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He D, Liu H, Wei W, Zhao Y, Cai Q, Shi S, Chu X, Qin X, Zhang N, Xu P, Zhang F. A longitudinal genome-wide association study of bone mineral density mean and variability in the UK Biobank. Osteoporos Int 2023; 34:1907-1916. [PMID: 37500982 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-023-06852-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Bone mineral density (BMD) is an essential predictor of osteoporosis and fracture. We conducted a genome-wide trajectory analysis of BMD and analyzed the BMD change. PURPOSE This study aimed to identify the genetic architecture and potential biomarkers of BMD. METHODS Our analysis included 141,261 white participants from the UK Biobank with heel BMD phenotype data. We used a genome-wide trajectory analysis tool, TrajGWAS, to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BMD. Then, we validated our findings in previously reported BMD genetic associations and performed replication analysis in the Asian participants. Finally, gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the identified candidate genes was conducted using the FUMA platform. RESULTS A total of 52 genes associated with BMD trajectory mean were identified, of which the top three significant genes were WNT16 (P = 1.31 × 10-126), FAM3C (P = 4.18 × 10-108), and CPED1 (P = 8.48 × 10-106). In addition, 114 genes associated with BMD within-subject variability were also identified, such as AC092079.1 (P = 2.72 × 10-13) and RGS7 (P = 4.72 × 10-10). The associations for these candidate genes were confirmed in the previous GWASs and replicated successfully in the Asian participants. GSEA results of BMD change identified multiple GO terms related to skeletal development, such as SKELETAL SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT (Padjusted = 2.45 × 10-3) and REGULATION OF OSSIFICATION (Padjusted = 2.45 × 10-3). KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in WNT SIGNALING PATHWAY. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that the CPED1-WNT16-FAM3C locus plays a significant role in BMD mean trajectories and identified several novel candidate genes contributing to BMD within-subject variability, facilitating the understanding of the genetic architecture of BMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan He
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wenming Wei
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yijing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qingqing Cai
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Sirong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiaoge Chu
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiaoyue Qin
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Joint Surgery, HongHui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, Shanxi, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yan Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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2
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Doolittle ML, Khosla S, Saul D. Single-Cell Integration of BMD GWAS Results Prioritize Candidate Genes Influencing Age-Related Bone Loss. JBMR Plus 2023; 7:e10795. [PMID: 37808401 PMCID: PMC10556272 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of bone mineral density (BMD) is highly influenced by genetics and age. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for BMD have uncovered many genes through their proximity to associated variants (variant nearest-neighbor [VNN] genes), the cell-specific mechanisms of each VNN gene remain unclear. This is primarily due to the inability to prioritize these genes by cell type and age-related expression. Using age-related transcriptomics, we found that the expression of many VNN genes was upregulated in the bone and marrow from aged mice. Candidate genes from GWAS were investigated using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets to enrich for cell-specific expression signatures. VNN candidate genes are highly enriched in osteo-lineage cells, osteocytes, hypertrophic chondrocytes, and Lepr+ mesenchymal stem cells. These data were used to generate a "blueprint" for Cre-loxp mouse line selection for functional validation of candidate genes and further investigation of their role in BMD maintenance throughout aging. In VNN-gene-enriched cells, Sparc, encoding the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein osteonectin, was robustly expressed. This, along with expression of numerous other ECM genes, indicates that many VNN genes likely have roles in ECM deposition by osteoblasts. Overall, we provide data supporting streamlined translation of GWAS candidate genes to potential novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteoporosis. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L. Doolittle
- Division of EndocrinologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on AgingMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Sundeep Khosla
- Division of EndocrinologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on AgingMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Dominik Saul
- Division of EndocrinologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on AgingMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Department for Trauma and Reconstructive SurgeryBG Clinic, University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
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3
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Schmidt U, Uluca B, Vokic I, Malik B, Kolbe T, Lassnig C, Holcmann M, Moreno-Viedma V, Robl B, Mühlberger C, Gotthardt D, Sibilia M, Rülicke T, Müller M, Csiszar A. Inducible overexpression of a FAM3C/ILEI transgene has pleiotropic effects with shortened life span, liver fibrosis and anemia in mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286256. [PMID: 37713409 PMCID: PMC10503705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
FAM3C/ILEI is an important factor in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, tumor progression and metastasis. Overexpressed in many cancers, elevated ILEI levels and secretion correlate with poor patient survival. Although ILEI's causative role in invasive tumor growth and metastasis has been demonstrated in several cellular tumor models, there are no available transgenic mice to study these effects in the context of a complex organism. Here, we describe the generation and initial characterization of a Tet-ON inducible Fam3c/ILEI transgenic mouse strain. We find that ubiquitous induction of ILEI overexpression (R26-ILEIind) at weaning age leads to a shortened lifespan, reduced body weight and microcytic hypochromic anemia. The anemia was reversible at a young age within a week upon withdrawal of ILEI induction. Vav1-driven overexpression of the ILEIind transgene in all hematopoietic cells (Vav-ILEIind) did not render mice anemic or lower overall fitness, demonstrating that no intrinsic mechanisms of erythroid development were dysregulated by ILEI and that hematopoietic ILEI hyperfunction did not contribute to death. Reduced serum iron levels of R26-ILEIind mice were indicative for a malfunction in iron uptake or homeostasis. Accordingly, the liver, the main organ of iron metabolism, was severely affected in moribund ILEI overexpressing mice: increased alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase levels indicated liver dysfunction, the liver was reduced in size, showed increased apoptosis, reduced cellular iron content, and had a fibrotic phenotype. These data indicate that high ILEI expression in the liver might reduce hepatoprotection and induce liver fibrosis, which leads to liver dysfunction, disturbed iron metabolism and eventually to death. Overall, we show here that the novel Tet-ON inducible Fam3c/ILEI transgenic mouse strain allows tissue specific timely controlled overexpression of ILEI and thus, will serve as a versatile tool to model the effect of elevated ILEI expression in diverse tissue entities and disease conditions, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schmidt
- IMP—Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Betül Uluca
- IMP—Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Iva Vokic
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barizah Malik
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Kolbe
- Biomodels Austria, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department IFA-Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Lassnig
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Holcmann
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Bernhard Robl
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Mühlberger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dagmar Gotthardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Müller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnes Csiszar
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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4
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Nakano M, Imamura R, Sugi T, Nishimura M. Human FAM3C restores memory-based thermotaxis of Caenorhabditis elegans famp-1/m70.4 loss-of-function mutants. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac242. [PMID: 36712359 PMCID: PMC9802357 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The family with sequence similarity 3 (FAM3) superfamily represents a distinct class of signaling molecules that share a characteristic structural feature. Mammalian FAM3 member C (FAM3C) is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells and released from the synaptic vesicle to the extracellular milieu in an activity-dependent manner. However, the neural function of FAM3C has yet to be fully clarified. We found that the protein sequence of human FAM3C is similar to that of the N-terminal tandem domains of Caenorhabditis elegans FAMP-1 (formerly named M70.4), which has been recognized as a tentative ortholog of mammalian FAM3 members or protein-O-mannose β-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (POMGnT1). Missense mutations in the N-terminal domain, named Fam3L2, caused defects in memory-based thermotaxis but not in chemotaxis behaviors; these defects could be restored by AFD neuron-specific exogenous expression of a polypeptide corresponding to the Fam3L2 domain but not that corresponding to the Fam3L1. Moreover, human FAM3C could also rescue defective thermotaxis behavior in famp-1 mutant worms. An in vitro assay revealed that the Fam3L2 and FAM3C can bind with carbohydrates, similar to the stem domain of POMGnT1. The athermotactic mutations in the Fam3L2 domain caused a partial loss-of-function of FAMP-1, whereas the C-terminal truncation mutations led to more severe neural dysfunction that reduced locomotor activity. Overall, we show that the Fam3L2 domain-dependent function of FAMP-1 in AFD neurons is required for the thermotaxis migration of C. elegans and that human FAM3C can act as a substitute for the Fam3L2 domain in thermotaxis behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Nakano
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Ryuki Imamura
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-0046, Japan
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5
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Zhu Y, Pu Z, Wang G, Li Y, Wang Y, Li N, Peng F. FAM3C: an emerging biomarker and potential therapeutic target for cancer. Biomark Med 2021; 15:373-384. [PMID: 33666514 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2020-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
FAM3C is a member of the FAM3 family. Recently, overexpression of FAM3C has been reported in numerous types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. Increasing evidence suggests that elevated FAM3C and its altered subcellular localization are closely associated with tumor formation, invasion, metastasis and poor survival. Moreover, FAM3C has been found to be the regulator of various proteins that associate with cancer, including Ras, STAT3, TGF-β and LIFR. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding FAM3C, including its structure, expression patterns, regulation, physiological roles and regulatory functions in various malignancies. These findings highlight the importance of FAM3C in cancer development and provide evidence that FAM3C is a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Zhangya Pu
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Yubin Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Yinmiao Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
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6
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Nakano M, Mitsuishi Y, Liu L, Watanabe N, Hibino E, Hata S, Saito T, Saido TC, Murayama S, Kasuga K, Ikeuchi T, Suzuki T, Nishimura M. Extracellular Release of ILEI/FAM3C and Amyloid-β Is Associated with the Activation of Distinct Synapse Subpopulations. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:159-174. [PMID: 33492290 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is released into the interstitial fluid (ISF) in a neuronal activity-dependent manner, and Aβ deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to baseline neuronal activity. Although the intrinsic mechanism for Aβ generation remains to be elucidated, interleukin-like epithelial-mesenchymal transition inducer (ILEI) is a candidate for an endogenous Aβ suppressor. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to access the mechanism underlying ILEI secretion and its effect on Aβ production in the brain. METHODS ILEI and Aβ levels in the cerebral cortex were monitored using a newly developed ILEI-specific ELISA and in vivo microdialysis in mutant human Aβ precursor protein-knockin mice. ILEI levels in autopsied brains and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured using ELISA. RESULTS Extracellular release of ILEI and Aβ was dependent on neuronal activation and specifically on tetanus toxin-sensitive exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. However, simultaneous monitoring of extracellular ILEI and Aβ revealed that a spontaneous fluctuation of ILEI levels appeared to inversely mirror that of Aβ levels. Selective activation and inhibition of synaptic receptors differentially altered these levels. The evoked activation of AMPA-type receptors resulted in opposing changes to ILEI and Aβ levels. Brain ILEI levels were selectively decreased in AD. CSF ILEI concentration correlated with that of Aβ and were reduced in AD and mild cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION ILEI and Aβ are released from distinct subpopulations of synaptic terminals in an activity-dependent manner, and ILEI negatively regulates Aβ production in specific synapse types. CSF ILEI might represent a surrogate marker for the accumulation of brain Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Nakano
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yachiyo Mitsuishi
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Lei Liu
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Naoki Watanabe
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Emi Hibino
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Saori Hata
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan.,Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Department of Neurology and Neuropathology (the Brain Bank for Aging Research), Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensaku Kasuga
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ikeuchi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Suzuki
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masaki Nishimura
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
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7
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Liu Y, Shen H, Greenbaum J, Liu A, Su KJ, Zhang LS, Zhang L, Tian Q, Hu HG, He JS, Deng HW. Gene Expression and RNA Splicing Imputation Identifies Novel Candidate Genes Associated with Osteoporosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5895512. [PMID: 32827035 PMCID: PMC7736639 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Though genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified hundreds of genetic variants associated with osteoporosis related traits, such as bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture, it remains a challenge to interpret their biological functions and underlying biological mechanisms. OBJECTIVE Integrate diverse expression quantitative trait loci and splicing quantitative trait loci data with several powerful GWAS datasets to identify novel candidate genes associated with osteoporosis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Here, we conducted a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) for total body BMD (TB-BMD) (n = 66 628 for discovery and 7697 for validation) and fracture (53 184 fracture cases and 373 611 controls for discovery and 37 857 cases and 227 116 controls for validation), respectively. We also conducted multi-SNP-based summarized mendelian randomization analysis to further validate our findings. RESULTS In total, we detected 88 genes significantly associated with TB-BMD or fracture through expression or ribonucleic acid splicing. Summarized mendelian randomization analysis revealed that 78 of the significant genes may have potential causal effects on TB-BMD or fracture in at least 1 specific tissue. Among them, 64 genes have been reported in previous GWASs or TWASs for osteoporosis, such as ING3, CPED1, and WNT16, as well as 14 novel genes, such as DBF4B, GRN, TMUB2, and UNC93B1. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis mechanisms of osteoporosis and highlight the power of a TWAS to identify and prioritize potential causal genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Hui Shen
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Jonathan Greenbaum
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Anqi Liu
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Kuan-Jui Su
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Li-Shu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Sheng He
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Hong-Wen Deng, PhD, Professor, Director, Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal St., Suite 2001, New Orleans, LA 70112.
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8
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Gagné-Ouellet V, Breton E, Thibeault K, Fortin CA, Desgagné V, Girard Tremblay É, Cardenas A, Guérin R, Perron P, Hivert MF, Bouchard L. Placental Epigenome-Wide Association Study Identified Loci Associated with Childhood Adiposity at 3 Years of Age. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197201. [PMID: 33003475 PMCID: PMC7582906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify placental DNA methylation (DNAm) variations associated with adiposity at 3 years of age. We quantified placental DNAm using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChips. We assessed associations between DNAm at single-CpGs and skinfold thickness using robust linear regression models adjusted for gestational age, child's sex, age at follow-up and cellular heterogeneity. We sought replication of DNAm association with child adiposity in an independent cohort. We quantified placental mRNA levels for annotated gene using qRT-PCR and tested for correlation with DNAm. Lower DNAm at cg22593959 and cg22436429 was associated with higher adiposity (β = -1.18, q = 0.002 and β = -0.82, q = 0.04). The cg22593959 is located in an intergenic region (chr7q31.3), whereas cg22436429 is within the TFAP2E gene (1p34.3). DNAm at cg22593959 and cg22436429 was correlated with mRNA levels at FAM3C (rs = -0.279, p = 0.005) and TFAP2E (rs = 0.216, p = 0.03). In an independent cohort, the association between placental DNAm at cg22593959 and childhood adiposity was of similar strength and direction (β = -3.8 ± 4.1, p = 0.36), yet non-significant. Four genomic regions were also associated with skinfold thickness within FMN1, MAGI2, SKAP2 and BMPR1B genes. We identified placental epigenetic variations associated with adiposity at 3 years of age suggesting that childhood fat accretion patterns might be established during fetal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Gagné-Ouellet
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (V.G.-O.); (E.B.); (K.T.); (C.-A.F.); (V.D.); (É.G.T.); (R.G.)
| | - Edith Breton
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (V.G.-O.); (E.B.); (K.T.); (C.-A.F.); (V.D.); (É.G.T.); (R.G.)
| | - Kathrine Thibeault
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (V.G.-O.); (E.B.); (K.T.); (C.-A.F.); (V.D.); (É.G.T.); (R.G.)
| | - Carol-Ann Fortin
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (V.G.-O.); (E.B.); (K.T.); (C.-A.F.); (V.D.); (É.G.T.); (R.G.)
| | - Véronique Desgagné
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (V.G.-O.); (E.B.); (K.T.); (C.-A.F.); (V.D.); (É.G.T.); (R.G.)
- Department of Medical Biology, CIUSSS Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean—Hôpital Universitaire de Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC G7H 5H6, Canada
| | - Élise Girard Tremblay
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (V.G.-O.); (E.B.); (K.T.); (C.-A.F.); (V.D.); (É.G.T.); (R.G.)
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA;
| | - Renée Guérin
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (V.G.-O.); (E.B.); (K.T.); (C.-A.F.); (V.D.); (É.G.T.); (R.G.)
- Department of Medical Biology, CIUSSS Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean—Hôpital Universitaire de Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC G7H 5H6, Canada
| | - Patrice Perron
- Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (P.P.); (M.-F.H.)
- Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (P.P.); (M.-F.H.)
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luigi Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (V.G.-O.); (E.B.); (K.T.); (C.-A.F.); (V.D.); (É.G.T.); (R.G.)
- Department of Medical Biology, CIUSSS Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean—Hôpital Universitaire de Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC G7H 5H6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Woosley AN, Dalton AC, Hussey GS, Howley BV, Mohanty BK, Grelet S, Dincman T, Bloos S, Olsen SK, Howe PH. TGFβ promotes breast cancer stem cell self-renewal through an ILEI/LIFR signaling axis. Oncogene 2019; 38:3794-3811. [PMID: 30692635 PMCID: PMC6525020 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0703-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
FAM3C/Interleukin-like EMT Inducer (ILEI) is an oncogenic member of the FAM3 cytokine family and serves essential roles in both epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and breast cancer metastasis. ILEI expression levels are regulated through a non-canonical TGFβ signaling pathway by 3’-UTR-mediated translational silencing at the mRNA level by hnRNP E1. TGFβ stimulation or silencing of hnRNP E1 increases ILEI translation and induces an EMT program that correlates to enhanced invasion and migration. Recently, EMT has been linked to the formation of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) that confer both tumor cell heterogeneity as well as chemoresistant properties. Herein, we demonstrate that hnRNP E1 knockdown significantly shifts normal mammary epithelial cells to mesenchymal BCSCs in vitro and in vivo. We further validate that modulating ILEI protein levels results in the abrogation of these phenotypes, promoting further investigation into the unknown mechanism of ILEI signaling that drives tumor progression. We identify LIFR as the receptor for ILEI, which mediates signaling through STAT3 to drive both EMT and BCSC formation. Reduction of either ILEI or LIFR protein levels results in reduced tumor growth, fewer tumor initiating cells and reduced metastasis within the hnRNP E1 knock-down cell populations in vivo. These results reveal a novel ligand-receptor complex that drives the formation of BCSCs and represents a unique target for the development of metastatic breast cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec N Woosley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Annamarie C Dalton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - George S Hussey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Breege V Howley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Bidyut K Mohanty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Simon Grelet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Toros Dincman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Sean Bloos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Shaun K Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Philip H Howe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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Howley BV, Howe PH. TGF-beta signaling in cancer: post-transcriptional regulation of EMT via hnRNP E1. Cytokine 2018; 118:19-26. [PMID: 29396052 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2017.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The TGFβ signaling pathway is a critical regulator of cancer progression in part through induction of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process is aberrantly activated in cancer cells, facilitating invasion of the basement membrane, survival in the circulatory system, and dissemination to distant organs. The mechanisms through which epithelial cells transition to a mesenchymal state involve coordinated transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of gene expression. One such mechanism of control is through the RNA binding protein hnRNP E1, which regulates splicing and translation of a cohort of EMT and stemness-associated transcripts. A growing body of evidence indicates a major role for hnRNP E1 in the control of epithelial cell plasticity, especially in the context of carcinoma progression. Here, we review the multiple mechanisms through which hnRNP E1 functions to control EMT and metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breege V Howley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Philip H Howe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Bendre A, Moritz N, Väänänen V, Määttä JA. Dicer1 ablation in osterix positive bone forming cells affects cortical bone homeostasis. Bone 2018; 106:139-147. [PMID: 29066312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The RNAse III enzyme Dicer plays a major role in the processing of microRNAs from large pre-miRNAs. Dicer1 processed microRNAs are known to play a comprehensive role in osteoblast differentiation, bone remodeling and skeletal disorders. Targeted deletion of Dicer1 in osteo-progenitor cells is deleterious to fetal survival whereas targeted deletion in mature osteoblasts leads to an increase in bone mass. To address the role of Dicer1 in post-natal skeletal homeostasis, we generated a pre-osteoblast specific Dicer1 knockout model employing Tamoxifen controllable Cre allele, enabling us, via tamoxifen administration, to time-controllably ablate Dicer1 gene expression in osterix expressing bone forming cells in post-natal mice. Inactivation of Dicer1 in osterix positive bone forming cells led to striking dysregulation of cortical bone formation in pre-pubertal as well as adult mice. Cortical bone thickness was found to be significantly decreased in the Cre+ femora of both young and adult mice. Further, biomechanical testing experiments showed increased ductility, reduced stiffness and altered load at upper yield among the Cre+ tibiae. Our results suggest that Dicer1 processed microRNAs might play an important role in the regulation of post-natal cortical bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya Bendre
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Niko Moritz
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Biomaterials Research Program, Turku Clinical Biomaterial Centre, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B, FI20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Vilma Väänänen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma A Määttä
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI20520 Turku, Finland.
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12
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Chen Z, Ding L, Yang W, Wang J, Chen L, Chang Y, Geng B, Cui Q, Guan Y, Yang J. Hepatic Activation of the FAM3C-HSF1-CaM Pathway Attenuates Hyperglycemia of Obese Diabetic Mice. Diabetes 2017; 66:1185-1197. [PMID: 28246289 DOI: 10.2337/db16-0993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
FAM3C is a member of the family with sequence similarity 3 (FAM3) gene family, and this study determined its role and mechanism in regulation of hepatic glucose/lipid metabolism. In obese diabetic mice, FAM3C expression was reduced in the liver, and hepatic FAM3C restoration improved insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and fatty liver. FAM3C overexpression increased the expression of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), calmodulin (CaM), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt) and reduced that of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes in diabetic mouse livers with the suppression of gluconeogenesis and lipid deposition. In cultured hepatocytes, FAM3C overexpression upregulated HSF1 expression, which elevated CaM protein level by inducing CALM1 transcription to activate Akt in a Ca2+- and insulin-independent manner. Furthermore, FAM3C overexpression promoted nuclear exclusion of FOXO1 and repressed gluconeogenic gene expression and gluconeogenesis in a CaM-dependent manner in hepatocytes. Hepatic HSF1 overexpression activated the CaM-Akt pathway to repress gluconeogenic and lipogenic gene expression and improve hyperglycemia and fatty liver in obese diabetic mice. In conclusion, the FAM3C-HSF1-CaM-Akt pathway plays important roles in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in hepatocytes independent of insulin and calcium. Restoring hepatic FAM3C expression is beneficial for the management of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science of the Ministry of Education, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Liwei Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science of the Ministry of Education, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science of the Ministry of Education, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Junpei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science of the Ministry of Education, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Chen
- Department of Biophysics and Molecular Physiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science & Technology School of Life Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongsheng Chang
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Geng
- Hypertension Center, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science of the Ministry of Education, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Youfei Guan
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jichun Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science of the Ministry of Education, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Bendre A, Büki KG, Määttä JA. Fam3c modulates osteogenic differentiation by down-regulating Runx2. Differentiation 2016; 93:50-57. [PMID: 27914282 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fam3c, a cytokine-like protein, is a member of the Fam3 family (family with sequence similarity 3) and has been implicated to play a crucial role in Epithelial-to- mesenchymal transition (EMT) and subsequent metastasis during cancer progression. A few independent genome-wide association studies on different population cohorts predicted the gene locus of Fam3c to be associated with bone mineral density and fractures. In this study, we examined the role of Fam3c during osteoblast differentiation. Fam3c was found to be expressed during osteogenic differentiation of both primary bone marrow stromal cells and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. In differentiating osteoblasts, knockdown of Fam3c increased alkaline phosphatase expression and activity whereas overexpression of Fam3c reduced it. Furthermore, overexpression of Fam3c caused reduction of Runx2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Fam3c was localized in the cytoplasm and it was not secreted outside the cell during osteoblast differentiation and therefore, may function intracellularly. Furthermore, Fam3c and TGF-β1 were found to regulate each other reciprocally. Our findings therefore suggest a functional role of Fam3c in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya Bendre
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kalman G Büki
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma A Määttä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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