Genetic lineage, bone mass, and physical activity in mice

Comparison of gene expression of bone regulators and bone microstructure in 20 weeks old female mice of two different strains (C57BL/6J and C3H/HeOuJ)

A huge number of inbred mouse strains with different bone properties have become available for musculoskeletal research. C57Bl/6J and C3H/HeOuJ mice show a significant difference in their bone characteristics. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge on the molecular basis of these strain differences. The aim of this study is to determine the gene expression of selected regulators expressed in the bone marrow as well as bone microstructure of C57Bl/6J and C3H/HeOuJ mice. Bone properties were investigated in 20-week-old female C57Bl/6J and C3H/HeOuJ mice. Total RNA was extracted from the bone marrow of the tibia and gene expression of the following genes was determined by quantitative real-time PCR: SOST, DKK1, OPN, FGF23, RANKL, IL6, TNF, IL17a, and OPG. The femur and third lumbar vertebral body (L3) were investigated by μCT. Bone histomorphometric evaluations were performed in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase/toluidine blue stained fourth lumbar vertebral bodies (L4). C57Bl/6J and C3H/HeOuJ mice showed significant differences in the gene expression of DKK1, FGF23, IL-6, TNF, and OPG. When compared with C57Bl/6J mice, C3H/HeOuJ mice had a stronger cortical and trabecular bone microstructure at the femur. In contrast, at L3 bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number were significantly higher in C57Bl/6J than in C3H/HeOuJ mice. Bone histomorphometry of L4 revealed significantly higher BV/TV, trabecular number, and thickness in C57Bl/6J mice. Furthermore, the number of osteoblasts and the number of osteoclasts/bone perimeter were higher in the C57Bl/6J mice. This study shows that C57Bl/6J and C3H/HeOuJ mice exhibit a differential expression of cytokines present in the bone marrow. Bone properties differ not only between both strains but also in relation to the investigated bone region.

Effects of more natural housing conditions on the muscular and skeletal characteristics of female C57BL/6J mice

BACKGROUND

Enrichment of home cages in laboratory experiments offers clear advantages, but has been criticized in some respects. First, there is a lack of definition, which makes methodological uniformity difficult. Second, there is concern that the enrichment of home cages may increase the variance of results in experiments. Here, the influence of more natural housing conditions on physiological parameters of female C57BL/6J mice was investigated from an animal welfare point of view. For this purpose, the animals were kept in three different housing conditions: conventional cage housing, enriched housing and the semi naturalistic environment. The focus was on musculoskeletal changes after long-term environmental enrichment.

RESULTS

The housing conditions had a long-term effect on the body weight of the test animals. The more complex and natural the home cage, the heavier the animals. This was associated with increased adipose deposits in the animals. There were no significant changes in muscle and bone characteristics except for single clues (femur diameter, bone resorption marker CTX-1). Additionally, the animals in the semi naturalistic environment (SNE) were found to have the fewest bone anomalies. Housing in the SNE appears to have the least effect on stress hormone concentrations. The lowest oxygen uptake was observed in enriched cage housing.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increasing values, observed body weights were in the normal and strain-typical range. Overall, musculoskeletal parameters were slightly improved and age-related effects appear to have been attenuated. The variances in the results were not increased by more natural housing. This confirms the suitability of the applied housing conditions to ensure and increase animal welfare in laboratory experiments.

Bone Structural, Biomechanical and Histomorphometric Characteristics of the Hindlimb Skeleton in the Marsh Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris)

INTRODUCTION

The rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) is a non-conventional laboratory rodent species used to model some human bone disorders. However, no studies have been conducted to characterize the postcranial skeleton. Therefore, we aimed to investigate age- and gender-related features of the hindlimb skeleton of this species.

METHODS

We used femurs and tibiae from 94 rats of both genders aged 4-28 wks. Bone mineral content (BMC), volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and biomechanical properties were determined in femurs. In addition, bone histomorphometry of tibiae was conducted to assess bone cell activities and bone turnover over time.

RESULTS

Bone length, total metaphysis BMC and vBMD, mid-diaphyseal BMC and vBMD, cortical thickness, and cortical area progressively augmented with age. Whereas the increase in these parameters plateaued at age 16-22 wks in female rats, they continued to rise to age 28 wks in male rats. Furthermore, bone strength parameters increased with age, with few differences between genders. We also observed a rapid decrease in longitudinal growth between ages 4-16 wks. Whereas young rats had a greater bone formation rate and bone turnover, older rice rats had greater bone volume and trabecular thickness, with no differences between genders.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Sexual dimorphism in the rice rat becomes grossly evident at age 16 wks; 2) the age-related increases in bone mass, structural cortical parameters, and in some biomechanical property parameters plateau at an older age in male than in female rats; and 3) bone growth and remodeling significantly decreased with age irrespective of the gender.

Muscle contraction induces osteogenic levels of cortical bone strain despite muscle weakness in a mouse model of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Mechanical interactions between muscle and bone have long been recognized as integral to bone integrity. However, few studies have directly measured these interactions within the context of musculoskeletal disease. In this study, the osteogenesis imperfecta murine model (oim/oim) was utilized because it has both reduced bone and muscle properties, allowing direct assessment of whether weakened muscle is able to engender strain on weakened bone. To do so, a strain gauge was attached to the tibia of healthy and oim/oim mice, muscles within the posterior quadrant of the lower hind limb were stimulated, and bone strain during muscle contraction was measured. Results indicated that the relationship between maximum muscle torque and maximum engendered strain is altered in oim/oim bone, with less torque required to engender strain compare to wild-type and heterozygous mice. Maximum muscle torque at 150 Hz stimulation frequency was able to engender ~1500 μɛ in oim/oim animals. However, even though the strain engendered in the oim/oim mice was high relative to historical bone formation thresholds, the maximum strain values were still significantly lower than that of the wild-type mice. These results are promising in that they suggest that muscle stimulation may be a viable means of inducing bone formation in oim/oim and potentially other disease models where muscle weakness/atrophy exist.

Bone, muscle, and physical activity: structural equation modeling of relationships and genetic influence with age

Correlations among bone strength, muscle mass, and physical activity suggest that these traits may be modulated by each other and/or by common genetic and/or environmental mechanisms. This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the extent to which select genetic loci manifest their pleiotropic effects through functional adaptations commonly referred to as Wolff's law. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was used to identify regions of chromosomes that simultaneously influenced skeletal mechanics, muscle mass, and/or activity-related behaviors in young and aged B6xD2 second-generation (F(2)) mice of both sexes. SEM was used to further study relationships among select QTLs, bone mechanics, muscle mass, and measures of activity. The SEM approach provided the means to numerically decouple the musculoskeletal effects of mechanical loading from the effects of other physiological processes involved in locomotion and physical activity. It was found that muscle mass was a better predictor of bone mechanics in young females, whereas mechanical loading was a better predictor of bone mechanics in older females. An activity-induced loading factor positively predicted the mechanical behavior of hindlimb bones in older males; contrarily, load-free locomotion (i.e., the remaining effects after removing the effects of loading) negatively predicted bone performance. QTLs on chromosomes 4, 7, and 9 seem to exert some of their influence on bone through actions consistent with Wolff's Law. Further exploration of these and other mechanisms through which genes function will aid in development of individualized interventions able to exploit the numerous complex pathways contributing to skeletal health.

Bone modeling response to voluntary exercise in the hindlimb of mice

The functional adaptation of juvenile mammalian limb bone to mechanical loading is necessary to maintain bone strength. Diaphyseal size and shape are modified during growth through the process of bone modeling. Although bone modeling is a well-documented response to increased mechanical stress on growing diaphyseal bone, the effect of proximodistal location on bone modeling remains unclear. Distal limb elements in cursorial mammals are longer and thinner, most likely to conserve energy during locomotion because they require less energy to move. Therefore, distal elements are hypothesized to experience greater mechanical loading during locomotion and may be expected to exhibit a greater modeling response to exercise. In this study, histomorphometric comparisons are made between femora and tibiae of mice treated with voluntary exercise and a control group (N = 20). We find that femora of exercised mice exhibit both greater bone growth rates and growth areas than do controls (P < 0.05). The femora of exercised mice also have significantly greater cortical area, bending rigidity, and torsional rigidity (P < 0.05), although bending and torsional rigidity are comparable when standardized by bone length. Histomorphometric and cross-section geometric properties of the tibial midshaft of exercised and control mice did not differ significantly, although tibial length was significantly greater in exercised mice (P < 0.05). Femora of exercised mice were able to adapt to increased mechanical loading through increases in compressive, bending, and torsional rigidity. No such adaptations were found in the tibia. It is unclear if this is a biomechanical adaptation to greater stress in proximal elements or if distal elements are ontogenetically constrained in a tradeoff of bone strength of distal elements for bioenergetic efficiency during locomotion.

Increased non-linear locomotion alters diaphyseal bone shape

Comparative studies of vertebrate morphology that link habitual locomotor activities to bone structural properties are often limited by confounding factors such as genetic variability between groups. Experimental assessment of bone's adaptive response to altered activity patterns typically involves superimposing exercise onto a normal locomotor repertoire, making a distinction between qualitative changes to locomotor repertoires and quantitative increases in activity level difficult. Here, we directly tested the hypothesis that an increase in turning activity, without the application of exercise per se, will alter femoral cross-sectional shape. Thirty day-old female BALB/cByJ mice (n=10 per group) were single-housed for 8 weeks in custom-designed cages that either accentuated linear or turning locomotion or allowed subjects to freely roam standard cages. Consistent with a lack of difference in physical activity levels between groups, there were no significant differences in body mass, femoral length, midshaft cortical area,and individual measures of mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) bending rigidity. However, the ratio of ML to AP diaphyseal rigidity, an indicator of cross-sectional shape, was significantly greater (P&lt;0.05) in turning subjects than in linear or control subjects. Considering that across all groups mice were genetically identical and had equivalent levels of bone quantity and physical activity, differences in femoral shape were attributed to qualitative differences in locomotor patterns (i.e. specific locomotor modes). These data indicate that increased turning can alter distribution of bone mass in the femoral diaphysis, and that turning should be considered in efforts to understand form–function relationships in vertebrates.

Loss of myostatin (GDF8) function increases osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells but the osteogenic effect is ablated with unloading

Myostatin (GDF8) is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and mice lacking myostatin show a significant increase in muscle mass and bone density compared to normal mice. In order to further define the role of myostatin in regulating bone mass we sought to determine if loss of myostatin function significantly altered the potential for osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo. We first examined expression of the myostatin receptor, the type IIB activin receptor (AcvrIIB), in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) isolated from mouse long bones. This receptor was found to be expressed at high levels in BMSCs, and we were also able to detect AcvrIIB protein in BMSCs in situ using immunofluorescence. BMSCs isolated from myostatin-deficient mice showed increased osteogenic differentiation compared to wild-type mice; however, treatment of BMSCs from myostatin-deficient mice with recombinant myostatin did not attenuate the osteogenic differentiation of these cells. Loading of BMSCs in vitro increased the expression of osteogenic factors such as BMP-2 and IGF-1, but treatment of BMSCs with recombinant myostatin was found to decrease the expression of these factors. We investigated the effects of myostatin loss-of-function on the differentiation of BMSCs in vivo using hindlimb unloading (7-day tail suspension). Unloading caused a greater increase in marrow adipocyte number, and a greater decrease in osteoblast number, in myostatin-deficient mice than in normal mice. These data suggest that the increased osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs from mice lacking myostatin is load-dependent, and that myostatin may alter the mechanosensitivity of BMSCs by suppressing the expression of osteogenic factors during mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, although myostatin deficiency increases muscle mass and bone strength, it does not prevent muscle and bone catabolism with unloading.

Gene expression analysis of mouse chromosome substitution strains

An analysis of transcriptional variation in the liver using a panel of B.A chromosome substitution strains identified 4209 transcripts that are differentially expressed relative to the C57BL/6J background and 1010 transcripts that are differentially expressed between C57BL/6J and A/J strains. A subset of these strains (substituting Chromosomes 1, 6, and 15) was used to identify 386 additional differentially expressed transcripts in the kidney. Approximately 15% of differentially expressed transcripts are located on the substituted chromosome. These cis-QTL are codirectionally expressed with the donor strain A/J. By comparison, trans-regulated loci comprise 85% of differentially expressed transcripts, often show opposite direction of change compared with A/J, and can be regulated by multiple chromosome substitutions. Gene expression differences in this study provide evidence for transgressive segregation: Only 438 of 4209 QTL in liver were inside the parental range. By combining QTL data with known biological functions, we were able to identify physiologic pathways altered in multiple strains. In many cases the same pathways were altered by multiple distinct chromosome substitutions. Taken together, these results suggest that widespread epistatic background effects may result in complex and overlapping transcriptional relationships among different chromosome substitution strains. Transcriptional profiling of chromosome substitution strains reveals a complex genetic architecture of transcriptional regulation.

Adjusting data to body size: a comparison of methods as applied to quantitative trait loci analysis of musculoskeletal phenotypes

The aim of this study was to compare three methods of adjusting skeletal data for body size and examine their use in QTL analyses. It was found that dividing skeletal phenotypes by body mass index induced erroneous QTL results. The preferred method of body size adjustment was multiple regression.

INTRODUCTION

Many skeletal studies have reported strong correlations between phenotypes for muscle, bone, and body size, and these correlations add to the difficulty in identifying genetic influence on skeletal traits that are not mediated through overall body size. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) identified for skeletal phenotypes often map to the same chromosome regions as QTLs for body size. The actions of a QTL identified as influencing BMD could therefore be mediated through the generalized actions of growth on body size or muscle mass.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three methods of adjusting skeletal phenotypes to body size were performed on morphologic, structural, and compositional measurements of the femur and tibia in 200-day-old C57BL/6J x DBA/2 (BXD) second generation (F(2)) mice (n = 400). A common method of removing the size effect has been through the use of ratios. This technique and two alternative techniques using simple and multiple regression were performed on muscle and skeletal data before QTL analyses, and the differences in QTL results were examined.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The use of ratios to remove the size effect was shown to increase the size effect by inducing spurious correlations, thereby leading to inaccurate QTL results. Adjustments for body size using multiple regression eliminated these problems. Multiple regression should be used to remove the variance of co-factors related to skeletal phenotypes to allow for the study of genetic influence independent of correlated phenotypes. However, to better understand the genetic influence, adjusted and unadjusted skeletal QTL results should be compared. Additional insight can be gained by observing the difference in LOD score between the adjusted and nonadjusted phenotypes. Identifying QTLs that exert their effects on skeletal phenotypes through body size-related pathways as well as those having a more direct and independent influence on bone are equally important in deciphering the complex physiologic pathways responsible for the maintenance of bone health.

Genetic variation in structure-function relationships for the inbred mouse lumbar vertebral body

Structure-function relationships were determined for L(5) vertebral bodies from three inbred mouse strains. Genetic variability in whole bone mechanical properties could be explained by a combination of the traits specifying the amount, distribution, and quality of the cortical and trabecular bone tissue.

INTRODUCTION

Although phenotypically correlated with fracture, BMD may be disadvantageous to use in genetic and biomechanical analyses because BMD does not distinguish the contributions of the underlying morphological and compositional bone traits. Developing functional relationships between the underlying bone traits and whole bone mechanical properties should further our understanding of the genetics of bone fragility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Microarchitecture and composition of L(5) vertebral bodies (n = 10/strain) from A/J, C57BL/6J, and C3H/HeJ inbred mouse strains were determined using muCT with an isotropic voxel size of 16 mum(3). Failure load, stiffness, and total deformation as a measure of ductility were measured in compression using a noncontact strain extensometer imaging system. A correlation analysis related morphological and compositional bone traits to whole bone mechanical properties. A multivariate analysis identified structure-function relationships for each genotype.

RESULTS

No single bone trait accurately explained the genetic variation in mechanical properties. However, a combination of traits describing the amount, distribution, and quality of cortical and trabecular bone tissue explained >70% of the variation in vertebral mechanical properties. Importantly, structure-function relationships were unique among genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Different genetic backgrounds use different combinations of underlying bone traits to create mechanically functional structures. Using a single complex trait such as BMD or BV/TV as the sole phenotypic marker in genetic analyses may prove to be disadvantageous because of the complex relationship between mechanical properties and the underlying bone traits. Therefore, considering multiple bone traits and the interaction among these bone traits is necessary to understand the relationship between genetic background and complex whole bone mechanical properties.

Quantitative trait loci analysis of structural and material skeletal phenotypes in C57BL/6J and DBA/2 second-generation and recombinant inbred mice

QTL analyses identified several chromosomal regions influencing skeletal phenotypes of the femur and tibia in BXD F2 and BXD RI populations of mice. QTLs for skeletal traits co-located with each other and with correlated traits such as body weight and length, adipose mass, and serum alkaline phosphatase.

INTRODUCTION

Past research has shown substantial genetic influence on bone quality, and the impact of reduced bone mass on our aging population has heightened the interest in skeletal genetic research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses were performed on morphologic measures and structural and material properties of the femur and tibia in 200-day-old C57BL/6J x DBA/2 (BXD) F2 (second filial generation; n = 400) and BXD recombinant inbred (RI; n = 23 strains) populations of mice. Body weight, body length, adipose mass, and serum alkaline phosphatase were correlated phenotypes included in the analyses.

RESULTS

Skeletal QTLs for morphologic bone measures such as length, width, cortical thickness, and cross-sectional area mapped to nearly every chromosome. QTLs for both structural properties (ultimate load, yield load, or stiffness) and material properties (stress and straincharacteristics and elastic modulus) mapped to chromosomes 4, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, and 18. QTLs that were specific to structural properties were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 17, and QTLs that were specific to skeletal material properties were identified on chromosomes 5, 11, 16, and 19. QTLs for body size (body weight, body length, and adipose mass) often mapped to the same chromosomal regions as those identified for skeletal traits, suggesting that several QTLs identified as influencing bone could be mediated through body size.

CONCLUSION

New QTLs, not previously reported in the literature, were identified for structural and material properties and morphological measures of the mouse femur and tibia. Body weight and length, adipose mass, and serum alkaline phosphatase were correlated phenotypes that mapped in close proximity of skeletal chromosomal loci. The more specific measures of bone quality included in this investigation enhance our understanding of the functional significance of previously identified QTLs.

Muscle-bone interactions in dystrophin-deficient and myostatin-deficient mice

We have investigated muscle-bone interactions using two mouse mutants that are known to differ from normal mice in skeletal muscle growth and development: mice lacking myostatin (GDF8) and mice lacking dystrophin (mdx). Myostatin-deficient mice show increased muscle size and strength compared to normal mice, whereas the mdx mouse is a well-established animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The mdx mice have significantly larger hindlimb muscles than controls, and histological sections of the quadriceps muscles show dystrophic changes with extensive fibrosis. Femoral bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture strength (Fu) are significantly greater in mdx mice than controls, and these variables are more strongly correlated with quadriceps muscle mass than with body mass. In contrast, mdx mice do not shower high bone mineral density in the spine relative to controls, whereas myostatin-deficient mice have significantly increased BMD in the lumbar spine compared to normal mice. Both mdx mice and myostatin-deficient mice have expanded femoral trochanters for attachment of large hindlimb muscles, and both mutant strains show increased cross-sectional area moments of inertia mediolaterally (Iyy) but not anteroposteriorly (Ixx) compared to normal mice. These data suggest that lean (muscle) mass is a significant determinant of bone mineral density and strength in the limb skeleton, even when accompanied by a dystrophic phenotype. Likewise, increased muscle mass produces a marked increase in the external dimensions of muscle attachment sites, even when increased muscle size is accompanied by extensive fibrosis and muscle weakness.

Genetic variation in femur extrinsic strength in 29 different inbred strains of mice is dependent on variations in femur cross-sectional geometry and bone density

The femurs from groups of mice from 29 different inbred strains were characterized to study the genetic variations in bone parameters. For these analyses, we used peripheral quantitative computed tomography to assess bone size and density in addition to three-point bend testing to assess bone mechanical properties. Highly significant differences between inbred strains were found for all size, density, and mechanical parameters measured (P < 0.0001). Correcting femoral cross-sectional geometry values or bone mechanical properties values for body weight or femur length reduced but did not eliminate the variations in bone geometry or bone mechanical properties. Mice of similar body size had as much as a 40% difference in the midshaft total area of the femur. Regression analysis suggested that 50.9% of the variation in maximum load among strains was related to variations in section modulus, i.e., cross-sectional geometry, 21.5% was related to variations in material bone density, and 27.7% to variations in quality. These components were further analyzed to show that 3.9-27.8% of the variation in maximum load was related to adaptation to mechanical stress. These findings indicate that there is a significant genetic variation in the femur cross-sectional area, density, and mechanical properties between inbred mouse strains. These studies identify inbred mouse strains suitable for future studies identifying genes regulating bone geometry and mechanical properties.

Bone architecture and disc degeneration in the lumbar spine of mice lacking GDF-8 (myostatin)

GDF-8, also known as myostatin, is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of secreted growth and differentiation factors that is expressed in vertebrate skeletal muscle. Myostatin functions as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and myostatin null mice show a doubling of muscle mass compared to normal mice. We describe here morphology of the lumbar spine in myostatin knockout (Mstn(-/-)) mice using histological and densitometric techniques. The Mstn(-/-) mice examined in this study weigh approximately 10% more than controls (p<0.001) but the iliopsoas muscle is over 50% larger in the knockout mice than in wild-type mice (p<0.001). Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) data from the fifth lumbar vertebra show that mice lacking myostatin have approximately 50% greater trabecular bone mineral density (p=0.001) and significantly greater cortical bone mineral content than normal mice. Toluidine blue staining of the intervertebral disc between L4-L5 reveals loss of proteoglycan staining in the hyaline end plates and inner annulus fibrosus of the knockout mice. Loss of cartilage staining in the caudal end plate of L4 is due to ossification of the end plate in the myostatin-deficient animals. Results from this study suggest that increased muscle mass in mice lacking myostatin is associated with increased bone mass as well as degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc.

Quantitative trait loci for femoral size and shape in a genetically heterogeneous mouse population

The aim of this study was to examine the genetic effects on cortical bone geometry. Genotypes from 487 mice were compared with geometric traits obtained from microCT. We found 14 genetic markers that associate with geometric traits, showing the complexity of genetic control over bone geometry.

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have shown that genetic background affects bone characteristics, particularly bone mineral density, in both mouse and human populations. Much less is known, however, about the effects of polymorphic genes on bone size, shape, and mechanical integrity. In this study, we investigated the genetic determinants of geometric properties of cortical bone in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used a genetically heterogeneous mouse population, which is denoted UM-HET3 stock and is derived as the progeny of (BALB/cJ X C57BL/6J) F1 females and (C3H/HeJ X DBA/2J) F1 males. The experimental group consisted of 487 female UM-HET3 mice. Genotypic data from 99 polymorphic genetic loci was obtained from the mice at 4 weeks of age. At 18 months of age, the mice were humanely killed, and the right femurs were scanned with microcomputed tomography to assess geometric properties of cortical bone. A permutation-based test was used to detect significant associations between genetic markers and geometric traits. This test generates experiment-wise p values, which account for the effect of testing multiple hypotheses. An experiment-wise p < or = 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Fourteen genetic markers were found to significantly associate with one or more geometric traits. Two markers (D3Mit62 and D4Mit155) were associated with traits describing bone size; 2 (D12Mit167 and D14Mit170) were linked with traits describing bone shape; and 10 (D1Nds2, D5Mit95, D6Mit216, D7Mit91, D8Mit51, D9Mit110, D11Mit83, D15Mit100, D15Mit171, and D17Mit46) were associated with both size and shape.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the genetic control of cortical bone geometry is complex and that femoral size and shape may be influenced by different, although overlapping, groups of polymorphic loci.

Mapping quantitative trait loci that influence femoral cross-sectional area in mice

Size and shape are critical determinants of the mechanical properties of skeletal elements and can be anticipated to be highly heritable. Moreover, the genes responsible may be independent of those that regulate bone mineral density (BMD). To begin to identify the heritable determinants of skeletal geometry, we have examined femoral cross-sectional area (FCSA) in male and female mice from two inbred strains of mice with divergent FCSA (C57BL/6 [B6] and DBA/2 [D2]), a large genetically heterogeneous population (n = 964) of B6D2F2 mice and 18 BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from their F2 cross. Femora were harvested from 16-week-old mice and FCSA (bone and marrow space enclosed within the periosteum) was measured at the midshaft by digital image analysis. In all mouse populations examined, FCSA was positively correlated with body weight and weight-corrected FCSA (WC-FCSA) values were normally distributed in the BXD-RI and F2 populations, suggesting polygenic control of this trait. Genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of the B6D2F2 population revealed regions on four different chromosomes that were very strongly linked to WC-FCSA (chromosomes 6, 8, 10, and X) in both genders. Evidence of gender-specific genetic influences on femoral geometry was also identified at three other chromosomal sites (chromosomes 2, 7, and 12). Supporting evidence for the WC-FCSA QTLs on chromosomes 2, 7, 8, 10, and 12 also was present in the RI strains. Interestingly, none of these WC-FCSA QTLs were identified in our previous QTL analysis of whole body BMD in the same B6D2F2 population. Thus, the genetic determinants of bone size appear to be largely, if not entirely, distinct from those that regulate BMD attainment. The identification of the genes responsible for geometric differences in bone development should reveal fundamentally important processes in the control of skeletal integrity.

Genetic susceptibility to chronic periodontal disease

Evidence suggests that there is a significant genetic component to susceptibility and resistance to chronic periodontal disease. Data from both clinical studies and studies using animal models are reviewed here. Also outlined are the genomic methods that are now available for identifying susceptibility and resistance loci.

Regulation of bone volume is different in the metaphyses of the femur and vertebra of C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J mice

The C3H/HeJ (C3H) mice exhibited a greater bone formation rate (BFR) and a greater mineral apposition rate (MAR) in the cortical bone of the midshafts of the femur and tibia than did C57BL/6J (B6) mice. This study sought to determine if these strain-related differences would also be observed in cancellous bone. Metaphyses of the femur and lumbar vertebra (L5-6) from C3H and B6 mice, 6 and 12 weeks of age, were analyzed by histomorphometry. Similar to cortical bone, the bone volume in the femoral metaphysis of C3H mice was greater (by 54% and 65%, respectively) than that of B6 mice at both 6 and 12 weeks of age. Higher BFR and mineral apposition rate (MAR) contributed to the higher bone volume in the C3H mice compared with the B6 mice. In contrast, bone volume (by 59% and 13%, respectively, p < 0.001) and trabecular number (by 55% and 35%, respectively, p < 0.001) in the vertebrae were lower in the C3H mice than in B6 mice at 6 and 12 weeks of age. At 6 weeks of age, MAR was higher (by 43%, p = 0.004) in C3H mice, but because of a low trabecular number, the BFR (by 37%, p = 0.026) and tetracycline-labeled bone surface (by 52%, p < 0.001) per tissue were lower in the vertebrae of C3H mice than B6 mice. The low bone volume in vertebrae of C3H mice was probably not due to a higher bone resorption, because the osteoclast number (by 55%, p < 0.001) and eroded surface (by 61%, p <0.001) per tissue area in the C3H mice were also lower in B6 mice. At 12 weeks, the trabecular thickness had increased (by 36%, p < 0.001) in the C3H mice and the difference in bone volume between strains was less than that at 6 weeks. These contrasting and apparently opposing strain-related differences in trabecular bone parameters between femur and vertebra in these two mouse strains suggest that the genetic regulation of bone volume in the metaphyses of different skeletal sites is different between C3H and B6 mice.

Confirmation and fine mapping of chromosomal regions influencing peak bone mass in mice

Bone mineral density (BMD) is determined by both environmental influences and polygenic inheritance. The extreme difficulty of dissecting out environmental factors from genetic ones in humans has motivated the investigation of animal models. Previously, we used quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to examine peak BMD in 24 recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strains, derived from a cross between C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2) progenitors (RI-BXD). The distribution of BMD values among these strains indicated strong genetic influences and a number of chromosomal sites linked to BMD were identified provisionally. Using three additional independent mapping populations derived from the same progenitors, we have confirmed loci on chromosomes 1, 2, and 4, and 11 that contain genes that influence peak BMD. Using a novel fine-mapping approach (RI segregation testing [RIST]), we have substantially narrowed two of the BMD-related chromosomal regions and in the process eliminated a number of candidate genes. The homologous regions in the human genome for each of these murine QTLs have been identified in recent human genetic studies. In light of this, we believe that findings in mice should aid in the identification of specific candidate genes for study in humans.

Bone brittleness varies with genetic background in A/J and C57BL/6J inbred mice

The contribution of genetic and environmental factors to variations in bone quality are understood poorly. We tested whether bone brittleness varies with genetic background using the A/J and C57BL/6J inbred mouse strains. Whole bone four-point bending tests revealed a 70% decrease in postyield deflection of A/J femurs compared with C57BL/6J, indicating that A/J femurs failed in a significantly more brittle manner. Cyclic loading studies indicated that A/J femurs accumulated damage differently than C57BL/6J femurs, consistent with their increased brittleness. Differences in matrix composition also were observed between the two mouse strains. A/J femurs had a 4.5% increase in ash content and an 11.8% decrease in collagen content. Interestingly, a reciprocal relationship was observed between femoral geometry and material stiffness; this relationship may have contributed to the brittle phenotype of A/J femurs. A/J femurs are more slender than those of C57BL/6J femurs; however, their 47% smaller moment of inertia appeared to be compensated by an increased tissue stiffness at the expense of altered tissue damageability. Importantly, these differences in whole bone mechanical properties between A/J and C57BL/6J femurs could not have been predicted from bone mass or density measures alone. The results indicated that bone brittleness is a genetically influenced trait and that it is associated with genetically determined differences in whole bone architecture, bone matrix composition, and mechanisms of cyclical damage accumulation.

Genetic loci influencing natural variations in femoral bone morphometry in mice

This study identifies genetic loci affecting femoral bone length and width measures in mature mice. Sixteen month old female F2 progeny of a C57BL/6J and DBA/2J intercross were examined for femur length and width of the femoral head, intertrochanteric region and three locations of the diaphysis using digitized images of femur radiographs obtained in the anterior-posterior and lateral projections. A genome wide linkage map was constructed using microsatellite markers at an average density of 20 cM, and quantitative trait locus analysis used to identify regions of the genome showing linkage with the traits measured. Femur length showed significant linkage with loci on proximal chromosome 3 (lod 6.1), and suggestive linkage with a locus on chromosome 14. A major locus on mid-chromosome 7 controlled width of the diaphysis (lod 6.8). Other loci were identified on chromosomes 2 and 4. Width at the intertrochanteric region had suggestive linkage with loci on chromosomes 6 and 19. No loci were found with linkage for width of the femoral head. Candidate genes related to bone development or metabolism are present at most of these loci. These findings show that genetic regulation of femoral bone morphology is complex, and are consistent with the distinct biologic processes that control longitudinal and lateral growth of the femur.

Recombinant Congenic Strains Derived from A/J and C57BL/6J: A Tool for Genetic Dissection of Complex Traits

Complex genetic traits can be dissected in mice, using well-defined sets of recombinant inbred strains, congenic strains, and recombinant congenic strains (RCS). We report the creation of a series of 37 independent RCS derived from the commonly used inbred strains of laboratory mouse A/J (A) and C57BL/6J (B6). These RCS were derived by systematic inbreeding of independent pairs of animals from a (F1 x A) x A and a (F1 x B) x B double backcross (N3), to create AcB and BcA strains, respectively. Fifteen AcB strains and 22 BcA strains at between 18 and 30 generations of inbreeding have been generated, are healthy, and show stable breeding performance. These strains have been genotyped for a total of 625 informative microsatellite DNA markers covering the entire genome, with an average spacing of 2.6 cM. Haplotype analyses indicate that on average, AcB and BcA strains contain 13.25% of the donor genome, a value close to the 12.5% expected from the breeding scheme used in their creation. In the AcB set, approximately 79% of the B6 genome has been transferred in independent strains, while in the BcA set approximately 84% of the A genome is represented on the B6 background. This represents an excellent coverage of congenic segments from both parental genomes in the two sets of strains, which can now be used to map simple and complex traits in a genome-wide fashion. As an example of the power of AcB/BcA strains as a mapping tool, the 37 strains were typed for susceptibility to infection with Legionella pneumophila, a monogenic trait controlled by the Lgn1 locus on Chromosome 13. Analysis of the strain distribution pattern of L. pneumophila susceptibility allowed direct mapping of Lgn1 to a 3-cM interval. The AcB/BcA set should prove a useful tool with which to investigate the complex genetic basis of known interstrain differences between A and B6 for many important diseases.

Genetic loci determining bone density in mice with diet-induced atherosclerosis

This study investigates the phenotypic and genetic relationships among bone-density-related traits and those of adipose tissue and plasma lipids in mice with diet-induced atherosclerosis. Sixteen-month-old female F2 progeny of a C57BL/6J and DBA/2J intercross, which had received an atherogenic diet for 4 mo, were examined for multiple measures of femoral bone mass, density, and biomechanical properties using both computerized tomographic and radiographic methods. In addition, body weight and length, adipose tissue mass, plasma lipids and insulin, and aortic fatty lesions were assessed. Bone mass was inversely correlated with extent of atherosclerosis and with a prooxidant lipid profile and directly correlated with body weight, length, and, most strongly, adipose tissue mass. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, using composite interval mapping (CIM) and multi-trait analysis, identified six loci with multi-trait CIM LOD scores > 5. Three of these coincided with loci linked with adipose tissue and plasma high-density lipoprotein. Application of statistical tests for distinguishing close linkage vs. pleiotropy supported the presence of a potential pleiotropic effect of two of the loci on these traits. This study shows that bone mass in older female mice with atherosclerosis has multiple genetic determinants and provides phenotypic and genetic evidence linking the regulation of bone density with adipose tissue and plasma lipids.

Evaluating mutant mice: anatomic pathology

As the human and mouse genome projects approach their goals, initiatives in functional genomics are advancing. When the nucleotide sequences are available, identification of gene functions will assume even greater importance. Determination of gene products and their proximal biochemical functions provide a part of the picture, but determination of their functions in the context of the whole organism is the ultimate goal. The manipulated mouse genome has become accepted as a model for understanding the genetic basis of human conditions and diseases. Consequently, biomedical research institutions have seen significant increases in the use of mice since the early 1980s, and these increases are largely attributable to the use of genetically modified mice. The role of comparative pathology in research on mutant mouse models of disease is increasing in response to these trends. Evaluation and phenotypic characterization of mutant mice, via clinical and anatomic pathology techniques, will be an important component of functional genomics initiatives.

Phenotypic characterization of mice bred for high and low peak bone mass

In humans, peak bone mineral density (BMD) is a highly heritable trait and a strong determinant of subsequent osteoporotic fracture risk. To identify the genetic factors responsible for variation in peak BMD, investigators have turned to animal models. In this study we examined the heritability of BMD acquisition and characterized differences in skeletal geometry, histomorphometry, and biomechanical competence between two lines of mice artificially selected for extremes of peak whole body BMD. F2 progeny from a cross between C57BL/6 and DBA/2 inbred strains was used as the foundation population to develop lines selected for either high or low BMD. Whole body BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). By the third generation of selection, highest-scoring BMD (HiBMD) mice exhibited 14% greater peak BMD than lowest-scoring BMD (LoBMD) mice. The mean realized heritability of peak BMD was 36%. Femoral shaft cortical area and thickness and vertebral cancellous bone volume (BV) were significantly greater (16-30%) in the HiBMD line compared with the LoBMD line. Mean cancellous bone formation rates (BFRs) were 35% lower in HiBMD mice compared with LoBMD mice. Failure load and stiffness in the femoral shaft, femoral neck, and L6 vertebrae were all substantially greater (by 25-190%) in HiBMD mice. Thus, these divergently selected murine lines serve to illustrate some of the means by which genetic mechanisms can affect skeletal structure and remodeling. Identification of the individual genes influencing peak BMD in this experimental system will likely reveal some of the genetic determinants of overall bone strength.

Femoral morphology and cross-sectional geometry of adult myostatin-deficient mice

GDF-8, also known as myostatin, is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of secreted growth and differentiation factors that is expressed in vertebrate skeletal muscle. Myostatin functions as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and myostatin null mice show a doubling of muscle mass compared with normal mice. We examined femoral morphology of adult myostatin-deficient mice to assess the effects of muscle fiber hypertrophy and hyperplasia on bone shape and cross-sectional geometry. Femora of age- and weight-matched adult mice homozygous for the disrupted myostatin sequence were compared with those of wild-type controls (n = 8 per group). Results show that, as was the case in previous studies, myostatin null mice have hindlimb muscle masses that are approximately double those of controls. Myostatin-deficient mice exhibit third trochanters that are significantly larger than those of controls, whereas the femoral midshafts of the control and experimental mice do not differ significantly from one another in cortical area, bending moment of inertia, and polar moment of inertia. Our findings indicate that the increased muscle mass of myostatin-deficient mice primarily affects sites of muscle insertion, but does not induce additional cortical bone deposition in the diaphysis relative to controls. We therefore conclude that the expanded third trochanters of myostatin-deficient subjects result from tendon and Sharpey fiber expansion associated with muscle growth rather than cortical bone deposition in response to increased levels of mechanical stress.

Strain differences in bone density and calcium metabolism between C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J mice

Previous reports indicate that peak bone density is significantly higher in C3H/HeJ (C3H) than in C57BL/6J (C57BL) mice, making these two inbred strains useful models for studying the genetic basis for peak bone density. The following study was undertaken to examine whether strain differences in the bone density of C3H and C57BL mice are associated with differences in intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption. Calcium absorption was measured by the balance technique and animals received two injections of fluorochromes 5 days apart before killing. Subsequently, the femurs were removed and, following measurement of volumetric density, the left femur was divided into three equal parts and the middle third served as the femoral cortical diaphysis. Femur diaphyseal volumetric bone density, ash, and Ca content were 10%, 29%, and 29% higher in C3H than in C57BL mice (p < 0.001), respectively. Bone length, periosteal mineral apposition rate, and periosteal bone formation rate of femoral diaphyseal cortical bone were not significantly different between the two strains of mice, but the marrow area of C57BL mice was almost twofold that of C3H mice (p < 0.0001). Intestinal Ca absorption and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]-stimulated Ca2+ uptake by intestinal mucosal cells were 38% and 51% higher in C3H than in C57BL mice p < 0.001), respectively. Serum Ca and 1,25(OH)2D levels were 6% and 32% higher in C3H than in C57BL mice (p < 0.001), respectively, and the number of intestinal-occupied vitamin D receptors was 51% higher in C3H than in C57BL mice (p < 0.01). In a second experiment, three groups of C3H mice and three groups of C57BL mice were fed diets that contained 0.4%, 0.1%, or 0.02% Ca, and serum Ca, 1,25(OH)2D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and intestinal Ca absorption measured. At all dietary Ca levels, C3H mice maintained positive Ca absorption and absorbed significantly more Ca than C57BL mice. In contrast, at low dietary Ca levels (0.1% and 0.02% Ca), C57BL mice maintained negative Ca absorption. Low dietary Ca increased serum PTH significantly in C57BL but not in C3H mice, and decreased serum 1,25(OH)2D and Ca levels in both strains of mice. Our findings indicate that the C57BL mice relied more on the mobilization of Ca from bone to maintain extracellular Ca homeostasis than the C3H mice. We conclude that strain differences in bone mass and density between C3H and C57BL mice is expressed, in part, through the vitamin D and PTH endocrine systems and their effects on the maintenance of extracellular Ca homeostasis.

Genetic variability of new bone induction in mice

We studied differences in ectopic osteoinduction in eight mouse inbred strains and an outbred strain. Antigen-extracted autolyzed rat bone gelatin was implanted under hind limb muscle fascia of 12-week-old males, and new bone formation was morphologically assessed on serial sections. Four weeks after implantation, less than half of the implants from CBA/J, A/J, BALB/cJ, and C3Hf/Bu mice showed induction of only cartilage. New cartilage was observed in all, and bone and bone marrow in 80% of the implants from AKR/J, C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and RFM/Rij mice. Volume of the newly formed tissue ranged from 1.3% of the old matrix in A/J strain to 74.6% in DBA/2J strain. Outbred CD1 mice showed only weak cartilage induction. The "good" responders differed among themselves in the volume and type of newly induced tissue: DBA/2J, RFM/Rij, and AKR/J mice had a similar ratio of new bone and cartilage and abundant bone marrow, whereas the predominant newly induced tissue in C57Bl/6J mice was cartilage. The pattern of the expression of BMP-2, -4, and -7, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, interferon-gamma, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, did not correlate with the type and the quantity of the newly induced tissue. Our results show that adult mice of inbred strains differ not only in the peak bone mass and morphology, but also ability to form new bone after an osteoinductive stimulus. Ectopic osteoinduction may be a useful in vivo model to investigate genetic determinants of endochondral osteogenesis, especially its immunological component.

Quantitative trait loci affecting peak bone mineral density in mice

Peak bone mass is a major determinant of risk of osteoporotic fracture. Family and twin studies have found a strong genetic component to the determination of bone mineral density (BMD). However, BMD is a complex trait whose expression is confounded by environmental influences and polygenic inheritance. The number, locations, and effects of the individual genes contributing to natural variation in this trait are all unknown. Experimental animal models provide a means to circumvent complicating environmental factors, and the development of dense genetic maps based on molecular markers now provides opportunities to resolve quantitative genetic variation into individual regions of the genome influencing a given trait (quantitative trait loci, QTL). To begin to identify the heritable determinants of BMD, we have examined genetically distinct laboratory mouse strains raised under strict environmental control. Mouse whole-body bone mineral content by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) correlated strongly with skeletal calcium content by ashing, and peak whole-body BMD by DXA in female mice occurred at approximately 80-90 days of age. We therefore determined mean body weight and peak whole body BMD values in 12-week-old female mice from a panel of 24 recombinant inbred (RI) BXD strains, derived from a cross between C57BL/6 and DBA/2 progenitors. The distribution of body weight and BMD values among the strains clearly indicated the presence of strong genetic influences on both of these traits, with an estimated narrow sense heritability of 60% and 35%, respectively. The patterns of differences in body weight and peak whole body BMD in the BXD strains were then integrated with a large database of genetic markers previously defined in the RI BXD strains to generate chromosome map sites for QTL. After correction for redundancy among the significant correlations, QTL analysis of the BXD RI strain series provisionally identified 10 chromosomal sites linked to peak bone mass development in the female. Several of the identified sites map near genes encoding hormones, structural proteins, and cell surface receptors that are intricately involved in skeletal homeostasis. Four QTL for body weight were also identified. One of these loci was also strongly linked to inherited variation in BMD. This finding suggests that body weight and peak BMD may be influenced by linked genes or perhaps by common genes with pleiotropic effects. Our phenotyping in the RI BXD strains has allowed us to map a number of specific genetic loci strongly related to the acquisition of peak BMD. Confirmation of these findings will likely result in the understanding of which genes control skeletal health.

Genetic variability in adult bone density among inbred strains of mice

More than 70% of the variability in human bone density has been attributed to genetic factors as a result of studies with twins, osteoporotic families, and individuals with rare heritable bone disorders. We have applied the Stratec XCT 960M pQCT, specifically modified for small skeletal specimens, to analyses of bones from 11 inbred strains (AKR/J, BALB/cByJ, C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, C57L/J, DBA/2J, NZB/B1NJ, SM/J, SJL/BmJ, SWR/BmJ, and 129/J) of female mice to determine the extent of heritable differences in peak bone density, pQCT scans were taken of femurs from (a) 12-month-old inbred strain females and (b) a subset of four strains (C3H/HeJ, DBA/2J, BALB/cByJ, C57BL/6J) at 2, 4, and 8 months. In addition, pQCT scans were also obtained from L5-L6 vertebrae and proximal phalanges from the same subset of four inbred strains at 12 months of age. Comparison of bone parameters among inbred strains revealed significant differences at each of the three sites investigated. Femoral and phalangeal bones differed among strains with respect to total and cortical density, mineral, and volume. Only cortical bone parameters were significantly different among strains at the vertebral site. With respect to strain differences, the highest value for any given bone parameter was found in the C3H/HeJ strain, whereas C57BL/6J values were absolutely, or statistically, the lowest. Similarly, with respect to bone sites, cortical bone density was significantly correlated among strains. On the other hand, we found that none of the femur, vertebral, or phalangeal parameters correlated with body weight, even though body weight varied by 86% among those inbred strains. The developmental studies of femurs conducted at 2, 4, and 8 months of age with C3H/HeJ, DBA/2J, BALB/cByJ, and C57BL/6J females showed differences in total density among strains at 2 months and thereafter. Adult peak bone density was typically achieved by 4 months, whereas femurs continued to lengthen for 4 to 8 months thereafter. We conclude that (1) major genetic effects on femoral, vertebral, and phalangeal bone density are detectable among inbred strains of mice; (2) cortical bone density shares common genetic regulation at the three measured sites; and (3) within the femur, genes that regulate length and density are different.