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Xiong F, Cheng X, Zhang C, Klar RM, He T. Optimizations for identifying reference genes in bone and cartilage bioengineering. BMC Biotechnol 2021; 21:25. [PMID: 33731065 PMCID: PMC7972220 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-021-00685-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) remains one of the best-established techniques to assess gene expression patterns. However, appropriate reference gene(s) selection remains a critical and challenging subject in which inappropriate reference gene selction can distort results leading to false interpretations. To date, mixed opinions still exist in how to choose the most optimal reference gene sets in accodrance to the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guideline. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate which schemes were the most feasible for the identification of reference genes in a bone and cartilage bioengineering experimental setting. In this study, rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs), skeletal muscle tissue and adipose tissue were utilized, undergoing either chondrogenic or osteogenic induction, to investigate the optimal reference gene set identification scheme that would subsequently ensure stable and accurate interpretation of gene expression in bone and cartilage bioengineering. RESULTS The stability and pairwise variance of eight candidate reference genes were analyzed using geNorm. The V0.15- vs. Vmin-based normalization scheme in rBMSCs had no significant effect on the eventual normalization of target genes. In terms of the muscle tissue, the results of the correlation of NF values between the V0.15 and Vmin schemes and the variance of target genes expression levels generated by these two schemes showed that different schemes do indeed have a significant effect on the eventual normalization of target genes. Three selection schemes were adopted in terms of the adipose tissue, including the three optimal reference genes (Opt3), V0.20 and Vmin schemes, and the analysis of NF values with eventual normalization of target genes showed that the different selection schemes also have a significant effect on the eventual normalization of target genes. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, the proposed cut-off value of Vn/n + 1 under 0.15, according to the geNorm algorithm, should be considered with caution. For cell only experiments, at least rBMSCs, a Vn/n + 1 under 0.15 is sufficient in RT-qPCR studies. However, when using certain tissue types such as skeletal muscle and adipose tissue the minimum Vn/n + 1 should be used instead as this provides a far superior mode of generating accurate gene expression results. We thus recommended that when the stability and variation of a candidate reference genes in a specific study is unclear the minimum Vn/n + 1 should always be used as this ensures the best and most accurate gene expression value is achieved during RT-qPCR assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiong
- Department of Sports Medicine, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyun Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Roland Manfred Klar
- Department of Orthopedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany.
| | - Tao He
- Department of Orthopedics, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
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Liu L, Han H, Li Q, Chen M, Zhou S, Wang H, Chen L. Selection and Validation of the Optimal Panel of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Analysis in the Developing Rat Cartilage. Front Genet 2020; 11:590124. [PMID: 33391345 PMCID: PMC7772434 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.590124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is widely used to detect gene expression levels, and selection of reference genes is crucial to the accuracy of RT-qPCR results. Minimum Information for Publication of RT-qPCR Experiments (MIQE) proposes that using the panel of reference genes for RT-qPCR is conducive to obtaining accurate experimental results. However, the selection of the panel of reference genes for RT-qPCR in rat developing cartilage has not been well documented. In this study, we selected eight reference genes commonly used in rat cartilage from literature (GAPDH, ACTB, 18S, GUSB, HPRT1, RPL4, RPL5, and SDHA) as candidates. Then, we screened out the optimal panel of reference genes in female and male rat cartilage of fetus (GD20), juvenile (PW6), and puberty (PW12) in physiology with stability analysis software of genes expression. Finally, we verified the reliability of the selected panel of reference genes with the rat model of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE). The results showed that the optimal panel of reference genes in cartilage at GD20, PW6, and PW12 in physiology was RPL4 + RPL5, which was consistent with the IUGR model, and there was no significant gender difference. Further, the results of standardizing the target genes showed that RPL4 + RPL5 performed smaller intragroup differences than other panels of reference genes or single reference genes. In conclusion, we found that the optimal panel of reference genes in female and male rat developing cartilage was RPL4 + RPL5, and there was no noticeable difference before and after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingxian Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Siqi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
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Stable Reference Genes for qPCR Analysis in BM-MSCs Undergoing Osteogenic Differentiation within 3D Hyaluronan-Based Hydrogels. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239195. [PMID: 33276559 PMCID: PMC7729573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) enables the monitoring of changes in cell phenotype via the high-throughput screening of numerous genes. RT-qPCR is a fundamental approach in numerous research fields, including biomaterials, yet little attention has been given to the potential impact of 3D versus monolayer (2D) cell culture and to the requirement for a constant validation of the multiple steps of gene expression analysis. The aim of this study is to use high-quality RNA to identify the most suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis during the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs). BM-MSCs are cultured under osteogenic conditions for 28 days in 2D or within hyaluronic acid hydrogels (3D). RNA is subject to quality controls and is then used to identify the most stable reference genes using geNorm, NormFinder, and the ∆Cq method. The effect of the reverse transcriptase is investigated, as well as the expression of osteogenic-related markers. This study shows marked differences in the stability of reference genes between 2D (RPLP0/GAPDH) and 3D (OAZ1/PPIA) culture, suggesting that it is critical to choose appropriate reference genes for 3D osteogenic cell cultures. Thus, a thorough validation under specific experimental settings is essential to obtain meaningful gene expression results.
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Huang Y, Seitz D, Chevalier Y, Müller PE, Jansson V, Klar RM. Synergistic interaction of hTGF-β 3 with hBMP-6 promotes articular cartilage formation in chitosan scaffolds with hADSCs: implications for regenerative medicine. BMC Biotechnol 2020; 20:48. [PMID: 32854680 PMCID: PMC7457281 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-020-00641-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human TGF-β3 has been used in many studies to induce genes coding for typical cartilage matrix components and accelerate chondrogenic differentiation, making it the standard constituent in most cultivation media used for the assessment of chondrogenesis associated with various stem cell types on carrier matrices. However, in vivo data suggests that TGF-β3 and its other isoforms also induce endochondral and intramembranous osteogenesis in non-primate species to other mammals. Based on previously demonstrated improved articular cartilage induction by a using hTGF-β3 and hBMP-6 together on hADSC cultures and the interaction of TGF- β with matrix in vivo, the present study investigates the interaction of a chitosan scaffold as polyanionic polysaccharide with both growth factors. The study analyzes the difference between chondrogenic differentiation that leads to stable hyaline cartilage and the endochondral ossification route that ends in hypertrophy by extending the usual panel of investigated gene expression and stringent employment of quantitative PCR. Results By assessing the viability, proliferation, matrix formation and gene expression patterns it is shown that hTGF-β3 + hBMP-6 promotes improved hyaline articular cartilage formation in a chitosan scaffold in which ACAN with Col2A1 and not Col1A1 nor Col10A1 where highly expressed both at a transcriptional and translational level. Inversely, hTGF-β3 alone tended towards endochondral bone formation showing according protein and gene expression patterns. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that clinical therapies should consider using hTGF-β3 + hBMP-6 in articular cartilage regeneration therapies as the synergistic interaction of these morphogens seems to ensure and maintain proper hyaline articular cartilage matrix formation counteracting degeneration to fibrous tissue or ossification. These effects are produced by interaction of the growth factors with the polysaccharide matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijiang Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Seitz
- BioMed Center Innovation gGmbh, 95448, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Yan Chevalier
- Department of Orthopaedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter E Müller
- Department of Orthopaedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Volkmar Jansson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland M Klar
- Department of Orthopaedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Carluccio S, Martinelli D, Palamà MEF, Pereira RC, Benelli R, Guijarro A, Cancedda R, Gentili C. Progenitor Cells Activated by Platelet Lysate in Human Articular Cartilage as a Tool for Future Cartilage Engineering and Reparative Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:E1052. [PMID: 32340136 PMCID: PMC7226425 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative strategies for human articular cartilage are still challenging despite the presence of resident progenitor cell population. Today, many efforts in the field of regenerative medicine focus on the use of platelet derivatives due to their ability to reactivate endogenous mechanisms supporting tissue repair. While their use in orthopedics continues, mechanisms of action and efficacy need further characterization. We describe that the platelet lysate (PL) is able to activate chondro-progenitor cells in a terminally differentiated cartilage tissue. Primary cultures of human articular chondrocytes (ACs) and cartilage explants were set up from donor hip joint biopsies and were treated in vitro with PL. PL recruited a chondro-progenitors (CPCs)-enriched population from ex vivo cartilage culture, that showed high proliferation rate, clonogenicity and nestin expression. CPCs were positive for in vitro tri-lineage differentiation and formed hyaline cartilage-like tissue in vivo without hypertrophic fate. Moreover, the secretory profile of CPCs was analyzed, together with their migratory capabilities. Some CPC-features were also induced in PL-treated ACs compared to fetal bovine serum (FBS)-control ACs. PL treatment of human articular cartilage activates a stem cell niche responsive to injury. These facts can improve the PL therapeutic efficacy in cartilage applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Carluccio
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.C.); (D.M.); (M.E.F.P.); (R.C.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Daniela Martinelli
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.C.); (D.M.); (M.E.F.P.); (R.C.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Elisabetta Federica Palamà
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.C.); (D.M.); (M.E.F.P.); (R.C.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Rui Cruz Pereira
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.C.); (D.M.); (M.E.F.P.); (R.C.P.); (A.G.)
- Neurobiology of miRNA, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Benelli
- UOSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Ana Guijarro
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.C.); (D.M.); (M.E.F.P.); (R.C.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Ranieri Cancedda
- Endolife S.r.l., Piazza della Vittoria 15/23, 16121 Genova, Italy;
| | - Chiara Gentili
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.C.); (D.M.); (M.E.F.P.); (R.C.P.); (A.G.)
- Center for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Induction of Articular Chondrogenesis by Chitosan/Hyaluronic-Acid-Based Biomimetic Matrices Using Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184487. [PMID: 31514329 PMCID: PMC6770472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cartilage repair using tissue engineering is the most advanced clinical application in regenerative medicine, yet available solutions remain unsuccessful in reconstructing native cartilage in its proprietary form and function. Previous investigations have suggested that the combination of specific bioactive elements combined with a natural polymer could generate carrier matrices that enhance activities of seeded stem cells and possibly induce the desired matrix formation. The present study sought to clarify this by assessing whether a chitosan-hyaluronic-acid-based biomimetic matrix in conjunction with adipose-derived stem cells could support articular hyaline cartilage formation in relation to a standard chitosan-based construct. By assessing cellular development, matrix formation, and key gene/protein expressions during in vitro cultivation utilizing quantitative gene and immunofluorescent assays, results showed that chitosan with hyaluronic acid provides a suitable environment that supports stem cell differentiation towards cartilage matrix producing chondrocytes. However, on the molecular gene expression level, it has become apparent that, without combinations of morphogens, in the chondrogenic medium, hyaluronic acid with chitosan has a very limited capacity to stimulate and maintain stem cells in an articular chondrogenic state, suggesting that cocktails of various growth factors are one of the key features to regenerate articular cartilage, clinically.
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He W, Chen L, Huang Y, Xu Z, Xu W, Ding N, Chen J. Synergistic effects of recombinant Lentiviral-mediated BMP2 and TGF-beta3 on the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Cytokine 2019; 120:1-8. [PMID: 30991228 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are considered good candidates for seed cells in bone engineering. The study aim to investigate the synergistic effects of human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (hBMP2) and transforming growth factor beta3 (hTGF-beta3) modified BMSCs on inducing osteogenic differentiation in vitro. METHODS Lentivirus (LV) carrying hBMP2 and/or hTGF-beta3 genes were constructed and used to transduce rat BMSCs. The expression of osteogenic molecules was detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS Targeted genes were PCR-amplified and confirmed by DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis. BMSCs infected by vectors effectively resulted in the overexpressions of hBMP2 and hTGF-beta3 and higher levels of hBMP2 and hTGF-beta3 in the culture supernatant. The co-transduction of hBMP2 and hTGF-beta3 induced BMSCs osteogenic differentiation more effectively than the transduction of hBMP2 or hTGF-beta3 individually. The expression levels of osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in LV-hBMP2 + LV-hTGF-beta3 group (BMSCs transfected by vectors respectively carrying hBMP-2 gene and hTGF-beta3 gene) and LV-hBMP2-hTGF-beta3 group (BMSCs transfected by vector carrying hBMP2 and hTGF-beta3 fusion gene) were significantly higher than in LV-BMP2 (BMSCs transfected by vector carrying hBMP2 gene) and LV-TGF-beta3 (BMSCs transfected by vector carrying hTGF-beta3 gene) groups (P < 0.05). The hBMP2 and/or hTGF-beta3 overexpression upregulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. CONCLUSION The present study showed that hBMP2 and/or hTGF-beta3 genes can be successfully overexpressed in BMSCs. Our study proved that the two cytokines (hBMP2 and hTGF-beta3) could induce bone differentiation synergistically, which foresees the use of the combination of these two cytokines as a therapeutic strategy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wubing He
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Yongming Huang
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Zhixian Xu
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Nuoting Ding
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jiantin Chen
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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