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Colville MJ, Huang LT, Schmidt S, Chen K, Vishwanath K, Su J, Williams RM, Bonassar LJ, Reesink HL, Paszek MJ. Recombinant manufacturing of multispecies biolubricants. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.05.592580. [PMID: 38746339 PMCID: PMC11092771 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.05.592580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Lubricin, a lubricating glycoprotein abundant in synovial fluid, forms a low-friction brush polymer interface in tissues exposed to sliding motion including joints, tendon sheaths, and the surface of the eye. Despite its therapeutic potential in diseases such as osteoarthritis and dry eye disease, there are few sources available. Through rational design, we developed a series of recombinant lubricin analogs that utilize the species-specific tissue-binding domains at the N- and C-termini to increase biocompatibility while replacing the central mucin domain with an engineered variant that retains the lubricating properties of native lubricin. In this study, we demonstrate the tissue binding capacity of our engineered lubricin product and its retention in the joint space of rats. Next, we present a new bioprocess chain that utilizes a human-derived cell line to produce O-glycosylation consistent with that of native lubricin and a purification strategy that capitalizes on the positively charged, hydrophobic N- and C-terminal domains. The bioprocess chain is demonstrated at 10 L scale in industry-standard equipment utilizing commonly available ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction and size exclusion chromatography resins. Finally, we confirmed the purity and lubricating properties of the recombinant biolubricant. The biomolecular engineering and bioprocessing strategies presented here are an effective means of lubricin production and could have broad applications to the study of mucins in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall J. Colville
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ling-Ting Huang
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Samuel Schmidt
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Chen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Karan Vishwanath
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA
| | - Jin Su
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Lawrence J. Bonassar
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Heidi L. Reesink
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J. Paszek
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Kraus VB, Hsueh MF. Molecular biomarker approaches to prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:272-289. [PMID: 38605249 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Up to 50% of individuals develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) within 10 years following knee-joint injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament rupture or acute meniscal tear. Lower-extremity PTOA prevalence is estimated to account for ≥12% of all symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA), or approximately 5.6 million cases in the USA. With knowledge of the inciting event, it might be possible to 'catch PTOA in the act' with sensitive imaging and soluble biomarkers and thereby prevent OA sequelae by early intervention. Existing biomarker data in the joint-injury literature can provide insights into the pathogenesis and early risk trajectory related to PTOA and can help to elucidate a research agenda for preventing or slowing the onset of PTOA. Non-traumatic OA and PTOA have many clinical, radiological and genetic similarities, and efforts to understand early risk trajectories in PTOA might therefore contribute to the identification and classification of early non-traumatic OA, which is the most prevalent form of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Byers Kraus
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Ming-Feng Hsueh
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Gonzalez-Nolde S, Schweiger CJ, Davis EER, Manzoni TJ, Hussein SMI, Schmidt TA, Cone SG, Jay GD, Parreno J. The Actin Cytoskeleton as a Regulator of Proteoglycan 4. Cartilage 2024:19476035231223455. [PMID: 38183234 DOI: 10.1177/19476035231223455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The superficial zone (SZ) of articular cartilage is responsible for distributing shear forces for optimal cartilage loading and contributes to joint lubrication through the production of proteoglycan 4 (PRG4). PRG4 plays a critical role in joint homeostasis and is chondroprotective. Normal PRG4 production is affected by inflammation and irregular mechanical loading in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). THe SZ chondrocyte (SZC) phenotype, including PRG4 expression, is regulated by the actin cytoskeleton in vitro. There remains a limited understanding of the regulation of PRG4 by the actin cytoskeleton in native articular chondrocytes. The filamentous (F)-actin cytoskeleton is a potential node in crosstalk between mechanical stimulation and cytokine activation and the regulation of PRG4 in SZCs, therefore developing insights in the regulation of PRG4 by actin may identify molecular targets for novel PTOA therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search on PRG4 and the regulation of the SZC phenotype by actin organization was performed. RESULTS PRG4 is strongly regulated by the actin cytoskeleton in isolated SZCs in vitro. Biochemical and mechanical stimuli have been characterized to regulate PRG4 and may converge upon actin cytoskeleton signaling. CONCLUSION Actin-based regulation of PRG4 in native SZCs is not fully understood and requires further elucidation. Understanding the regulation of PRG4 by actin in SZCs requires an in vivo context to further potential of leveraging actin arrangement to arthritic therapeutics.
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Bonnevie ED, Scanzello CR, Mauck RL. Modulating mechanobiology as a therapeutic target for synovial fibrosis to restore joint lubrication. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2024; 32:41-51. [PMID: 37866546 PMCID: PMC10880438 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.09.012] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fibroses are disorders linked to persistence of myofibroblasts due to biochemical (e.g., Transforming growth factor-β) and biophysical cues (e.g., a stiff microenvironment). In the context of osteoarthritis, fibrotic changes in the joint-lining synovium have been linked with disease progression. The objective of this study was to probe synovial fibroblast mechanobiology and how essential functions (i.e., lubrication) are altered in fibrotic environments. DESIGN Both ex vivo and in vitro synovium models were assessed for fibrotic and lubrication biomarkers to better understand the role of mechanobiology and lubrication. Additionally, in vitro, work on small molecules targeting mechanobiology was assessed. RESULTS Our results indicated that modulating mechanobiology could rescue the fibrotic phenotype instigated by stiffening microenvironment that resulted in altered lubricant expression. A small molecule therapeutic, fasudil, blocked ROCK-mediated contractility and this inhibition of the fibrotic mechano-response of synovial fibroblasts restored proper lubrication function, providing insight into mechanisms of disease progression as well as a new avenue for therapeutic development. CONCLUSION This study identifies synovial fibrosis as a condition that potentially has joint-wide deficits through inhibiting lubrication. Additionally, modulating mechanobiology (i.e., ROCK-mediated contractility) may pose a potential target for small molecule therapies that can be delivered to the joint space. CLASSIFICATION Applied Biological Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward D Bonnevie
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, CMC VA Medical Center, United States; McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, United States.
| | - Carla R Scanzello
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, CMC VA Medical Center, United States; Division of Rheumatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Robert L Mauck
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, CMC VA Medical Center, United States; McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, United States.
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Seol D, Choe HH, Zheng H, Brouillette MJ, Fredericks DC, Petersen EB, Song I, Jaidev LR, Salem A, Martin JA. Intra-Articular Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Proteoglycan 4 Gene Therapy for Preventing Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 33:529-540. [PMID: 34610749 PMCID: PMC9142765 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lubricin, a glycoprotein encoded by the proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) gene, is an essential boundary lubricant that reduces friction between articular cartilage surfaces. The loss of lubricin subsequent to joint injury plays a role in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Here we describe the development and evaluation of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based PRG4 gene therapy intended to restore lubricin in injured joints. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was inserted the PRG4 gene to facilitate tracing the distribution of the transgene product (AAV-PRG4-GFP) in vivo. METHODS Transduction efficiency of AAV-PRG4-GFP was evaluated in joint cells, and the conditioned medium containing secreted PRG4-GFP was used for shear loading/friction and viability tests. In vivo transduction of joint tissues following intra-articular injection of AAV-PRG4-GFP was confirmed in the mouse stifle joint in a surgical model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), and chondroprotective activity was tested in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model. RESULTS In vitro studies showed that PRG4-GFP has lubricin-like cartilage binding and anti-friction properties. Significant cytoprotective effects were seen when cartilage was soaked in PRG4-GFP prior to cyclic shear loading (n = 3). Polymerase chain reaction and confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of PRG4-GFP DNA and protein, respectively, in a mouse DMM (n = 3 per group). In the rabbit ACLT model, AAV-PRG4-GFP gene therapy enhanced lubricin expression (p = 0.001 versus AAV-GFP: n = 7-14) and protected the cartilage from degeneration (p = 0.014 versus AAV-GFP: n = 9-10) when treatments were administered immediately post-operation, but efficacy was lost when treatment was delayed for 2 weeks. CONCLUSION AAV-PRG4-GFP gene therapy protected cartilage from degeneration in a rabbit ACLT model; however, data from the ACLT model suggest that early intervention is essential for efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongrim Seol
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The University of Iowa, 4083, Orthodontics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
| | - Hyeong Hun Choe
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
| | - Hongjun Zheng
- Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, 12275, Orthopaedic Surgery, St Louis, Missouri, United States;
| | - Marc J Brouillette
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
| | - Douglas C Fredericks
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
| | - Emily B Petersen
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
| | - Ino Song
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The University of Iowa, 4083, Roy J. Carver Biomedical Engineering, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
| | - L R Jaidev
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
| | - Aliasger Salem
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
| | - James A Martin
- The University of Iowa, 4083, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The University of Iowa, 4083, Roy J. Carver Biomedical Engineering, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The University of Iowa, 4083, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States;
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