPR candidate. The top scoring genes provided by CRISPR-GEM therefore best modulate experimental group GRNs to motivate transcriptomic shifts toward a target group phenotype. This machine learning model is the first of its kind for predicting optimal CRISPR target genes and serves as a powerful tool for enhanced CRISPR strategies across a range of cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua
P. Graham
- Department
of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department
of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Lifang He
- Department
of Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh
University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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3
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Graham JP, Zhang Y, He L, Gonzalez-Fernandez T. CRISPR-GEM: A Novel Machine Learning Model for CRISPR Genetic Target Discovery and Evaluation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.01.601587. [PMID: 39005295 PMCID: PMC11244939 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.01.601587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR gene editing strategies are shaping cell therapies through precise and tunable control over gene expression. However, achieving reliable therapeutic effects with improved safety and efficacy requires informed target gene selection. This depends on a thorough understanding of the involvement of target genes in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that regulate cell phenotype and function. Machine learning models have been previously used for GRN reconstruction using RNA-seq data, but current techniques are limited to single cell types and focus mainly on transcription factors. This restriction overlooks many potential CRISPR target genes, such as those encoding extracellular matrix components, growth factors, and signaling molecules, thus limiting the applicability of these models for CRISPR strategies. To address these limitations, we have developed CRISPR-GEM, a multi-layer perceptron (MLP)-based synthetic GRN constructed to accurately predict the downstream effects of CRISPR gene editing. First, input and output nodes are identified as differentially expressed genes between defined experimental and target cell/tissue types respectively. Then, MLP training learns regulatory relationships in a black-box approach allowing accurate prediction of output gene expression using only input gene expression. Finally, CRISPR-mimetic perturbations are made to each input gene individually and the resulting model predictions are compared to those for the target group to score and assess each input gene as a CRISPR candidate. The top scoring genes provided by CRISPR-GEM therefore best modulate experimental group GRNs to motivate transcriptomic shifts towards a target group phenotype. This machine learning model is the first of its kind for predicting optimal CRISPR target genes and serves as a powerful tool for enhanced CRISPR strategies across a range of cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh P Graham
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Lifang He
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
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4
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Puviindran V, Shimada E, Huang Z, Ma X, Ban GI, Xiang Y, Zhang H, Ou J, Wei X, Nakagawa M, Martin J, Diao Y, Alman BA. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses of mouse idh1 mutant growth plate chondrocytes reveal distinct cell populations responsible for longitudinal growth and enchondroma formation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4451086. [PMID: 38883785 PMCID: PMC11178001 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4451086/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Enchondromas are a common tumor in bone that can occur as multiple lesions in enchondromatosis, which is associated with deformity of the effected bone. These lesions harbor mutations in IDH and driving expression of a mutant Idh1 in Col2 expressing cells in mice causes an enchondromatosis phenotype. In this study we compared growth plates from E18.5 mice expressing a mutant Idh1 with control littermates using single cell RNA sequencing. Data from Col2 expressing cells were analyzed using UMAP and RNA pseudo-time analyses. A unique cluster of cells was identified in the mutant growth plates that expressed genes known to be upregulated in enchondromas. There was also a cluster of cells that was underrepresented in the mutant growth plates that expressed genes known to be important in longitudinal bone growth. Immunofluorescence showed that the genes from the unique cluster identified in the mutant growth plates were expressed in multiple growth plate anatomic zones, and pseudo-time analysis also suggested these cells could arise from multiple growth plate chondrocyte subpopulations. This data identifies subpopulations of cells in control and mutant growth plates, and supports the notion that a mutant Idh1 alters the subpopulations of growth plate chondrocytes, resulting a subpopulation of cells that become enchondromas at the expense of other populations that contribute to longitudinal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xinyi Ma
- Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Ga I Ban
- Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Yu Xiang
- Duke University School of Medicine
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Zieba J, Nevarez L, Wachtell D, Martin JH, Kot A, Wong S, Cohn DH, Krakow D. Altered Sox9 and FGF signaling gene expression in Aga2 OI mice negatively affects linear growth. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e171984. [PMID: 37796615 PMCID: PMC10721276 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171984] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, is a disorder characterized by bone fragility and increased fracture incidence. All forms of OI also feature short stature, implying an effect on endochondral ossification. Using the Aga2+/- mouse, which has a mutation in type I collagen, we show an affected growth plate primarily due to a shortened proliferative zone. We used single-cell RNA-Seq analysis of tibial and femoral growth plate tissues to understand transcriptional consequences on growth plate cell types. We show that perichondrial cells, which express abundant type I procollagen, and growth plate chondrocytes, which were found to express low amounts of type I procollagen, had ER stress and dysregulation of the same unfolded protein response pathway as previously demonstrated in osteoblasts. Aga2+/- proliferating chondrocytes showed increased FGF and MAPK signaling, findings consistent with accelerated differentiation. There was also increased Sox9 expression throughout the growth plate, which is expected to accelerate early chondrocyte differentiation but reduce late hypertrophic differentiation. These data reveal that mutant type I collagen expression in OI has an impact on the cartilage growth plate. These effects on endochondral ossification indicate that OI is a biologically complex phenotype going beyond its known impacts on bone to negatively affect linear growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Zieba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lisette Nevarez
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Davis Wachtell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jorge H. Martin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexander Kot
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sereen Wong
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniel H. Cohn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Deborah Krakow
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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6
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Bejarano DH, Martínez RA, Rocha JF. Genome-wide association study for growth traits in Blanco Orejinegro and Romosinuano cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:358. [PMID: 37848724 PMCID: PMC10581918 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03743-9] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Growth traits are economically important characteristics for the genetic improvement of local cattle breeds. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide valuable information to enhance the understanding on the genetics of complex traits. The aim of this study was to perform a GWAS to identify genomic regions and genes associated to birth weight, weaning weight adjusted for 240 days, 16 months, and 24 months weight in Romosinuano (ROMO) and Blanco Orejinegro (BON) cattle. A single-step genomic-BLUP was implemented using 596 BON and 569 ROMO individuals that were genotyped with an Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. There were 25 regions of interest identified on different chromosomes, with few of them simultaneously associated with two or more growth traits and some were common to both breeds. The gene mapping allowed to find 173 annotations on these regions, from which 49 represent potential candidate genes with known growth-related functions in cattle and other species. Among the regions that were associated with several growth traits, that at 24 - 27 MB of BTA14, has important candidate genes such as LYPLA1, XKR4, TMEM68 and PLAG1. Another region of interest at 0.40-0.77 Mb of BTA23 was identified in both breeds, containing KHDRBS2 as a potential candidate gene influencing body weight. Future studies targeting these regions could provide more knowledge to uncover the genetic architecture underlying growth traits in BON and ROMO cattle. The genomic regions and genes identified in this study could be used to improve the prediction of genetic merit for growth traits in these creole cattle breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Bejarano
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria -AGROSAVIA. Centro de Investigación Tibaitatá, Km. 14, Mosquera, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo A Martínez
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria -AGROSAVIA. Centro de Investigación Tibaitatá, Km. 14, Mosquera, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Juan F Rocha
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria -AGROSAVIA. Centro de Investigación Tibaitatá, Km. 14, Mosquera, Cundinamarca, Colombia.
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Rajagopal S, Gupta A, Parveen R, Shukla N, Bhattacharya S, Naravula J, Kumar S A, Mathur P, Simlot A, Mehta S, Bihari C, Mehta S, Mishra AK, Nair BG, Medicherla KM, Reddy GB, Sreenivasulu N, Kishor PK, Suravajhala P. Vitamin K in human health and metabolism: A nutri-genomics review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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8
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Vitamin K-Dependent Proteins in Skeletal Development and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179328. [PMID: 34502245 PMCID: PMC8430550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K and Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) are best known for their pivotal role in blood coagulation. Of the 14 VKPDs identified in humans to date, 6 play also important roles in skeletal biology and disease. Thus, osteocalcin, also termed bone Gla-protein, is the most abundant non-collagenous protein in bone. Matrix Gla protein and Ucma/GRP on the other hand are highly abundant in cartilage. Furthermore, periostin, protein S, and growth arrest specific 6 protein (GAS 6) are expressed in skeletal tissues. The roles for these VKDPs are diverse but include the control of calcification and turnover of bone and cartilage. Vitamin K plays an important role in osteoporosis and serum osteocalcin levels are recognized as a promising marker for osteoporosis. On the other hand, matrix Gla protein and Ucma/GRP are associated with osteoarthritis. This review focuses on the roles of these three VKDPs, osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein and Ucma/GRP, in skeletal development and disease but will also summarize the roles the other skeletal VKDPs (periostin, protein S and GAS6) in skeletal biology.
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9
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Comparison of Gene Expression Patterns in Articular Cartilage and Xiphoid Cartilage. Biochem Genet 2021; 60:676-706. [PMID: 34410558 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cartilage is a resilient and smooth connective tissue that is found throughout the body. Among the three major types of cartilage, namely hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage, hyaline cartilage is the most widespread type of cartilage predominantly located in the joint surfaces (articular cartilage, AC). It remains a huge challenge for orthopedic surgeons to deal with AC damage since it has limited capacity for self-repair. Xiphoid cartilage (XC) is a vestigial cartilage located in the distal end of the sternum. XC-derived chondrocytes exhibit strong chondrogenic differentiation capacity. Thus, XC could become a potential donor site of chondrocytes for cartilage repair and regeneration. However, the underlying gene expression patterns between AC and XC are still largely unknown. In the present study, we used state-of-the-art RNA-seq technology combined with validation method to investigate the gene expression patterns between AC and XC, and identified a series of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in chondrocyte commitment and differentiation including growth factors, transcription factors, and extracellular matrices. We demonstrated that the majority of significantly up-regulated DEGs (XC vs. AC) in XC were involved in regulating cartilage regeneration and repair, whereas the majority of significantly up-regulated DEGs (XC vs. AC) in AC were involved in regulating chondrocyte differentiation and maturation. This study has increased our knowledge of transcriptional networks in hyaline cartilage and elastic cartilage. It also supports the use of XC-derived chondrocytes as a potential cell resource for cartilage regeneration and repair.
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Mizuhashi K, Nagata M, Matsushita Y, Ono W, Ono N. Growth Plate Borderline Chondrocytes Behave as Transient Mesenchymal Precursor Cells. J Bone Miner Res 2019; 34:1387-1392. [PMID: 30888720 PMCID: PMC6697228 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The growth plate provides a substantial source of mesenchymal cells in the endosteal marrow space during endochondral ossification. The current model postulates that a group of chondrocytes in the hypertrophic zone can escape from apoptosis and transform into cells that eventually become osteoblasts in an area beneath the growth plate. The growth plate is composed of cells with various morphologies; particularly at the periphery of the growth plate immediately adjacent to the perichondrium are "borderline" chondrocytes, which align perpendicularly to other chondrocytes. However, in vivo cell fates of these special chondrocytes have not been revealed. Here we show that borderline chondrocytes in growth plates behave as transient mesenchymal precursor cells for osteoblasts and marrow stromal cells. A single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed subpopulations of Col2a1-creER-marked neonatal chondrocytes and their cell type-specific markers. A tamoxifen pulse to Pthrp-creER mice in the neonatal stage (before the resting zone was formed) preferentially marked borderline chondrocytes. Following the chase, these cells marched into the nascent marrow space, expanded in the metaphyseal marrow, and became Col(2.3 kb)-GFP+ osteoblasts and Cxcl12-GFPhigh reticular stromal "CAR" cells. Interestingly, these borderline chondrocyte-derived marrow cells were short-lived, as they were significantly reduced during adulthood. These findings demonstrate based on in vivo lineage-tracing experiments that borderline chondrocytes in the peripheral growth plate are a particularly important route for producing osteoblasts and marrow stromal cells in growing murine endochondral bones. A special microenvironment neighboring the osteogenic perichondrium might endow these chondrocytes with an enhanced potential to differentiate into marrow mesenchymal cells. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Mizuhashi
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mizuki Nagata
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yuki Matsushita
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wanida Ono
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Noriaki Ono
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Azuma K, Inoue S. Multiple Modes of Vitamin K Actions in Aging-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2844. [PMID: 31212662 PMCID: PMC6600274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that was originally found as an essential factor for blood coagulation. With the discovery of its role as a co-factor for γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), its function for blood coagulation was understood as the activation of several blood coagulation factors by their γ-carboxylation. Over the last two decades, other modes of vitamin K actions have been discovered, such as the regulation of transcription by activating the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR), physical association to 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 (17β-HSD4), covalent modification of Bcl-2 antagonist killer 1 (Bak), and the modulation of protein kinase A (PKA) activity. In addition, several epidemiological studies have revealed that vitamin K status is associated with some aging-related diseases including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and sarcopenia. Clinical studies on single nucleotide polymorphisms of GGCX suggested an association between higher GGCX activity and bone protective effect, while recent findings using conditional knockout mice implied that a contribution in protective effect for bone loss by GGCX in osteoblastic lineage was unclear. GGCX in other cell lineages or in other tissues might play a protective role for osteoporosis. Meanwhile, animal experiments by our groups among others revealed that SXR, a putative receptor for vitamin K, could be important in the bone metabolism. In terms of the cartilage protective effect of vitamin K, both GGCX- and SXR-dependent mechanisms have been suggested. In clinical studies on osteoarthritis, the γ-carboxylation of matrix Gla protein (MGP) and gla-rich protein (GRP) may have a protective role for the disease. It is also suggested that SXR signaling has protective role for cartilage by inducing family with sequence similarity 20a (Fam20a) expression in chondrocytes. In the case of sarcopenia, a high vitamin K status in plasma was associated with muscle strength, large muscle mass, and high physical performance in some observational studies. However, the basic studies explaining the effects of vitamin K on muscular tissue are limited. Further research on vitamin K will clarify new biological mechanisms which contribute to human longevity and health through the prevention and treatment of aging-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Azuma
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan.
- Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka-shi, Saitama 350-1241, Japan.
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12
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Lee YJ, Park SY, Park EK, Kim JE. Unique cartilage matrix-associated protein regulates fibrillin-2 expression and directly interacts with fibrillin-2 protein independent of calcium binding. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 511:221-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.01.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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13
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Silaghi CN, Ilyés T, Filip VP, Farcaș M, van Ballegooijen AJ, Crăciun AM. Vitamin K Dependent Proteins in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071571. [PMID: 30934817 PMCID: PMC6479974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of developing vascular calcifications, as well as bone dynamics impairment, leading to a poor quality of life and increased mortality. Certain vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDPs) act mainly as calcification inhibitors, but their involvement in the onset and progression of CKD are not completely elucidated. This review is an update of the current state of knowledge about the relationship between CKD and four extrahepatic VKDPs: matrix Gla protein, osteocalcin, growth-arrest specific protein 6 and Gla-rich protein. Based on published literature in the last ten years, the purpose of this review is to address fundamental aspects about the link between CKD and circulating VKDPs levels as well as to raise new topics about how the interplay between molecular weight and charge could influence the modifications of circulating VKDPs at the glomerular level, or whether distinct renal etiologies have effect on VKDPs. This review is the output of a systematic literature search and may open future research avenues in this niche domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian N Silaghi
- Department of Molecular Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hațieganu", 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Tamás Ilyés
- Department of Molecular Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hațieganu", 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Vladimir P Filip
- Department of Molecular Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hațieganu", 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Marius Farcaș
- Department of Molecular Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hațieganu", 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Adriana J van Ballegooijen
- Department of Nephrology & Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, 1117 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexandra M Crăciun
- Department of Molecular Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hațieganu", 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Wasilewski GB, Vervloet MG, Schurgers LJ. The Bone-Vasculature Axis: Calcium Supplementation and the Role of Vitamin K. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:6. [PMID: 30805347 PMCID: PMC6370658 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium supplements are broadly prescribed to treat osteoporosis either as monotherapy or together with vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption. It is still unclear whether calcium supplementation significantly contributes to the reduction of bone fragility and fracture risk. Data suggest that supplementing post-menopausal women with high doses of calcium has a detrimental impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are prone to vascular calcification in part due to impaired phosphate excretion. Calcium-based phosphate binders further increase risk of vascular calcification progression. In both bone and vascular tissue, vitamin K-dependent processes play an important role in calcium homeostasis and it is tempting to speculate that vitamin K supplementation might protect from the potentially untoward effects of calcium supplementation. This review provides an update on current literature on calcium supplementation among post-menopausal women and CKD patients and discusses underlying molecular mechanisms of vascular calcification. We propose therapeutic strategies with vitamin K2 treatment to prevent or hold progression of vascular calcification as a consequence of excessive calcium intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz B Wasilewski
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Nattopharma ASA, Hovik, Norway
| | - Marc G Vervloet
- Department of Nephrology and Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leon J Schurgers
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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15
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Piombo V, Jochmann K, Hoffmann D, Wuelling M, Vortkamp A. Signaling systems affecting the severity of multiple osteochondromas. Bone 2018; 111:71-81. [PMID: 29545125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple osteochondromas (MO) syndrome is a dominant autosomal bone disorder characterized by the formation of cartilage-capped bony outgrowths that develop at the juxtaposition of the growth plate of endochondral bones. MO has been linked to mutations in either EXT1 or EXT2, two glycosyltransferases required for the synthesis of heparan sulfate (HS). The establishment of mouse mutants demonstrated that a clonal, homozygous loss of Ext1 in a wild type background leads to the development of osteochondromas. Here we investigate mechanisms that might contribute to the variation in the severity of the disease observed in human patients. Our results show that residual amounts of HS are sufficient to prevent the development of osteochondromas strongly supporting that loss of heterozygosity is required for osteochondroma formation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that different signaling pathways affect size and frequency of the osteochondromas thereby modulating the severity of the disease. Reduced Fgfr3 signaling, which regulates proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes, increases osteochondroma number, while activated Fgfr3 signaling reduces osteochondroma size. Both, activation and reduction of Wnt/β-catenin signaling decrease osteochondroma size and frequency by interfering with the chondrogenic fate of the mutant cells. Reduced Ihh signaling does not change the development of the osteochondromas, while elevated Ihh signaling increases the cellularity and inhibits chondrocyte differentiation in a subset of osteochondromas and might thus predispose osteochondromas to the transformation into chondrosarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Piombo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Centre of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Katja Jochmann
- Department of Developmental Biology, Centre of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Hoffmann
- Research Group Bioinformatics, Centre of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manuela Wuelling
- Department of Developmental Biology, Centre of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andrea Vortkamp
- Department of Developmental Biology, Centre of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Seuffert F, Weidner D, Baum W, Schett G, Stock M. Upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix associated protein protects cartilage during inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:88. [PMID: 29720262 PMCID: PMC5932879 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ADAMTS aggrecanases play a major role in cartilage degeneration during degenerative and inflammatory arthritis. The cartilage-specific secreted protein Upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix associated protein (Ucma) has been shown to block ADAMTS-triggered aggrecanolysis in experimental osteoarthritis. Here we aimed to investigate whether and how Ucma may affect cartilage destruction and osteophyte formation in the context of inflammatory arthritis. Methods Ucma–ADAMTS5 protein interactions were studied using slot blot and solid phase binding assays. Chondrocyte cultures were stimulated with ADAMTS5 or IL-1β in the presence or absence of Ucma and aggrecanolysis was assessed by neoepitope formation. Arthritis was induced by transfer of K/BxN serum into wild-type (WT), Ucma-deficient and WT mice treated with recombinant Ucma. Cartilage proteoglycan loss and cartilage damage was assessed by safranin-O stain, aggrecanase-induced neoepitope formation and histomorphometry, respectively. Osteophytes were assessed by histomorphometry, micro-computed tomography, RNA in-situ hybridisation for collagen10a1 and osteocalcin, and staining for TRAP activity. Gene expression analyses were performed using real-time RT-PCR. Results Ucma physically interacted with ADAMTS5 and blocked its aggrecanase activity in chondrocyte cultures. Ucma was highly expressed in the articular cartilage and in osteophytes during arthritis. Ucma had no effect on inflammation and bone erosion. In contrast, Ucma-deficient mice developed significantly more severe cartilage proteoglycan loss and cartilage destruction. Conversely, treatment with Ucma inhibited cartilage degeneration in arthritis. Ucma effectively inhibited ADAMTS5-triggered or IL-1β-triggered aggrecanolysis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, osteophyte formation was reduced in Ucma-deficient mice. Conclusions These results indicate that Ucma inhibits aggrecanolysis by physical interaction with ADAMTS5 and protects from cartilage degeneration in inflammatory arthritis. Ucma therefore represents an interesting novel and specific target for preventing cartilage degradation in the context of inflammatory arthritis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1583-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Seuffert
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniela Weidner
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baum
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Stock
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Wen L, Chen J, Duan L, Li S. Vitamin K‑dependent proteins involved in bone and cardiovascular health (Review). Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:3-15. [PMID: 29749440 PMCID: PMC6059683 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In postmenopausal women and elderly men, bone density decreases with age and vascular calcification is aggravated. This condition is closely associated with vitamin K2 deficiency. A total of 17 different vitamin K-dependent proteins have been identified to date. Vitamin K-dependent proteins are located within the bone, heart and blood vessels. For instance, carboxylated osteocalcin is beneficial for bone and aids the deposition of calcium into the bone matrix. Carboxylated matrix Gla protein effectively protects blood vessels and may prevent calcification within the vascular wall. Furthermore, carboxylated Gla-rich protein has been reported to act as an inhibitor in the calcification of the cardiovascular system, while growth arrest-specific protein-6 protects endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, resists apoptosis and inhibits the calcification of blood vessels by inhibiting the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, periostin may promote the differentiation, aggregation, adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts. Periostin also occurs in the heart and may be associated with the reconstruction of heart function. These vitamin K-dependent proteins may exert their functions following γ-carboxylation with vitamin K, and different vitamin K-dependent proteins may exhibit synergistic effects or antagonistic effects on each other. In the cardiovascular system with vitamin K antagonist supplement or vitamin K deficiency, calcification occurs in the endothelium of blood vessels and vascular smooth muscle cells are transformed into osteoblast-like cells, a phenomenon that resembles bone growth. Both the bone and cardiovascular system are closely associated during embryonic development. Thus, the present study hypothesized that embryonic developmental position and tissue calcification may have a certain association for the bone and the cardiovascular system. This review describes and briefly discusses several important vitamin K-dependent proteins that serve an important role in bone and the cardiovascular system. The results of the review suggest that the vascular calcification and osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells may be associated with the location of the bone and cardiovascular system during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianpu Wen
- Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
| | - Jiepeng Chen
- Sungen Bioscience Co., Ltd., Shantou, Guangdong 515000, P.R. China
| | - Lili Duan
- Sungen Bioscience Co., Ltd., Shantou, Guangdong 515000, P.R. China
| | - Shuzhuang Li
- Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
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Ucma/GRP inhibits phosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via SMAD-dependent BMP signalling. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4961. [PMID: 29563538 PMCID: PMC5862840 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23353-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) is the process of deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in the blood vessel wall, with a central role for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VC is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and thought, in part, to be induced by phosphate imbalance. The molecular mechanisms that regulate VC are not fully known. Here we propose a novel role for the mineralisation regulator Ucma/GRP (Upper zone of growth plate and Cartilage Matrix Associated protein/Gla Rich Protein) in phosphate-induced VSMC calcification. We show that Ucma/GRP is present in calcified atherosclerotic plaques and highly expressed in calcifying VSMCs in vitro. VSMCs from Ucma/GRP−/− mice showed increased mineralisation and expression of osteo/chondrogenic markers (BMP-2, Runx2, β-catenin, p-SMAD1/5/8, ALP, OCN), and decreased expression of mineralisation inhibitor MGP, suggesting that Ucma/GRP is an inhibitor of mineralisation. Using BMP signalling inhibitor noggin and SMAD1/5/8 signalling inhibitor dorsomorphin we showed that Ucma/GRP is involved in inhibiting the BMP-2-SMAD1/5/8 osteo/chondrogenic signalling pathway in VSMCs treated with elevated phosphate concentrations. Additionally, we showed for the first time evidence of a direct interaction between Ucma/GRP and BMP-2. These results demonstrate an important role of Ucma/GRP in regulating osteo/chondrogenic differentiation and phosphate-induced mineralisation of VSMCs.
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19
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Implication of a novel vitamin K dependent protein, GRP/Ucma in the pathophysiological conditions associated with vascular and soft tissue calcification, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and carcinoma. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 113:309-316. [PMID: 29499263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.02.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gla-rich protein (GRP) or unique cartilage matrix-associated protein (Ucma), the newest member of vitamin K dependent proteins, carries exceptionally high number of γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues which contributes to its outstanding capacity of binding with calcium in the extracellular environment indicating its potential role as a global calcium modulator. Recent studies demonstrated a critical function of GRP in the regulation of different pathophysiological conditions associated with vascular and soft tissue calcification including cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and skin and breast carcinomas. These findings established an important relationship between γ-carboxylation of GRP and calcification associated disease pathology suggesting a critical role of vitamin K in the pathophysiological features of various health disorders. This review for the first time summarizes all of the updated findings related to the functional activities of GRP in the pathogenesis of several diseases associated with vascular and soft tissue mineralization, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and carcinoma. The outcome of this review will improve the understanding about the role of GRP in the pathogenesis of tissue calcification and its associated health disorders, which should in turn lead to the design of clinical interventions to improve the condition of patients associated with these health disorders.
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Teunissen M, Riemers FM, van Leenen D, Groot Koerkamp MJA, Meij BP, Alblas J, Penning LC, Miranda‐Bedate A, Tryfonidou MA. Growth plate expression profiling: Large and small breed dogs provide new insights in endochondral bone formation. J Orthop Res 2018; 36:138-148. [PMID: 28681971 PMCID: PMC5873274 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The difference in the adult height of mammals, and hence in endochondral bone formation, is not yet fully understood and may serve to identify targets for bone and cartilage regeneration. In line with this hypothesis, the intra-species disparity between the adult height of Great Danes and Miniature Poodles was investigated at a transcriptional level. Microarray analysis of the growth plate of five Great Danes and five Miniature Poodles revealed 2,981 unique genes that were differentially expressed, including many genes with an unknown role in skeletal development. A signaling pathway impact analysis indicated activation of the cell cycle, extracellular matrix receptor interaction and the tight junction pathway, and inhibition of pathways associated with inflammation and the complement cascade. In additional validation steps, the gene expression profile of the separate growth plate zones for both dog breeds were determined. Given that the BMP signaling is known for its crucial role in skeletal development and fracture healing, and BMP-2 is used in orthopaedic and spine procedures for bone augmentation, further investigations concentrated on the BMP pathway.The canonical BMP-2 and BMP-6 signaling pathway was activated in the Great Danes compared to Miniature Poodles. In conclusion, investigating the differential expression of genes involved in endochondral bone formation in small and large breed dogs, could be a game changing strategy to provide new insights in growth plate development and identify new targets for bone and cartilage regeneration. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 36:138-148, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Teunissen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityYalelaan 108Utrecht 3584 CMThe Netherlands
| | - Frank M. Riemers
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityYalelaan 108Utrecht 3584 CMThe Netherlands
| | - Dik van Leenen
- Molecular Cancer ResearchUniversity Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Björn P. Meij
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityYalelaan 108Utrecht 3584 CMThe Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Alblas
- Department of OrthopaedicsUniversity Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Louis C. Penning
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityYalelaan 108Utrecht 3584 CMThe Netherlands
| | - Alberto Miranda‐Bedate
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityYalelaan 108Utrecht 3584 CMThe Netherlands
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityYalelaan 108Utrecht 3584 CMThe Netherlands
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21
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Stock M, Menges S, Eitzinger N, Geßlein M, Botschner R, Wormser L, Distler A, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Dietel K, Distler J, Beyer C, Gelse K, Engelke K, Koenders MI, van den Berg W, von der Mark K, Schett G. A Dual Role of Upper Zone of Growth Plate and Cartilage Matrix-Associated Protein in Human and Mouse Osteoarthritic Cartilage: Inhibition of Aggrecanases and Promotion of Bone Turnover. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 69:1233-1245. [PMID: 28086000 DOI: 10.1002/art.40042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cartilage damage and subchondral bone changes are closely connected in osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, how these processes are interlinked is, to date, incompletely understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanistic role of a cartilage-derived protein, upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix-associated protein (UCMA), in osteoarthritis-related cartilage and bone changes. METHODS UCMA expression was assessed in healthy and osteoarthritic human and mouse cartilage. For analysis of cartilage and bone changes, osteoarthritis was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in wild-type (WT) and Ucma-deficient mice. UCMA-collagen interactions, the effect of UCMA on aggrecanase activity, and the impact of recombinant UCMA on osteoclast differentiation were studied in vitro. RESULTS UCMA was found to be overexpressed in human and mouse osteoarthritic cartilage. DMM-triggered cartilage changes, including increased structural damage, proteoglycan loss, and chondrocyte cell death, were aggravated in Ucma-deficient mice compared to WT littermates, thereby demonstrating the potential chondroprotective effects of UCMA. Moreover, UCMA inhibited ADAMTS-dependent aggrecanase activity and directly interacted with cartilage-specific collagen types. In contrast, osteoarthritis-related bone changes were significantly reduced in Ucma-deficient mice, showing less pronounced osteophyte formation and subchondral bone sclerosis. Mechanistically, UCMA directly promoted osteoclast differentiation in vitro. CONCLUSION UCMA appears to link cartilage with bone changes in osteoarthritis by supporting cartilage integrity as an endogenous inhibitor of aggrecanases while also promoting osteoclastogenesis and subchondral bone turnover. Thus, UCMA represents an important link between cartilage and bone in osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stock
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Menges
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicole Eitzinger
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Geßlein
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Renate Botschner
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Wormser
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alfiya Distler
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Katharina Dietel
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Distler
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Beyer
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kolja Gelse
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Engelke
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Georg Schett
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Giri D, Patil P, Hart R, Didi M, Senniappan S. Congenital hyperinsulinism and Poland syndrome in association with 10p13-14 duplication. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2017; 2017:EDM160125. [PMID: 28458900 PMCID: PMC5404473 DOI: 10.1530/edm-16-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Summary Poland syndrome (PS) is a rare congenital condition, affecting 1 in 30 000 live births worldwide, characterised by a unilateral absence of the sternal head of the pectoralis major and ipsilateral symbrachydactyly occasionally associated with abnormalities of musculoskeletal structures. A baby girl, born at 40 weeks’ gestation with birth weight of 3.33 kg (−0.55 SDS) had typical phenotypical features of PS. She had recurrent hypoglycaemic episodes early in life requiring high concentration of glucose and glucagon infusion. The diagnosis of congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) was biochemically confirmed by inappropriately high plasma concentrations of insulin and C-peptide and low plasma free fatty acids and β-hydroxyl butyrate concentrations during hypoglycaemia. Sequencing of ABCC8, KCNJ11 and HNF4A did not show any pathogenic mutation. Microarray analysis revealed a novel duplication in the short arm of chromosome 10 at 10p13–14 region. This is the first reported case of CHI in association with PS and 10p duplication. We hypothesise that the HK1 located on the chromosome 10 encoding hexokinase-1 is possibly linked to the pathophysiology of CHI. Learning points:
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Giri
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, LiverpoolUK
| | | | - Rachel Hart
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation TrustLiverpool, UK
| | - Mohammed Didi
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, LiverpoolUK
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Cavaco S, Viegas CSB, Rafael MS, Ramos A, Magalhães J, Blanco FJ, Vermeer C, Simes DC. Gla-rich protein is involved in the cross-talk between calcification and inflammation in osteoarthritis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:1051-65. [PMID: 26337479 PMCID: PMC11108449 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2033-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole-joint disease characterized by articular cartilage loss, tissue inflammation, abnormal bone formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization. Disease-modifying treatments are not yet available and a better understanding of osteoarthritis pathophysiology should lead to the discovery of more effective treatments. Gla-rich protein (GRP) has been proposed to act as a mineralization inhibitor and was recently shown to be associated with OA in vivo. Here, we further investigated the association of GRP with OA mineralization-inflammation processes. Using a synoviocyte and chondrocyte OA cell system, we showed that GRP expression was up-regulated following cell differentiation throughout ECM calcification, and that inflammatory stimulation with IL-1β results in an increased expression of COX2 and MMP13 and up-regulation of GRP. Importantly, while treatment of articular cells with γ-carboxylated GRP inhibited ECM calcification, treatment with either GRP or GRP-coated basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals resulted in the down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and mediators of inflammation, independently of its γ-carboxylation status. Our results strengthen the calcification inhibitory function of GRP and strongly suggest GRP as a novel anti-inflammatory agent, with potential beneficial effects on the main processes responsible for osteoarthritis progression. In conclusion, GRP is a strong candidate target to develop new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Cavaco
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Carla S B Viegas
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- GenoGla Diagnostics, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Marta S Rafael
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Acácio Ramos
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Algarve Medical Centre (CHAlgarve), Faro, Portugal
| | - Joana Magalhães
- Grupo de Bioingeniería Tisular y Terapia Celular (GBTTC-CHUAC), Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidad de A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J Blanco
- Grupo de Bioingeniería Tisular y Terapia Celular (GBTTC-CHUAC), Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidad de A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Cees Vermeer
- VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dina C Simes
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- GenoGla Diagnostics, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
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Abstract
The regulation of organ size is essential to human health and has fascinated biologists for centuries. Key to the growth process is the ability of most organs to integrate organ-extrinsic cues (eg, nutritional status, inflammatory processes) with organ-intrinsic information (eg, genetic programs, local signals) into a growth response that adapts to changing environmental conditions and ensures that the size of an organ is coordinated with the rest of the body. Paired organs such as the vertebrate limbs and the long bones within them are excellent models for studying this type of regulation because it is possible to manipulate one member of the pair and leave the other as an internal control. During development, growth plates at the end of each long bone produce a transient cartilage model that is progressively replaced by bone. Here, we review how proliferation and differentiation of cells within each growth plate are tightly controlled mainly by growth plate-intrinsic mechanisms that are additionally modulated by extrinsic signals. We also discuss the involvement of several signaling hubs in the integration and modulation of growth-related signals and how they could confer remarkable plasticity to the growth plate. Indeed, long bones have a significant ability for "catch-up growth" to attain normal size after a transient growth delay. We propose that the characterization of catch-up growth, in light of recent advances in physiology and cell biology, will provide long sought clues into the molecular mechanisms that underlie organ growth regulation. Importantly, catch-up growth early in life is commonly associated with metabolic disorders in adulthood, and this association is not completely understood. Further elucidation of the molecules and cellular interactions that influence organ size coordination should allow development of novel therapies for human growth disorders that are noninvasive and have minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Roselló-Díez
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065
| | - Alexandra L Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065
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25
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Fazenda C, Conceição N, Cancela M. Transcription factors from Sox family regulate expression of zebrafish Gla-rich protein 2 gene. Gene 2015; 572:57-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Lee YJ, Park SY, Lee SJ, Boo YC, Choi JY, Kim JE. Ucma, a direct transcriptional target of Runx2 and Osterix, promotes osteoblast differentiation and nodule formation. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2015; 23:1421-31. [PMID: 25865393 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2015.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and Osterix (Osx) are the master transcription factors in bone formation. Nonetheless, genes acting downstream of both Runx2 and Osx have yet to be fully characterized. Here, we investigate the downstream targets of both Runx2 and Osx in osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA microarray analysis was conducted on calvarial RNA from wild-type, Runx2 heterozygous, Osx heterozygous, and Runx2/Osx double heterozygous embryos. Expression and transcriptional responses of the selected target gene were analyzed in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. RESULTS The expression of unique cartilage matrix-associated protein (Ucma) was decreased in Runx2/Osx double heterozygous embryos. In contrast, Ucma expression was increased in osteoblasts overexpressing both Runx2 and Osx. Ucma expression was initiated mid-way through osteoblast differentiation and continued throughout the differentiation process. Transcriptional activity of the Ucma promoter was increased upon transfection of the cells with both Runx2 and Osx. Runx2-and Osx-mediated activation of the Ucma promoter was directly regulated by Runx2-and/or Sp1-binding sites within its promoter. During osteoblast differentiation, the formation of mineralized nodules in Ucma-overexpressing stable clones occurred earlier and was more enhanced than that in the mock-transfected control. Mineralized nodule formation was strongly augmented in the cells cultured in a medium containing secretory Ucma proteins. CONCLUSION Ucma is a novel downstream gene regulated by both Runx2 and Osx and it stimulates osteoblast differentiation and nodule formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-J Lee
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - S-Y Park
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.
| | - S-J Lee
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Y C Boo
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - J-Y Choi
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - J-E Kim
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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Yeo S, An KS, Hong YM, Choi YG, Rosen B, Kim SH, Lim S. Neuroprotective changes in degeneration-related gene expression in the substantia nigra following acupuncture in an MPTP mouse model of Parkinsonism: Microarray analysis. Genet Mol Biol 2015; 38:115-27. [PMID: 25983633 PMCID: PMC4415566 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-475738120140137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra (SN). Acupuncture stimulation results in an enhanced survival of dopaminergic neurons in the SN in Parkinsonism animal models. The present study investigated changes in gene expression profiles measured using whole transcript array in the SN region related to the inhibitory effects of acupuncture in a chronic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) Parkinsonism model. In this model, acupuncture stimulation at GB34 and LR3 attenuated the decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase in the SN region; stimulation at non-acupoints did not suppress this decrease. Gene array analysis revealed that 22 (10 annotated genes: Cdh1, Itih2, Mpzl2, Rdh9, Serping1, Slc6a13, Slc6a20a, Slc6a4, Tph2, and Ucma) probes that were up-regulated in MPTP animals relative to controls were exclusively down-regulated by acupuncture stimulation. In addition, 17 (two annotated genes: 4921530L21Rik and Gm13931) probes that were down-regulated in MPTP animals compared to controls were exclusively up-regulated by acupuncture stimulation. These findings indicate that the 39 probes (12 annotated genes) affected by MPTP and acupuncture may be responsible for the inhibitory effects of acupuncture on degeneration-related gene expression in the SN following damage induced by MPTP intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujung Yeo
- Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for
Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul,
Republic of Korea
- Department of Basic Korean Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine,
Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Sang An
- Department of Basic Korean Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine,
Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Mi Hong
- Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for
Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul,
Republic of Korea
- Department of Basic Korean Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine,
Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong-Gon Choi
- Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for
Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul,
Republic of Korea
- Department of Basic Korean Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine,
Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bruce Rosen
- Department of Basic Korean Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine,
Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical
Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston,
USA
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- Department of Basic Korean Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine,
Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabina Lim
- Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for
Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul,
Republic of Korea
- Department of Basic Korean Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine,
Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Rafael MS, Cavaco S, Viegas CSB, Santos S, Ramos A, Willems BAG, Herfs M, Theuwissen E, Vermeer C, Simes DC. Insights into the association of Gla-rich protein and osteoarthritis, novel splice variants and γ-carboxylation status. Mol Nutr Food Res 2014; 58:1636-46. [PMID: 24867294 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a vitamin K dependent protein, characterized by a high density of γ-carboxylated Glu residues, shown to accumulate in mouse and sturgeon cartilage and at sites of skin and vascular calcification in humans. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of GRP in pathological calcification in osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS AND RESULTS Comparative analysis of GRP patterning at transcriptional and translational levels was performed between controls and OA patients. Using a RT-PCR strategy we unveiled two novel splice variants in human-GRP-F5 and F6-potentially characterized by the loss of full γ-carboxylation and secretion functional motifs. GRP-F1 is shown to be the predominant splice variant expressed in mouse and human adult tissues, particularly in OA cartilage, while an overexpressing human cell model points it as the major γ-carboxylated isoform. Using validated conformational antibodies detecting carboxylated or undercarboxylated GRP (c/uc GRP), we have demonstrated cGRP accumulation in controls, whereas ucGRP was the predominant form in OA-affected tissues, colocalizing at sites of ectopic calcification. CONCLUSION Overall, our results indicate the predominance of GRP-F1, and a clear association of ucGRP with OA cartilage and synovial membrane. Levels of vitamin K should be further assessed in these patients to determine its potential therapeutic use as a supplement in OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta S Rafael
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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Gla-rich protein is a potential new vitamin K target in cancer: evidences for a direct GRP-mineral interaction. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:340216. [PMID: 24949434 PMCID: PMC4052551 DOI: 10.1155/2014/340216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gla-rich protein (GRP) was described in sturgeon as a new vitamin-K-dependent protein (VKDP) with a high density of Gla residues and associated with ectopic calcifications in humans. Although VKDPs function has been related with γ-carboxylation, the Gla status of GRP in humans is still unknown. Here, we investigated the expression of recently identified GRP spliced transcripts, the γ-carboxylation status, and its association with ectopic calcifications, in skin basal cell and breast carcinomas. GRP-F1 was identified as the predominant splice variant expressed in healthy and cancer tissues. Patterns of γ-carboxylated GRP (cGRP)/undercarboxylated GRP (ucGRP) accumulation in healthy and cancer tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry, using newly developed conformation-specific antibodies. Both GRP protein forms were found colocalized in healthy tissues, while ucGRP was the predominant form associated with tumor cells. Both cGRP and ucGRP found at sites of microcalcifications were shown to have in vitro calcium mineral-binding capacity. The decreased levels of cGRP and predominance of ucGRP in tumor cells suggest that GRP may represent a new target for the anticancer potential of vitamin K. Also, the direct interaction of cGRP and ucGRP with BCP crystals provides a possible mechanism explaining GRP association with pathological mineralization.
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Willems BAG, Vermeer C, Reutelingsperger CPM, Schurgers LJ. The realm of vitamin K dependent proteins: shifting from coagulation toward calcification. Mol Nutr Food Res 2014; 58:1620-35. [PMID: 24668744 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the past few decades vitamin K has emerged from a single-function "haemostasis vitamin" to a "multi-function vitamin." The use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) inevitably showed that the inhibition was not restricted to vitamin K dependent coagulation factors but also synthesis of functional extrahepatic vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDPs), thereby eliciting undesired side effects. Vascular calcification is one of the recently revealed detrimental effects of VKA. The discovery that VKDPs are involved in vascular calcification has propelled our mechanistic understanding of this process and has opened novel avenues for diagnosis and treatment. This review addresses mechanisms of VKDPs and their significance for physiological and pathological calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brecht A G Willems
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; VitaK BV, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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31
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Michou L, Conceição N, Morissette J, Gagnon E, Miltenberger-Miltenyi G, Siris ES, Brown JP, Cancela ML. Genetic association study of UCMA/GRP and OPTN genes (PDB6 locus) with Paget's disease of bone. Bone 2012; 51:720-8. [PMID: 22796589 PMCID: PMC3517656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2012.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 06/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We performed a genetic association study of rare variants and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of UCMA/GRP and OPTN genes, in French-Canadian patients with Paget's disease of bone (PDB) and in healthy controls from the same population. We reproduced the variant found in the UCMA/GRP basal promoter and tested its functionality using in vitro transient transfection assays. Interestingly, this SNP rs17152980 appears to affect the transcription level of UCMA/GRP. In addition, we have identified five rare genetic variants in UCMA/GRP gene, four of them being population-specific, although none were found to be associated with PDB. Six Tag SNPs of UCMA/GRP gene were associated with PDB, particularly the SNP rs17152980 (uncorrected P=3.8 × 10(-3)), although not significant after Bonferroni's correction. More importantly, we replicated the strong and statistically significant genetic association of two SNPs of the OPTN gene, the rs1561570 (uncorrected P=5.7 × 10(-7)) and the rs2095388 (uncorrected P=4.9 × 10(-3)), with PDB. In addition, we identified a very rare variant found to be located close to the basal promoter of the OPTN gene, at -232bp from its distal transcription start site. Furthermore, depending on the type of allele present (G or A), the binding of several important nuclear factors such as the vitamin D or the retinoic acid receptors is predicted to be altered at this position, suggesting a significant effect in the regulation of transcription of the OPTN gene. In conclusion, we identified a functional SNP located in the basal promoter of the UCMA/GRP gene which provided a weak genetic association with PDB. In addition, we replicated the strong genetic association of two already known SNPs of the OPTN gene, with PDB in a founder effect population. We also identified a very rare variant in the promoter of OPTN, and through bioinformatic analysis, identified putative transcription factor binding sites likely to affect OPTN gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laëtitia Michou
- Department of Medicine, Laval University, CHUQ (CHUL) Research centre and Division of Rheumatology, CHUQ (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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Gross S, Krause Y, Wuelling M, Vortkamp A. Hoxa11 and Hoxd11 regulate chondrocyte differentiation upstream of Runx2 and Shox2 in mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43553. [PMID: 22916278 PMCID: PMC3423364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During limb development, posterior Hox genes of the Hoxa- and Hoxd cluster provide positional information along the limb axis. Here we report a new function for Hoxa11 and Hoxd11 in regulating the early steps of chondrocyte differentiation. We analyzed forelimbs of Hoxa11−/−;d11−/− and Ulnaless mice, which are characterized by specifically shortened zeugopods. By detailed morphological and molecular analyses, we show that loss of Hoxa11 and Hoxd11 in the ulna of both mutants leads to an arrest of chondrocyte differentiation at a step before the separation into round and columnar cells takes place. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Hoxa11 and Hoxd11 act upstream of Runx2 and Shox2, two key regulators of chondrocyte differentiation. We hypothesize that Runx2 activates Shox2 in early chondrocytes, which at later stages induces Runx2 expression to regulate hypertrophic differentiation. These results give insight into mechanisms by which positional information might be translated into a specific bone pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Gross
- Department of Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Krause
- Department of Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manuela Wuelling
- Department of Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andrea Vortkamp
- Department of Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
A novel γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla)-containing protein, named Gla-rich protein (GRP) after its high content in Gla residues or upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix associated protein after its preferential expression by cartilage chondrocyte, was recently identified in sturgeon, mice, and humans through independent studies. GRP is the most densely γ-carboxylated protein identified to date and its structure has been remarkably conserved throughout vertebrate evolution but is apparently absent from bird genomes. Several transcript and genomic variants affecting key protein features or regulatory elements were described and 2 paralogs were identified in the teleost fish genome. In the skeleton, most relevant levels of GRP gene expression were observed in cartilaginous tissues and associated with chondrocytes, suggesting a role in chondrogenesis. But GRP expression was also detected in bone cells, indicative of a more widespread role for the protein throughout skeletal formation. Although the molecular function of GRP is yet unknown, the high content of Gla residues and its accumulation at sites of pathological calcification in different human pathologies affecting skin or the vascular system and in breast cancer tumors suggest that GRP may function as a modulator of calcium availability. Because of its association with fibrillar collagens, GRP could also be involved in the organization and/or stabilization of cartilage matrix. Although transgenic mice did not reveal obvious phenotypic alterations in skeletal development or structure, zebrafish morphants lack craniofacial cartilage and exhibit limited calcification, suggesting a role for GRP during skeletal development, but additional functional data are required to understand its function.
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Eitzinger N, Surmann-Schmitt C, Bösl M, Schett G, Engelke K, Hess A, von der Mark K, Stock M. Ucma is not necessary for normal development of the mouse skeleton. Bone 2012; 50:670-80. [PMID: 22155508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2011.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ucma (Upper zone of growth plate and Cartilage Matrix Associated protein) is a highly conserved tyrosine-sulphated secreted protein of Mw 17 kDa, which is expressed by juvenile chondrocytes. To evaluate the physiological function of this novel cartilage protein, we generated a Ucma-deficient mouse strain by introducing a lacZ/neoR-cassette into the first exon of the Ucma gene. This mutation results in the complete loss of Ucma mRNA and protein expression. Surprisingly, however, although previous in vitro studies implied a role for Ucma in calcification and ossification, these processes were not affected in Ucma-deficient mice during normal development. Likewise, cartilage development was normal. While in previous works Ucma was mainly detected in the cartilage of embryonic and young mice, we detected Ucma expression also in the adult cartilage of the ribs using the lacZ cassette under the control of the Ucma promoter. Moreover, Ucma protein was specifically detected in adult growth plate cartilage by immunohistochemistry. Considering that skeletal development in Ucma-deficient mice is not significantly impaired, protein expression in adult cartilage indicates that Ucma might be involved in skeletal homeostasis and in the mechanical properties of the skeleton during challenging conditions such as ageing or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Eitzinger
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Centre of Molecular Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
Seventeen vitamin K-dependent proteins have been identified to date of which several are involved in regulating soft-tissue calcification. Osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein (MGP), and possibly Gla-rich protein are all inhibitors of soft-tissue calcification and need vitamin K-dependent carboxylation for activity. A common characteristic is their low molecular weight, and it has been postulated that their small size is essential for calcification inhibition within tissues. MGP is synthesized by vascular smooth muscle cells and is the most important inhibitor of arterial mineralization currently known. Remarkably, the extrahepatic Gla proteins mentioned are only partly carboxylated in the healthy adult population, suggesting vitamin K insufficiency. Because carboxylation of the most essential Gla proteins is localized in the liver and that of the less essential Gla proteins in the extrahepatic tissues, a transport system has evolved ensuring preferential distribution of dietary vitamin K to the liver when vitamin K is limiting. This is why the first signs of vitamin K insufficiency are seen as undercarboxylation of the extrahepatic Gla proteins. New conformation-specific assays for circulating uncarboxylated MGP were developed; an assay for desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein and another assay for total uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein. Circulating desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein was found to be predictive of cardiovascular risk and mortality, whereas circulating total uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein was associated with the extent of prevalent arterial calcification. Vitamin K intervention studies have shown that MGP carboxylation can be increased dose dependently, but thus far only 1 study with clinical endpoints has been completed. This study showed maintenance of vascular elasticity during a 3-y supplementation period, with a parallel 12% loss of elasticity in the placebo group. More studies, both in healthy subjects and in patients at risk of vascular calcification, are required before conclusions can be drawn.
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Bördlein A, Scherthan H, Nelkenbrecher C, Molter T, Bösl MR, Dippold C, Birke K, Kinkley S, Staege H, Will H, Winterpacht A. SPOC1 (PHF13) is required for spermatogonial stem cell differentiation and sustained spermatogenesis. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:3137-48. [PMID: 21852425 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.085936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SPOC1 (PHF13) is a recently identified protein that has been shown to dynamically associate with somatic chromatin, to modulate chromatin compaction and to be important for proper cell division. Here, we report on the expression of SPOC1 in promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF)-positive undifferentiated spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) of the mouse testis. To investigate further the biological function of SPOC1 in germ cells we generated Spoc1 mutant mice from a gene-trap embryonic stem cell clone. Postpubertal homozygous Spoc1(-/-) animals displayed a pronounced progressive loss of germ cells from an initially normal germ epithelium of the testis tubules leading to testis hypoplasia. This loss first affected non-SSC stages of germ cells and then, at a later time point, the undifferentiated spermatogonia. Remarkably, successive loss of all germ cells (at >20 weeks of age) was preceded by a transient increase in the number of undifferentiated A(aligned) (A(al)) spermatogonia in younger mice (at >10 weeks of age). The number of primary Spoc1(-/-) gonocytes, the proliferation of germ cells, and the initiation and progression of meiosis was normal, but we noted a significantly elevated level of apoptosis in the Spoc1(-/-) testis. Taken together, the data argue that SPOC1 is indispensable for stem cell differentiation in the testis and for sustained spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Bördlein
- University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Neacsu CD, Grosch M, Tejada M, Winterpacht A, Paulsson M, Wagener R, Tagariello A. Ucmaa (Grp-2) is required for zebrafish skeletal development. Evidence for a functional role of its glutamate γ-carboxylation. Matrix Biol 2011; 30:369-78. [PMID: 21839171 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
UCMA (alternatively named GRP) is a novel member of the family of γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla) containing proteins that is mainly expressed in cartilage. We have used the zebrafish as a model organism to study UCMA function. Due to the whole genome duplication two Ucma genes are present in zebrafish, ucmaa and ucmab, located on chromosomes 25 and 4, respectively. UCMA gene structure, alternative splicing and protein sequence are highly conserved between mammals and zebrafish and Ucmaa and Ucmab are expressed in zebrafish skeletal tissues. Ucmaa is first detected in the notochord at 18 hpf and expression continues during notochord development. In addition, it is widely present in the developing craniofacial cartilage. In contrast, the weakly expressed Ucmab can be first detected at specific sites in the craniofacial cartilage at 96 hpf, but not in notochord. Knockdown of ucmaa leads to severe growth retardation and perturbance of skeletal development. The cartilage of the morphants has a decreased aggrecan and collagen II content. Similar malformations were observed when glutamate γ-carboxylation was inhibited by warfarin treatment, indicating that glutamate γ-carboxylation is crucial for Ucma function and pointing to a role of UCMA in the pathogenesis of "warfarin embryopathies" and other human skeletal diseases.
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Koyama E, Yasuda T, Minugh-Purvis N, Kinumatsu T, Yallowitz AR, Wellik DM, Pacifici M. Hox11 genes establish synovial joint organization and phylogenetic characteristics in developing mouse zeugopod skeletal elements. Development 2010; 137:3795-800. [PMID: 20978074 DOI: 10.1242/dev.053447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hox11 genes are essential for zeugopod skeletal element development but their roles in synovial joint formation remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the elbow and knee joints of mouse embryos lacking all Hox11 paralogous genes are specifically remodeled and reorganized. The proximal ends of developing mutant ulna and radius elements became morphologically similar and formed an anatomically distinct elbow joint. The mutant ulna lacked the olecranon that normally attaches to the triceps brachii muscle tendon and connects the humerus to the ulna. In its place, an ulnar patella-like element developed that expressed lubricin on its ventral side facing the joint and was connected to the triceps muscle tendon. In mutant knees, both tibia and fibula fully articulated with an enlarged femoral epiphyseal end that accommodated both elements, and the neo-tripartite knee joint was enclosed in a single synovial cavity and displayed an additional anterior ligament. The mutant joints also exhibited a different organization of the superficial zone of articular cartilage that normally exerts an anti-friction function. In conclusion, Hox11 genes co-regulate and coordinate the development of zeugopod skeletal elements and adjacent elbow and knee joints, and dictate joint identity, morphogenesis and anatomical and functional organization. Notably, the ulnar patella and tripartite knee joints in the mouse mutants actually characterize several lower vertebrates, including certain reptiles and amphibians. The re-emergence of such anatomical structures suggests that their genetic blueprint is still present in the mouse genome but is normally modified to the needs of the mammalian joint-formation program by distinct Hox11 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiki Koyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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A mouse model of osteochondromagenesis from clonal inactivation of Ext1 in chondrocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 107:2054-9. [PMID: 20080592 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0910875107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a mouse model of multiple osteochondromas (MO), an autosomal dominant disease in humans, also known as multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE or HME) and characterized by the formation of cartilage-capped osseous growths projecting from the metaphyses of endochondral bones. The pathogenesis of these osteochondromas has remained unclear. Mice heterozygous for Ext1 or Ext2, modeling the human genotypes that cause MO, occasionally develop solitary osteochondroma-like structures on ribs [Lin et al. (2000) Dev Biol 224(2):299-311; Stickens et al. (2005) Development 132(22):5055-5068]. Rather than model the germ-line genotype, we modeled the chimeric tissue genotype of somatic loss of heterozygosity (LOH), by conditionally inactivating Ext1 via head-to-head loxP sites and temporally controlled Cre-recombinase in chondrocytes. These mice faithfully recapitulate the human phenotype of multiple metaphyseal osteochondromas. We also confirm homozygous disruption of Ext1 in osteochondroma chondrocytes and their origin in proliferating physeal chondrocytes. These results explain prior modeling failures with the necessity for somatic LOH in a developmentally regulated cell type.
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Retting KN, Song B, Yoon BS, Lyons KM. BMP canonical Smad signaling through Smad1 and Smad5 is required for endochondral bone formation. Development 2009; 136:1093-104. [PMID: 19224984 DOI: 10.1242/dev.029926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is required for endochondral bone formation. However, whether or not the effects of BMPs are mediated via canonical Smad pathways or through noncanonical pathways is unknown. In this study we have determined the role of receptor Smads 1, 5 and 8 in chondrogenesis. Deletion of individual Smads results in viable and fertile mice. Combined loss of Smads 1, 5 and 8, however, results in severe chondrodysplasia. Smad1/5(CKO) (cartilage-specific knockout) mutant mice are nearly identical to Smad1/5(CKO);Smad8(-/-) mutants, indicating that Smads 1 and 5 have overlapping functions and are more important than Smad8 in cartilage. The Smad1/5(CKO) phenotype is more severe than that of Smad4(CKO) mice, challenging the dogma, at least in chondrocytes, that Smad4 is required to mediate Smad signaling through BMP pathways. The chondrodysplasia in Smad1/5(CKO) mice is accompanied by imbalances in cross-talk between the BMP, FGF and Ihh/PTHrP pathways. We show that Ihh is a direct target of BMP pathways in chondrocytes, and that FGF exerts antagonistic effects on Ihh expression. Finally, we tested whether FGF exerts its antagonistic effects directly through Smad linker phosphorylation. The results support the alternative conclusion that the effects of FGFs on BMP signaling are indirect in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Retting
- UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Wuelling M, Kaiser FJ, Buelens LA, Braunholz D, Shivdasani RA, Depping R, Vortkamp A. Trps1, a regulator of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, interacts with the activator form of Gli3. Dev Biol 2009; 328:40-53. [PMID: 19389374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Trps1, the gene mutated in human Tricho-Rhino-Phalangeal syndrome, represents an atypical member of the GATA-family of transcription factors. Here we show that Trps1 interacts with Indian hedgehog (Ihh)/Gli3 signaling and regulates chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation. We demonstrate that Trps1 specifically binds to the transactivation domain of Gli3 in vitro and in vivo, whereas the repressor form of Gli3 does not interact with Trps1. A domain of 185aa within Trps1, containing three predicted zinc fingers, is sufficient for interaction with Gli3. Using different mouse models we find that in distal chondrocytes Trps1 and the repressor activity of Gli3 are required to expand distal cells and locate the expression domain of Parathyroid hormone related peptide. In columnar proliferating chondrocytes Trps1 and Ihh/Gli3 have an activating function. The differentiation of columnar and hypertrophic chondrocytes is supported by Trps1 independent of Gli3. Trps1 seems thus to organize chondrocyte differentiation interacting with different subsets of co-factors in distinct cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Wuelling
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Developmental Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
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Viegas CSB, Simes DC, Laizé V, Williamson MK, Price PA, Cancela ML. Gla-rich protein (GRP), a new vitamin K-dependent protein identified from sturgeon cartilage and highly conserved in vertebrates. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:36655-64. [PMID: 18836183 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m802761200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the isolation of a novel vitamin K-dependent protein from the calcified cartilage of Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser nacarii). This 10.2-kDa secreted protein contains 16 gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues in its 74-residue sequence, the highest Gla percent of any known protein, and we have therefore termed it Gla-rich protein (GRP). GRP has a high charge density (36 negative+16 positive=20 net negative) yet is insoluble at neutral pH. GRP has orthologs in all taxonomic groups of vertebrates, and a paralog (GRP2) in bony fish; no GRP homolog was found in invertebrates. There is no significant sequence homology between GRP and the Gla-containing region of any presently known vitamin K-dependent protein. Forty-seven GRP sequences were obtained by a combination of cDNA cloning and comparative genomics: all 47 have a propeptide that contains a gamma-carboxylase recognition site and a mature protein with 14 highly conserved Glu residues, each of them being gamma-carboxylated in sturgeon. The protein sequence of GRP is also highly conserved, with 78% identity between sturgeon and human GRP. Analysis of the corresponding gene structures suggests a highly constrained organization, particularly for exon 4, which encodes the core Gla domain. GRP mRNA is found in virtually all rat and sturgeon tissues examined, with the highest expression in cartilage. Cells expressing GRP include chondrocytes, chondroblasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes. Because of its potential to bind calcium through Gla residues, we suggest that GRP may regulate calcium in the extracellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S B Viegas
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Surmann-Schmitt C, Dietz U, Kireva T, Adam N, Park J, Tagariello A, Onnerfjord P, Heinegård D, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Deutzmann R, von der Mark K, Stock M. Ucma, a novel secreted cartilage-specific protein with implications in osteogenesis. J Biol Chem 2007; 283:7082-93. [PMID: 18156182 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m702792200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report on the structure, expression, and function of a novel cartilage-specific gene coding for a 17-kDa small, highly charged, and secreted protein that we termed Ucma (unique cartilage matrix-associated protein). The protein is processed by a furin-like protease into an N-terminal peptide of 37 amino acids and a C-terminal fragment (Ucma-C) of 74 amino acids. Ucma is highly conserved between mouse, rat, human, dog, clawed frog, and zebrafish, but has no homology to other known proteins. Remarkable are 1-2 tyrosine sulfate residues/molecule and dense clusters of acidic and basic residues in the C-terminal part. In the developing mouse skeleton Ucma mRNA is expressed in resting chondrocytes in the distal and peripheral zones of epiphyseal and vertebral cartilage. Ucma is secreted into the extracellular matrix as an uncleaved precursor and shows the same restricted distribution pattern in cartilage as Ucma mRNA. In contrast, antibodies prepared against the processed C-terminal fragment located Ucma-C in the entire cartilage matrix, indicating that it either diffuses or is retained until chondrocytes reach hypertrophy. During differentiation of an MC615 chondrocyte subclone in vitro, Ucma expression parallels largely the expression of collagen II and decreases with maturation toward hypertrophic cells. Recombinant Ucma-C does not affect expression of chondrocyte-specific genes or proliferation of chondrocytes, but interferes with osteogenic differentiation of primary osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. These findings suggest that Ucma may be involved in the negative control of osteogenic differentiation of osteochondrogenic precursor cells in peripheral zones of fetal cartilage and at the cartilage-bone interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordula Surmann-Schmitt
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center of Molecular Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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