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Elmounedi N, Bahloul W, Keskes H. Current Therapeutic Strategies of Intervertebral Disc Regenerative Medicine. Mol Diagn Ther 2024:10.1007/s40291-024-00729-7. [PMID: 39158834 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00729-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the most frequent causes of low back pain. No treatment is currently available to delay the progression of IDD. Conservative treatment or surgical interventions is only used to target the symptoms of IDD rather than treat the underlying cause. Currently, numerous potential therapeutic strategies are available, including molecular therapy, gene therapy, and cell therapy. However, the hostile environment of degenerated discs is a major problem that has hindered the clinical applicability of such approaches. In this regard, the design of drugs using alternative delivery systems (macro-, micro-, and nano-sized particles) may resolve this problem. These can protect and deliver biomolecules along with helping to improve the therapeutic effect of drugs via concentrating, protecting, and prolonging their presence in the degenerated disc. This review summarizes the research progress of diagnosis and the current options for treating IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najah Elmounedi
- Cell Therapy and Experimental Surgery of Musculoskeletal System LR18SP11 Lab, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, Majida Boulila Road, 3029, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Walid Bahloul
- Cell Therapy and Experimental Surgery of Musculoskeletal System LR18SP11 Lab, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, Majida Boulila Road, 3029, Sfax, Tunisia
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, CHU Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hassib Keskes
- Cell Therapy and Experimental Surgery of Musculoskeletal System LR18SP11 Lab, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, Majida Boulila Road, 3029, Sfax, Tunisia
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, CHU Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
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2
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Zhang Y, Liang C, Xu H, Li Y, Xia K, Wang L, Huang X, Chen J, Shu J, Cheng F, Shi K, Wang J, Tao Y, Wang S, Zhang Y, Li H, Feng S, Li F, Zhou X, Chen Q. Dedifferentiation-like reprogramming of degenerative nucleus pulposus cells into notochordal-like cells by defined factors. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2563-2583. [PMID: 38879755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The extensive degeneration of functional somatic cells and the depletion of endogenous stem/progenitor populations present significant challenges to tissue regeneration in degenerative diseases. Currently, a cellular reprogramming approach enabling directly generating corresponding progenitor populations from degenerative somatic cells remains elusive. The present study focused on intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and identified a three-factor combination (OCT4, FOXA2, TBXT [OFT]) that could induce the dedifferentiation-like reprogramming of degenerative nucleus pulposus cells (dNPCs) toward induced notochordal-like cells (iNCs). Single-cell transcriptomics dissected the transitions of cell identity during reprogramming. Further, OCT4 was found to directly interact with bromodomain PHD-finger transcription factor to remodel the chromatin during the early phases, which was crucial for initiating this dedifferentiation-like reprogramming. In rat models, intradiscal injection of adeno-associated virus carrying OFT generated iNCs from in situ dNPCs and reversed IVDD. These results collectively present a proof-of-concept for dedifferentiation-like reprogramming of degenerated somatic cells into corresponding progenitors through the development of a factor-based strategy, providing a promising approach for regeneration in degenerative disc diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Chengzhen Liang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Haibin Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Kaishun Xia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Liyin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xianpeng Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Jiangjie Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Jiawei Shu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Feng Cheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Kesi Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Jingkai Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Yiqing Tao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Shaoke Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Yongxiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Shoumin Feng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Fangcai Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China.
| | - Xiaopeng Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China.
| | - Qixin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310009, China.
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Ambrosio L, Schol J, Ruiz-Fernández C, Tamagawa S, Joyce K, Nomura A, de Rinaldis E, Sakai D, Papalia R, Vadalà G, Denaro V. Getting to the Core: Exploring the Embryonic Development from Notochord to Nucleus Pulposus. J Dev Biol 2024; 12:18. [PMID: 39051200 PMCID: PMC11270426 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest avascular organ of the human body and plays a fundamental role in providing the spine with its unique structural and biomechanical functions. The inner part of the IVD contains the nucleus pulposus (NP), a gel-like tissue characterized by a high content of type II collagen and proteoglycans, which is crucial for the disc's load-bearing and shock-absorbing properties. With aging and IVD degeneration (IDD), the NP gradually loses its physiological characteristics, leading to low back pain and additional sequelae. In contrast to surrounding spinal tissues, the NP presents a distinctive embryonic development since it directly derives from the notochord. This review aims to explore the embryology of the NP, emphasizing the pivotal roles of key transcription factors, which guide the differentiation and maintenance of the NP cellular components from the notochord and surrounding sclerotome. Through an understanding of NP development, we sought to investigate the implications of the critical developmental aspects in IVD-related pathologies, such as IDD and the rare malignant chordomas. Moreover, this review discusses the therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, including the novel regenerative approaches leveraging insights from NP development and embryology to potentially guide future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ambrosio
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (R.P.); (V.D.)
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 01128 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1143, Japan; (J.S.); (C.R.-F.); (A.N.); (D.S.)
| | - Jordy Schol
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1143, Japan; (J.S.); (C.R.-F.); (A.N.); (D.S.)
| | - Clara Ruiz-Fernández
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1143, Japan; (J.S.); (C.R.-F.); (A.N.); (D.S.)
| | - Shota Tamagawa
- Department of Medicine for Orthopaedics and Motor Organ, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Kieran Joyce
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland;
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
| | - Akira Nomura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1143, Japan; (J.S.); (C.R.-F.); (A.N.); (D.S.)
| | - Elisabetta de Rinaldis
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 01128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1143, Japan; (J.S.); (C.R.-F.); (A.N.); (D.S.)
| | - Rocco Papalia
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (R.P.); (V.D.)
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 01128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Vadalà
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (R.P.); (V.D.)
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 01128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Denaro
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (R.P.); (V.D.)
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Zhang D, Du J, Shi J, Zhang Y, Jia S, Liu X, Wu Y, An Y, Zhu S, Pan D, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Feng S. A fully automatic MRI-guided decision support system for lumbar disc herniation using machine learning. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1342. [PMID: 38817341 PMCID: PMC11137648 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Normalized decision support system for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) will improve reproducibility compared with subjective clinical diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an essential role in the evaluation of LDH. This study aimed to develop an MRI-based decision support system for LDH, which evaluates lumbar discs in a reproducible, consistent, and reliable manner. Methods The research team proposed a system based on machine learning that was trained and tested by a large, manually labeled data set comprising 217 patients' MRI scans (3255 lumbar discs). The system analyzes the radiological features of identified discs to diagnose herniation and classifies discs by Pfirrmann grade and MSU classification. Based on the assessment, the system provides clinical advice. Results Eventually, the accuracy of the diagnosis process reached 95.83%. An 83.5% agreement was observed between the system's prediction and the ground-truth in the Pfirrmann grade. In the case of MSU classification, 95.0% precision was achieved. With the assistance of this system, the accuracy, interpretation efficiency and interrater agreement among surgeons were improved substantially. Conclusion This system showed considerable accuracy and efficiency, and therefore could serve as an objective reference for the diagnosis and treatment procedure in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- Department of OrthopaedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Du
- Department of OrthopaedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxiao Shi
- Department of OrthopaedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yundong Zhang
- Beijing Longwood Valley CompanyBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Siyue Jia
- Department of OrthopaedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Beijing Longwood Valley CompanyBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of OrthopaedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yicheng An
- Beijing Longwood Valley CompanyBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shibo Zhu
- Department of OrthopaedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Dayu Pan
- Department of OrthopaedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong UniversityJinanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yiling Zhang
- Beijing Longwood Valley CompanyBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of OrthopaedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
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Swahn H, Mertens J, Olmer M, Myers K, Mondala TS, Natarajan P, Head SR, Alvarez‐Garcia O, Lotz MK. Shared and Compartment-Specific Processes in Nucleus Pulposus and Annulus Fibrosus During Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309032. [PMID: 38403470 PMCID: PMC11077672 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Elucidating how cell populations promote onset and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has the potential to enable more precise therapeutic targeting of cells and mechanisms. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) is performed on surgically separated annulus fibrosus (AF) (19,978; 26,983 cells) and nucleus pulposus (NP) (20,884; 24,489 cells) from healthy and diseased human intervertebral discs (IVD). In both tissue types, depletion of cell subsets involved in maintenance of healthy IVD is observed, specifically the immature cell subsets - fibroblast progenitors and stem cells - indicative of an impairment of normal tissue self-renewal. Tissue-specific changes are also identified. In NP, several fibrotic populations are increased in degenerated IVD, indicating tissue-remodeling. In degenerated AF, a novel disease-associated subset is identified, which expresses disease-promoting genes. It is associated with pathogenic biological processes and the main gene regulatory networks include thrombospondin signaling and FOXO1 transcription factor. In NP and AF cells thrombospondin protein promoted expression of genes associated with TGFβ/fibrosis signaling, angiogenesis, and nervous system development. The data reveal new insights of both shared and tissue-specific changes in specific cell populations in AF and NP during IVD degeneration. These identified mechanisms and molecules are novel and more precise targets for IDD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Swahn
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Molecular MedicineScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Jasmin Mertens
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Molecular MedicineScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Merissa Olmer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Molecular MedicineScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Kevin Myers
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Molecular MedicineScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Tony S. Mondala
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics and Genomics CoreScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Padmaja Natarajan
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics and Genomics CoreScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Steven R. Head
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics and Genomics CoreScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Oscar Alvarez‐Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Molecular MedicineScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Martin K. Lotz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Molecular MedicineScripps ResearchLa JollaCA92037USA
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Peredo AP, Tsinman TK, Bonnevie ED, Jiang X, Smith HE, Gullbrand SE, Dyment NA, Mauck RL. Developmental morphogens direct human induced pluripotent stem cells toward an annulus fibrosus-like cell phenotype. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1313. [PMID: 38283179 PMCID: PMC10810760 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Therapeutic interventions for intervertebral disc herniation remain scarce due to the inability of endogenous annulus fibrosus (AF) cells to respond to injury and drive tissue regeneration. Unlike other orthopedic tissues, such as cartilage, delivery of exogenous cells to the site of annular injury remains underdeveloped, largely due to a lack of an ideal cell source and the invasive nature of cell isolation. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated to specific cell fates using biochemical factors and are, therefore, an invaluable tool for cell therapy approaches. While differentiation protocols have been developed for cartilage and fibrous connective tissues (e.g., tendon), the signals that regulate the induction and differentiation of human iPSCs toward the AF fate remain unknown. Methods iPSC-derived sclerotome cells were treated with various combinations of developmental signals including transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), or the Hedgehog pathway activator, Purmorphamine, and gene expression changes in major AF-associated ECM genes were assessed. The top performing combination treatments were further validated by using three distinct iPSC lines and by assessing the production of upregulated ECM proteins of interest. To conduct a broader analysis of the transcriptomic shifts elicited by each factor combination, and to compare genetic profiles of treated cells to mature human AF cells, a 96.96 Fluidigm gene expression array was applied, and principal component analysis was employed to identify the transcriptional signatures of each cell population and treatment group in comparison to native AF cells. Results TGF-β3, in combination with PDGF-BB, CTGF, or IGF-1, induced an upregulation of key AF ECM genes in iPSC-derived sclerotome cells. In particular, treatment with a combination of TGF-β3 with PDGF-BB for 14 days significantly increased gene expression of collagen II and aggrecan and increased protein deposition of collagen I and elastin compared to other treatment groups. Assessment of genes uniquely highly expressed by AF cells or SCL cells, respectively, revealed a shift toward the genetic profile of AF cells with the addition of TGF-β3 and PDGF-BB for 14 days. Discussion These findings represent an initial approach to guide human induced pluripotent stem cells toward an AF-like fate for cellular delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Peredo
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tonia K. Tsinman
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Edward D. Bonnevie
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Xi Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Harvey E. Smith
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sarah E. Gullbrand
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Nathaniel A. Dyment
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Robert L. Mauck
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Li Y, Zhang H, Zhu D, Yang F, Wang Z, Wei Z, Yang Z, Jia J, Kang X. Notochordal cells: A potential therapeutic option for intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13541. [PMID: 37697480 PMCID: PMC10849793 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal degenerative disorder worldwide, and ~40% of chronic low back pain cases are associated with IDD. Although the pathogenesis of IDD remains unclear, the reduction in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are critical factors contributing to IDD. Notochordal cells (NCs), derived from the notochord, which rapidly degrades after birth and is eventually replaced by NPCs, play a crucial role in maintaining ECM homeostasis and preventing NPCs apoptosis. Current treatments for IDD only provide symptomatic relief, while lacking the ability to inhibit or reverse its progression. However, NCs and their secretions possess anti-inflammatory properties and promote NPCs proliferation, leading to ECM formation. Therefore, in recent years, NCs therapy targeting the underlying cause of IDD has emerged as a novel treatment strategy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research progress on NCs for IDD, covering their biological characteristics, specific markers, possible mechanisms involved in IDD and therapeutic effects. It also highlights significant future directions in this field to facilitate further exploration of the pathogenesis of IDD and the development of new therapies based on NCs strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhu Li
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- The Second People's Hospital of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Daxue Zhu
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Fengguang Yang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoheng Wang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ziyan Wei
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhili Yang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jia
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xuewen Kang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
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Günay B, Matthews E, Morgan J, Tryfonidou MA, Saldova R, Pandit A. An insight on the N-glycome of notochordal cell-rich porcine nucleus pulposus during maturation. FASEB Bioadv 2023; 5:321-335. [PMID: 37554546 PMCID: PMC10405234 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2023-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is an age-related condition. It also accompanies the disappearance of the notochordal cells, which are remnants of the developmental stages of the nucleus pulposus (NP). Molecular changes such as extracellular matrix catabolism, cellular phenotype, and glycosaminoglycan loss in the NP have been extensively studied. However, as one of the most significant co- and posttranslational modifications, glycosylation has been overlooked in cells in degeneration. Here, we aim to characterize the N-glycome of young and mature NP and identify patterns related to aging. Accordingly, we isolated N-glycans from notochordal cell-rich NP from porcine discs, characterized them using a combined approach of exoglycosidase digestions and analysis with hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. We have assigned over 300 individual N-glycans for each age group. Moreover, we observed a notable abundance of antennary structures, galactosylation, fucosylation, and sialylation in both age groups. In addition, as indicated from our results, increasing outer arm fucosylation and decreasing α(2,3)-linked sialylation with aging suggest that these traits are age-dependent. Lastly, we have focused on an extensive characterization of the N-glycome of the notochordal cell-rich NP in aging without inferred degeneration, describing glycosylation changes specific for aging only. Our findings in combination with those of other studies, suggest that the degeneration of the NP does not involve identical processes as aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Büşra Günay
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Elizabeth Matthews
- NIBRT GlycoScience GroupNational Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT)DublinIreland
| | - Jack Morgan
- NIBRT GlycoScience GroupNational Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT)DublinIreland
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Radka Saldova
- NIBRT GlycoScience GroupNational Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT)DublinIreland
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Agricultural ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical DevicesUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
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9
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Tilotta V, Vadalà G, Ambrosio L, Cicione C, Di Giacomo G, Russo F, Papalia R, Denaro V. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome enhances nucleus pulposus cell metabolism and modulates extracellular matrix gene expression in vitro. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1152207. [PMID: 37008028 PMCID: PMC10060656 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1152207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Intradiscal mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapies for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) have been gaining increasing interest due to their capacity to ameliorate intervertebral disc metabolism and relieve low back pain (LBP). Recently, novel investigations have demonstrated that most of MSC anabolic effects are exerted by secreted growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, collectively defined as their secretome. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of bone-marrow-MSCs (BM-MSCs) and adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) secretomes on human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPCs) in vitro.Methods: BM-MSCs and ADSCs were characterized according to surface marker expression by flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation by Alizarin red, Red Oil O and Alcian blue staining. After isolation, hNPCs were treated with either BM-MSC secretome, ADSC secretome, interleukin (IL)-1β followed by BM-MSC secretome or IL-1β followed by ADSC secretome. Cell metabolic activity (MTT assay), cell viability (LIVE/DEAD assay), cell content, glycosaminoglycan production (1,9-dimethylmethylene blue assay), extracellular matrix and catabolic marker gene expression (qPCR) were assessed.Results: 20% BM-MSC and ADSC secretomes (diluted to normal media) showed to exert the highest effect towards cell metabolism and were then used in further experiments. Both BM-MSC and ADSC secretomes improved hNPC viability, increased cell content and enhanced glycosaminoglycan production in basal conditions as well as after IL-1β pretreatment. BM-MSC secretome significantly increased ACAN and SOX9 gene expression, while reducing the levels of IL6, MMP13 and ADAMTS5 both in basal conditions and after in vitro inflammation with IL-1β. Interestingly, under IL-1β stimulation, ADSC secretome showed a catabolic effect with decreased extracellular matrix markers and increased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators.Discussion: Collectively, our results provide new insights on the biological effect of MSC-derived secretomes on hNPCs, with intriguing implications on the development of cell-free approaches to treat IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Tilotta
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Vadalà
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gianluca Vadalà,
| | - Luca Ambrosio
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Cicione
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Di Giacomo
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Russo
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Papalia
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Denaro
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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10
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Alini M, Diwan AD, Erwin WM, Little CB, Melrose J. An update on animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain: Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to improve research analysis and development of prospective therapeutics. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1230. [PMID: 36994457 PMCID: PMC10041392 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models have been invaluable in the identification of molecular events occurring in and contributing to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and important therapeutic targets have been identified. Some outstanding animal models (murine, ovine, chondrodystrophoid canine) have been identified with their own strengths and weaknesses. The llama/alpaca, horse and kangaroo have emerged as new large species for IVD studies, and only time will tell if they will surpass the utility of existing models. The complexity of IVD degeneration poses difficulties in the selection of the most appropriate molecular target of many potential candidates, to focus on in the formulation of strategies to effect disc repair and regeneration. It may well be that many therapeutic objectives should be targeted simultaneously to effect a favorable outcome in human IVD degeneration. Use of animal models in isolation will not allow resolution of this complex issue and a paradigm shift and adoption of new methodologies is required to provide the next step forward in the determination of an effective repairative strategy for the IVD. AI has improved the accuracy and assessment of spinal imaging supporting clinical diagnostics and research efforts to better understand IVD degeneration and its treatment. Implementation of AI in the evaluation of histology data has improved the usefulness of a popular murine IVD model and could also be used in an ovine histopathological grading scheme that has been used to quantify degenerative IVD changes and stem cell mediated regeneration. These models are also attractive candidates for the evaluation of novel anti-oxidant compounds that counter inflammatory conditions in degenerate IVDs and promote IVD regeneration. Some of these compounds also have pain-relieving properties. AI has facilitated development of facial recognition pain assessment in animal IVD models offering the possibility of correlating the potential pain alleviating properties of some of these compounds with IVD regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Alini
- AO Research Institute Davos Platz Switzerland
| | - Ashish D. Diwan
- Spine Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. George & Sutherland Campus, Clinical School University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - W. Mark Erwin
- Department of Surgery University of Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Chirstopher B. Little
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory Kolling Institute, Sydney University Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Sydney Area Health District, Royal North Shore Hospital St. Leonards New South Wales Australia
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory Kolling Institute, Sydney University Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Sydney Area Health District, Royal North Shore Hospital St. Leonards New South Wales Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering The University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
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11
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Rayrikar AY, Wagh GA, Santra MK, Patra C. Ccn2a-FGFR1-SHH signaling is necessary for intervertebral disc homeostasis and regeneration in adult zebrafish. Development 2023; 150:dev201036. [PMID: 36458546 PMCID: PMC10108606 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the primary cause of back pain in humans. However, the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of IVD degeneration is poorly understood. This study shows that zebrafish IVDs possess distinct and non-overlapping zones of cell proliferation and cell death. We find that, in zebrafish, cellular communication network factor 2a (ccn2a) is expressed in notochord and IVDs. Although IVD development appears normal in ccn2a mutants, the adult mutant IVDs exhibit decreased cell proliferation and increased cell death leading to IVD degeneration. Moreover, Ccn2a overexpression promotes regeneration through accelerating cell proliferation and suppressing cell death in wild-type aged IVDs. Mechanistically, Ccn2a maintains IVD homeostasis and promotes IVD regeneration by enhancing outer annulus fibrosus cell proliferation and suppressing nucleus pulposus cell death through augmenting FGFR1-SHH signaling. These findings reveal that Ccn2a plays a central role in IVD homeostasis and regeneration, which could be exploited for therapeutic intervention in degenerated human discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amey Y. Rayrikar
- Department of Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India
- S P Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Ganesh A. Wagh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India
- S P Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Manas K. Santra
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Chinmoy Patra
- Department of Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India
- S P Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
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12
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Habib M, Hussien S, Jeon O, Lotz JC, Wu PIK, Alsberg E, Fields AJ. Intradiscal treatment of the cartilage endplate for improving solute transport and disc nutrition. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1111356. [PMID: 36923455 PMCID: PMC10008947 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1111356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor nutrient transport through the cartilage endplate (CEP) is a key factor in the etiology of intervertebral disc degeneration and may hinder the efficacy of biologic strategies for disc regeneration. Yet, there are currently no treatments for improving nutrient transport through the CEP. In this study we tested whether intradiscal delivery of a matrix-modifying enzyme to the CEP improves solute transport into whole human and bovine discs. Ten human lumbar motion segments harvested from five fresh cadaveric spines (38-66 years old) and nine bovine coccygeal motion segments harvested from three adult steers were treated intradiscally either with collagenase enzyme or control buffer that was loaded in alginate carrier. Motion segments were then incubated for 18 h at 37 °C, the bony endplates removed, and the isolated discs were compressed under static (0.2 MPa) and cyclic (0.4-0.8 MPa, 0.2 Hz) loads while submerged in fluorescein tracer solution (376 Da; 0.1 mg/ml). Fluorescein concentrations from site-matched nucleus pulposus (NP) samples were compared between discs. CEP samples from each disc were digested and assayed for sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and collagen contents. Results showed that enzymatic treatment of the CEP dramatically enhanced small solute transport into the disc. Discs with enzyme-treated CEPs had up to 10.8-fold (human) and 14.0-fold (bovine) higher fluorescein concentration in the NP compared to site-matched locations in discs with buffer-treated CEPs (p < 0.0001). Increases in solute transport were consistent with the effects of enzymatic treatment on CEP composition, which included reductions in sGAG content of 33.5% (human) and 40% (bovine). Whole disc biomechanical behavior-namely, creep strain and disc modulus-was similar between discs with enzyme- and buffer-treated CEPs. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the potential for matrix modification of the CEP to improve the transport of small solutes into whole intact discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Habib
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shayan Hussien
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Oju Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jeffrey C Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Peter I-Kung Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Eben Alsberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Aaron J Fields
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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13
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Schmitz TC, van Doeselaar M, Tryfonidou MA, Ito K. Detergent-Free Decellularization of Notochordal Cell-Derived Matrix Yields a Regenerative, Injectable, and Swellable Biomaterial. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3912-3923. [PMID: 35942885 PMCID: PMC9472229 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Porcine notochordal cell-derived matrix (NCM) has anti-inflammatory
and regenerative effects on degenerated intervertebral discs. For
its clinical use, safety must be assured. The porcine DNA is concerning
because of (1) the transmission of endogenous retroviruses and (2)
the inflammatory potential of cell-free DNA. Here, we present a simple,
detergent-free protocol: tissue lyophilization lyses cells, and matrix
integrity is preserved by limiting swelling during decellularization.
DNA is digested quickly by a high nuclease concentration, followed
by a short washout. Ninety-four percent of DNA was removed, and there
was no loss of glycosaminoglycans or collagen. Forty-three percent
of the total proteins remained in the decellularized NCM (dNCM). dNCM
stimulated as much GAG production as NCM in nucleus pulposus cells
but lost some anti-inflammatory effects. Reconstituted pulverized
dNCM yielded a soft, shear-thinning biomaterial with a swelling ratio
of 350% that also acted as an injectable cell carrier (cell viability
>70%). dNCM can therefore be used as the basis for future biomaterials
aimed at disc regeneration on a biological level and may restore joint
mechanics by creating swelling pressure within the intervertebral
disc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara C Schmitz
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Marina van Doeselaar
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna A Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, Utrecht 3584 CM, Netherlands
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
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14
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A Single Injection of NTG-101 Reduces the Expression of Pain-Related Neurotrophins in a Canine Model of Degenerative Disc Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105717. [PMID: 35628530 PMCID: PMC9144207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Tissue sources of pain emanating from degenerative discs remains incompletely understood. Canine intervertebral discs (IVDs) were needle puncture injured, 4-weeks later injected with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or NTG-101, harvested after an additional fourteen weeks and then histologically evaluated for the expression of NGFr, BDNF, TrkB and CALCRL proteins. Quantification was performed using the HALO automated cell-counting scoring platform. Immunohistochemical analysis was also performed on human IVD tissue samples obtained from spinal surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis and quantification of neurotrophins and neuropeptides was performed using an in vivo canine model of degenerative disc disease and human degenerative disc tissue sections. Discs injected with NTG-101 showed significantly lower levels of Nerve Growth Factor receptor (NGFr/TrkA, p = 0.0001), BDNF (p = 0.009), TrkB (p = 0.002) and CALCRL (p = 0.008) relative to PBS injections. Human IVD tissue obtained from spinal surgery due to painful DDD show robust expression of NGFr, BDNF, TrkB and CALCRL proteins. A single intradiscal injection of NTG-101 significantly inhibits the expression of NGFr, BDNF, TrkB and CALCRL proteins in degenerative canine IVDs. These results strongly suggest that NTG-101 inhibits the development of neurotrophins that are strongly associated with painful degenerative disc disease and may have profound effects upon the management of patients living with discogenic pain.
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15
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Direct Reprogramming and Induction of Human Dermal Fibroblasts to Differentiate into iPS-Derived Nucleus Pulposus-like Cells in 3D Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074059. [PMID: 35409417 PMCID: PMC8999916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) diseases are common spinal disorders that cause neck or back pain in the presence or absence of an underlying neurological disorder. IVD diseases develop on the basis of degeneration, and there are no established treatments for degeneration. IVD diseases may therefore represent a candidate for the application of regenerative medicine, potentially employing normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) induced to differentiate into nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Here, we used a three-dimensional culture system to demonstrate that ectopic expression of MYC, KLF4, NOTO, SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9 in NHDFs generated NP-like cells, detected using Safranin-O staining. Quantitative PCR, microarray analysis, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting revealed that the induced NP cells exhibited a fully differentiated phenotype. These findings may significantly contribute to the development of effective strategies for treating IVD diseases.
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16
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Impact of Microenvironmental Changes during Degeneration on Intervertebral Disc Progenitor Cells: A Comparison with Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9040148. [PMID: 35447707 PMCID: PMC9025850 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration occurs with natural ageing and is linked to low back pain, a common disease. As an avascular tissue, the microenvironment inside the IVD is harsh. During degeneration, the condition becomes even more compromised, presenting a significant challenge to the survival and function of the resident cells, as well as to any regeneration attempts using cell implantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a candidate stem cell tool for IVD regeneration. Recently, endogenous IVD progenitor cells have been identified inside the IVD, highlighting their potential for self-repair. IVD progenitor cells have properties similar to MSCs, with minor differences in potency and surface marker expression. Currently, it is unclear how IVD progenitor cells react to microenvironmental factors and in what ways they possibly behave differently to MSCs. Here, we first summarized the microenvironmental factors presented in the IVD and their changes during degeneration. Then, we analyzed the available studies on the responses of IVD progenitor cells and MSCs to these factors, and made comparisons between these two types of cells, when possible, in an attempt to achieve a clear understanding of the characteristics of IVD progenitor cells when compared to MSCs; as well as, to provide possible clues to cell fate after implantation, which may facilitate future manipulation and design of IVD regeneration studies.
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17
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Bach FC, Poramba-Liyanage DW, Riemers FM, Guicheux J, Camus A, Iatridis JC, Chan D, Ito K, Le Maitre CL, Tryfonidou MA. Notochordal Cell-Based Treatment Strategies and Their Potential in Intervertebral Disc Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:780749. [PMID: 35359916 PMCID: PMC8963872 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.780749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is the number one cause of years lived with disability. In about 40% of patients, chronic lower back pain is related to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. The standard-of-care focuses on symptomatic relief, while surgery is the last resort. Emerging therapeutic strategies target the underlying cause of IVD degeneration and increasingly focus on the relatively overlooked notochordal cells (NCs). NCs are derived from the notochord and once the notochord regresses they remain in the core of the developing IVD, the nucleus pulposus. The large vacuolated NCs rapidly decline after birth and are replaced by the smaller nucleus pulposus cells with maturation, ageing, and degeneration. Here, we provide an update on the journey of NCs and discuss the cell markers and tools that can be used to study their fate and regenerative capacity. We review the therapeutic potential of NCs for the treatment of IVD-related lower back pain and outline important future directions in this area. Promising studies indicate that NCs and their secretome exerts regenerative effects, via increased proliferation, extracellular matrix production, and anti-inflammatory effects. Reports on NC-like cells derived from embryonic- or induced pluripotent-stem cells claim to have successfully generated NC-like cells but did not compare them with native NCs for phenotypic markers or in terms of their regenerative capacity. Altogether, this is an emerging and active field of research with exciting possibilities. NC-based studies demonstrate that cues from developmental biology can pave the path for future clinical therapies focused on regenerating the diseased IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Frank M. Riemers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jerome Guicheux
- UMR 1229-RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes, France
- UFR Odontologie, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- PHU4 OTONN, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Anne Camus
- UMR 1229-RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes, France
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christine L. Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Marianna A. Tryfonidou,
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18
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Zoetebier B, Schmitz T, Ito K, Karperien M, Tryfonidou MA, Paez J. Injectable hydrogels for articular cartilage and nucleus pulposus repair: Status quo and prospects. Tissue Eng Part A 2022; 28:478-499. [PMID: 35232245 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2021.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic low back pain due to degenerative (intervertebral) disc disease (DDD) are two of the major causes of disabilities worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people and leading to a high socioeconomic burden. Although OA occurs in synovial joints and DDD occurs in cartilaginous joints, the similarities are striking, with both joints showing commonalities in the nature of the tissues and in the degenerative processes during disease. Consequently, repair strategies for articular cartilage (AC) and nucleus pulposus (NP), the core of the intervertebral disc, in the context of OA and DDD share common aspects. One of such tissue engineering approaches is the use of injectable hydrogels for AC and NP repair. In this review, the state-of-the-art and recent developments in injectable hydrogels for repairing, restoring, and regenerating AC tissue suffering from OA and NP tissue in DDD are summarized focusing on cell-free approaches. The various biomaterial strategies exploited for repair of both tissues are compared, and the synergies that could be gained by translating experiences from one tissue to the other are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Zoetebier
- University of Twente Faculty of Science and Technology, 207105, Developmental BioEngineering , Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, Netherlands, 7500 AE;
| | - Tara Schmitz
- Eindhoven University of Technology, 3169, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands;
| | - Keita Ito
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, P.O. Box 513, GEMZ 4.115, Eindhoven, Netherlands, 5600 MB;
| | | | - Marianna A Tryfonidou
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Yalelaan 108, Utrecht, Netherlands, 3584 CM;
| | - Julieta Paez
- University of Twente Faculty of Science and Technology, 207105, Developmental Bioengineering, University of Twente P.O. Box 217, Enschede The Netherlands, Enschede, Netherlands, 7500 AE;
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Li W, Zhang S, Wang D, Zhang H, Shi Q, Zhang Y, Wang M, Ding Z, Xu S, Gao B, Yan M. Exosomes Immunity Strategy: A Novel Approach for Ameliorating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:822149. [PMID: 35223870 PMCID: PMC8870130 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.822149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP), which is one of the most severe medical and social problems globally, has affected nearly 80% of the population worldwide, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that happens to be the primary trigger of LBP. The pathology of IDD is based on the impaired homeostasis of catabolism and anabolism in the extracellular matrix (ECM), uncontrolled activation of immunologic cascades, dysfunction, and loss of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in addition to dynamic cellular and biochemical alterations in the microenvironment of intervertebral disc (IVD). Currently, the main therapeutic approach regarding IDD is surgical intervention, but it could not considerably cure IDD. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles with a diameter of 30–150 nm, are secreted by various kinds of cell types like stem cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and endothelial cells; the lipid bilayer of the exosomes protects them from ribonuclease degradation and helps improve their biological efficiency in recipient cells. Increasing lines of evidence have reported the promising applications of exosomes in immunological diseases, and regarded exosomes as a potential therapeutic source for IDD. This review focuses on clarifying novel therapies based on exosomes derived from different cell sources and the essential roles of exosomes in regulating IDD, especially the immunologic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihang Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shilei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yanan University, Yanan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Quan Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mo Wang
- The First Brigade of Basic Medical College, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ziyi Ding
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Songjie Xu
- Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Songjie Xu, ; Bo Gao, ; Ming Yan,
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Songjie Xu, ; Bo Gao, ; Ming Yan,
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Songjie Xu, ; Bo Gao, ; Ming Yan,
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Current Status of the Instructional Cues Provided by Notochordal Cells in Novel Disc Repair Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010427. [PMID: 35008853 PMCID: PMC8745519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous publications over the past 22 years, beginning with a seminal paper by Aguiar et al., have demonstrated the ability of notochordal cell-secreted factors to confer anabolic effects upon intervertebral disc (IVD) cells. Since this seminal paper, other scientific publications have demonstrated that notochordal cells secrete soluble factors that can induce anti-inflammatory, pro-anabolic and anti-cell death effects upon IVD nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in vitro and in vivo, direct human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells toward an IVD NP-like phenotype and repel neurite ingrowth. More recently these factors have been characterized, identified, and used therapeutically to induce repair upon injured IVDs in small and large pre-clinical animal models. Further, notochordal cell-rich IVD NPs maintain a stable, healthy extracellular matrix whereas notochordal cell-deficient IVDs result in a biomechanically and extracellular matrix defective phenotype. Collectively this accumulating body of evidence indicates that the notochordal cell, the cellular originator of the intervertebral disc holds vital instructional cues to establish, maintain and possibly regenerate the intervertebral disc.
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21
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A comparative study of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and NTG-101 molecular therapy to treat degenerative disc disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14804. [PMID: 34285277 PMCID: PMC8292352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94173-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular replacement therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or the delivery of growth factors are at the forefront of minimally invasive biological treatment options for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). In this study, we compared the therapeutic potential of a novel drug candidate, NTG-101 to MSCs, including rat cartilage derived stem cells (rCDSCs), bone marrow stem cells (rBMSCs) and human Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUCMSCs) for the treatment of DDD. We induced DDD using a validated image-guided needle puncture injury in rat-tail IVDs. Ten weeks post-injury, animals were randomized and injected with MSCs, NTG-101 or vehicle. At the end of the study, histological analysis of the IVD-Nucleus Pulposus (NPs) injected with NTG-101 or rCDSCs showed a healthy or mild degenerative phenotype in comparison to vehicle controls. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong expression of aggrecan, collagen 2, brachyury and Oct4 in IVD-NPs injected with NTG-101. Our results also demonstrated suppression of inflammation induced p38 and NFκB resulting in inhibition of catabolic genes, but activation of Smad-2/3, Erk-1/2 and Akt-dependent signaling inducing anabolic genes in IVD-NP on treatment with NTG-101. In conclusion, a single injection of NTG-101 into the degenerative disc demonstrated superior benefits compared to stem cell transplantation.
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22
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Lai A, Gansau J, Gullbrand SE, Crowley J, Cunha C, Dudli S, Engiles JB, Fusellier M, Goncalves RM, Nakashima D, Okewunmi J, Pelletier M, Presciutti SM, Schol J, Takeoka Y, Yang S, Yurube T, Zhang Y, Iatridis JC. Development of a standardized histopathology scoring system for intervertebral disc degeneration in rat models: An initiative of the ORS spine section. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1150. [PMID: 34337335 PMCID: PMC8313153 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rats are a widely accepted preclinical model for evaluating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and regeneration. IVD morphology is commonly assessed using histology, which forms the foundation for quantifying the state of IVD degeneration. IVD degeneration severity is evaluated using different grading systems that focus on distinct degenerative features. A standard grading system would facilitate more accurate comparison across laboratories and more robust comparisons of different models and interventions. AIMS This study aimed to develop a histology grading system to quantify IVD degeneration for different rat models. MATERIALS & METHODS This study involved a literature review, a survey of experts in the field, and a validation study using 25 slides that were scored by 15 graders from different international institutes to determine inter- and intra-rater reliability. RESULTS A new IVD degeneration grading system was established and it consists of eight significant degenerative features, including nucleus pulposus (NP) shape, NP area, NP cell number, NP cell morphology, annulus fibrosus (AF) lamellar organization, AF tears/fissures/disruptions, NP-AF border appearance, as well as endplate disruptions/microfractures and osteophyte/ossification. The validation study indicated this system was easily adopted, and able to discern different severities of degenerative changes from different rat IVD degeneration models with high reproducibility for both experienced and inexperienced graders. In addition, a widely-accepted protocol for histological preparation of rat IVD samples based on the survey findings include paraffin embedding, sagittal orientation, section thickness < 10 μm, and staining using H&E and/or SO/FG to facilitate comparison across laboratories. CONCLUSION The proposed histological preparation protocol and grading system provide a platform for more precise comparisons and more robust evaluation of rat IVD degeneration models and interventions across laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Lai
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jennifer Gansau
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Sarah E. Gullbrand
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - James Crowley
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Carla Cunha
- i3S‐Instituto de Investigação e InovaçãoemSaúdeUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Stefan Dudli
- University Clinic of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental RheumatologyBalgrist University Hospital, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Julie B. Engiles
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marion Fusellier
- Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Inserm, UMR 1229, RMeSUniversité de Nantes, ONIRISNantes CedexFrance
| | - Raquel M. Goncalves
- i3S‐Instituto de Investigação e InovaçãoemSaúdeUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
- Instituto de CiênciasBiomédicas Abel SalazarUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Daisuke Nakashima
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Jeffrey Okewunmi
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Matthew Pelletier
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Jordy Schol
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical ScienceTokai University School of MedicineIseharaJapan
| | - Yoshiki Takeoka
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sidong Yang
- Department of Spinal SurgeryThe Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Takashi Yurube
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Yejia Zhang
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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23
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The Cellular Composition of Bovine Coccygeal Intervertebral Discs: A Comprehensive Single-Cell RNAseq Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094917
expr 996488947 + 961598850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and its medical consequences is still one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. To support potential regenerative treatments for degenerated IVDs, we sought to deconvolute the cell composition of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the annulus fibrosus (AF) of bovine intervertebral discs. Bovine calf tails have been extensively used in intervertebral disc research as a readily available source of NP and AF material from healthy and young IVDs. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) coupled to bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to unravel the cell populations in these two structures and analyze developmental changes across the rostrocaudal axis. By integrating the scRNAseq data with the bulk RNAseq data to stabilize the clustering results of our study, we identified 27 NP structure/tissue specific genes and 24 AF structure/tissue specific genes. From our scRNAseq results, we could deconvolute the heterogeneous cell populations in both the NP and the AF. In the NP, we detected a notochordal-like cell cluster and a progenitor stem cell cluster. In the AF, we detected a stem cell-like cluster, a cluster with a predominantly fibroblast-like phenotype and a potential endothelial progenitor cluster. Taken together, our results illustrate the cell phenotypic complexity of the AF and NP in the young bovine IVDs.
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24
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Calió M, Gantenbein B, Egli M, Poveda L, Ille F. The Cellular Composition of Bovine Coccygeal Intervertebral Discs: A Comprehensive Single-Cell RNAseq Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094917. [PMID: 34066404 PMCID: PMC8124861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and its medical consequences is still one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. To support potential regenerative treatments for degenerated IVDs, we sought to deconvolute the cell composition of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the annulus fibrosus (AF) of bovine intervertebral discs. Bovine calf tails have been extensively used in intervertebral disc research as a readily available source of NP and AF material from healthy and young IVDs. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) coupled to bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to unravel the cell populations in these two structures and analyze developmental changes across the rostrocaudal axis. By integrating the scRNAseq data with the bulk RNAseq data to stabilize the clustering results of our study, we identified 27 NP structure/tissue specific genes and 24 AF structure/tissue specific genes. From our scRNAseq results, we could deconvolute the heterogeneous cell populations in both the NP and the AF. In the NP, we detected a notochordal-like cell cluster and a progenitor stem cell cluster. In the AF, we detected a stem cell-like cluster, a cluster with a predominantly fibroblast-like phenotype and a potential endothelial progenitor cluster. Taken together, our results illustrate the cell phenotypic complexity of the AF and NP in the young bovine IVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Calió
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology (TOM), Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (M.C.); (B.G.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Space Biology Group, Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Engineering and Architecture, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6052 Hergiswil, Switzerland;
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology (TOM), Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (M.C.); (B.G.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Egli
- Space Biology Group, Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Engineering and Architecture, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6052 Hergiswil, Switzerland;
| | - Lucy Poveda
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Fabian Ille
- Space Biology Group, Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Engineering and Architecture, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6052 Hergiswil, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-41-349-36-15
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25
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Wang Q, Wang J, Gu X, Feng D, Li D, Jiang T. MicroRNA-124-3p inhibits the differentiation of precartilaginous stem cells into nucleus pulposus-like cells via targeting FSTL1. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:725. [PMID: 34007334 PMCID: PMC8120511 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA/miR)-124-3p has been extensively studied in tumor biology and stem cells. However, little is known regarding its functional roles in the differentiation of precartilaginous stem cells (PSCs) into nucleus pulposus-like cells (NPLCs). In the present study, using miRNA microarray screening, it was demonstrated that the miRNA expression profiles differed between rat primary PSCs and TGF-β1-induced differentiated NPLCs, and that miR-124-3p was significantly differentially expressed during the differentiation of PSCs to NPLCs. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis verified that miR-124-3p expression was decreased during PSC differentiation, with the lowest levels being detected at the later stages. Subsequent experiments revealed that miR-124-3p overexpression significantly decreased the expression of the extracellular matrix proteins, aggrecan and collagen type II, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in follistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1) expression levels. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis indicated that FSTL1 was a potential target of miR-124-3p, which was additionally verified using luciferase reporter assays. Taken together, these data revealed a specific regulatory pathway of miR-124-3p, which negatively regulated its target gene, FSTL1, during the differentiation of PSCs to NPLCs, and suggested a functional role for miR-124-3p in the differentiation of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Junfang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Dehong Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
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Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Chen P, Ma CY, Li C, Au TYK, Tam V, Peng Y, Wu R, Cheung KMC, Sham PC, Tse HF, Chan D, Leung VY, Cheah KSE, Lian Q. Directed Differentiation of Notochord-like and Nucleus Pulposus-like Cells Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Rep 2021; 30:2791-2806.e5. [PMID: 32101752 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration might be amenable to stem cell therapy, but the required cells are scarce. Here, we report the development of a protocol for directed in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into notochord-like and nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells of the disc. The first step combines enhancement of ACTIVIN/NODAL and WNT and inhibition of BMP pathways. By day 5 of differentiation, hPSC-derived cells express notochordal cell characteristic genes. After activating the TGF-β pathway for an additional 15 days, qPCR, immunostaining, and transcriptome data show that a wide array of NP markers are expressed. Transcriptomically, the in vitro-derived cells become more like in vivo adolescent human NP cells, driven by a set of influential genes enriched with motifs bound by BRACHYURY and FOXA2, consistent with an NP cell-like identity. Transplantation of these NP-like cells attenuates fibrotic changes in a rat disc injury model of disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Peikai Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chui Yan Ma
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tiffany Y K Au
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vivian Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ron Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth Man Chee Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pak C Sham
- Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hung-Fat Tse
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Victor Y Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kathryn S E Cheah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Qizhou Lian
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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27
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Rajasekaran S, Soundararajan DCR, Tangavel C, Nayagam SM, K S SV, R S, Matchado MS, Muthurajan R, Shetty AP, Kanna RM, K D. Uncovering molecular targets for regenerative therapy in degenerative disc disease: do small leucine-rich proteoglycans hold the key? Spine J 2021; 21:5-19. [PMID: 32344061 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) play an essential role in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and function. Recently, dysregulation of SLRPs has been implicated in degenerative disc disease (DDD). An in-depth analysis using high-throughput proteomic sequencing might provide valuable information on their implications in health and disease. PURPOSE To utilize proteomics for analyzing the expression of SLRPs in fetal, healthy adult, and degenerated discs, to identify possible molecular targets to halt or reverse the degenerative process. STUDY DESIGN Experimental analysis. METHODS Proteomic signatures of 8 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) normal lumbar discs (ND) [harvested from brain dead alive organ donors] were compared to 8 fetal disc samples (FD) [harvested from fetal spines devoid of congenital anomalies following spontaneous or medical termination of pregnancy] and 8 degenerate discs (DD) [collected from patients undergoing fusion surgery]. The various functional pathways along with the differential expression of SLRPs and the associated changes in collagens, large proteoglycans (LLRPs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have been analyzed further using bioinformatics. This project was self-funded by the Ganga Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation. RESULTS ESI-LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a total of 1,029 proteins in FD, 1,785 proteins in ND, and 1,775 proteins in DD. Fetal disc proteins were engaged mainly in ribosomal pathways (indicating active proliferation and regenerative potential). The healthy adult discs (ND) primarily participated in ECM maintenance and basic metabolic pathways, whereas the unique proteins of DD group were involved in inflammatory (Complement and coagulation cascades, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Leukocyte transendothelial migration) pathways and infective (Staphylococcus aureus infection, Prion diseases, Amoebiasis, Pertussis, and Legionellosis) channels which favor the recent concepts of inflammaging and subclinical infection as causes of DDD. Analysis of SLRPs revealed the upregulation of Biglycan in FDs and downregulation of Lumican, Decorin, Prolargin, and Chondroadherin in the DD group. The universal decrease in the abundance of SLRPs in the DD group was associated with an increase in MMPs and a reduction in TIMPs, collagen and LLRP content. CONCLUSIONS Our study documents the influence of SLRPs in the maintenance of disc health and also the need for future research in using them for disc regeneration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The various SLRPs that we identified are all known to have a beneficial influence on ECM integrity and a negative effect on the degenerative process at different stages in the evolution of degeneration. Biglycan, which is abundantly present in a fetus, may be suitable for regenerative therapy, and the other SLRPs like Lumican, Prolargin, Decorin, and Chondroadherin may serve the same purpose and/or as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chitraa Tangavel
- Ganga Research Centre, No 91, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore 641030, India
| | | | - Sri Vijayanand K S
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, India
| | - Sunmathi R
- Ganga Research Centre, No 91, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore 641030, India
| | | | - Raveendran Muthurajan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu agricultural university, Coimbatore 641003, India
| | - Ajoy Prasad Shetty
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, India
| | - Rishi Mugesh Kanna
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, India
| | - Dharmalingam K
- Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, India
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Intervertebral Disc and Adipokine Leptin-Loves Me, Loves Me Not. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010375. [PMID: 33396484 PMCID: PMC7795371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010375] [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: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin—the most famous adipose tissue-secreted hormone—in the human body is mostly observed in a negative connotation, as the hormone level increases with the accumulation of body fat. Nowadays, fatness is becoming another normal body shape. Fatness is burdened with numerous illnesses—including low back pain and degenerative disease of lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD). IVD degeneration and IVD inflammation are two indiscerptible phenomena. Irrespective of the underlying pathophysiological background (trauma, obesity, nutrient deficiency), the inflammation is crucial in triggering IVD degeneration. Leptin is usually depicted as a proinflammatory adipokine. Many studies aimed at explaining the role of leptin in IVD degeneration, though mostly in in vitro and on animal models, confirmed leptin’s “bad reputation”. However, several studies found that leptin might have protective role in IVD metabolism. This review examines the current literature on the metabolic role of different depots of adipose tissue, with focus on leptin, in pathogenesis of IVD degeneration.
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29
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Notochordal-Cell-Derived Exosomes Induced by Compressive Load Inhibit Angiogenesis via the miR-140-5p/Wnt/β-Catenin Axis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:1092-1106. [PMID: 33294295 PMCID: PMC7691158 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a pathological signature of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Accumulating evidence has shown that notochordal cells (NCs) play an essential role in maintaining intervertebral disc development and homeostasis with inhibitive effect on blood vessel in-growth. However, the anti-angiogenesis mechanism of NCs is still unclear. In the current study, we, for the first time, isolated NC-derived exosomes (NC-exos) and showed their increased concentration following compressive load cultures. We further found that NC-exos from 0.5 MPa compressive load cultures (0.5 MPa/NC-exos) inhibit angiogenesis via transferring high expressed microRNA (miR)-140-5p to endothelial cells and regulating the downstream Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Clinical evidence showed that exosomal miR-140-5p expression of the nucleus pulposus is negatively correlated with angiogenesis in IDD. Finally, 0.5 MPa/NC-exos were demonstrated to have a therapeutical impact on the degenerated disc with an anti-angiogenesis effect in an IDD model. Consequently, our present findings provide insights into the anti-angiogenesis mechanism of NC-exos, indicating their therapeutic potential for IDD.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Spinal pain and associated disability is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide that has a strong association with degenerative disc disease (DDD). Biologically based therapies to treat DDD face significant challenges posed by the unique milieu of the environment within the intervertebral disc, and many promising therapies are in the early stages of development. Patient selection, reasonable therapeutic goals, approach, and timing will need to be discerned to successfully translate potential therapeutics. This review provides a brief overview of the status of intradiscal biologic therapies. Recent Findings Proposed systemic delivery of therapeutic agents has not progressed very much in large part due to the risk of adverse events in remote tissues plus the very limited vascular supply and therefore questionable delivery to the intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus. Intradiscal delivery of therapeutic proteins shows good potential for clinical trials and translation with encouraging results from large animal pre-clinical studies plus an enhanced understanding of the biology of DDD. There are a few cell-based therapies currently under pre-clinical and clinical trial investigation; however, these attempts continue to be hampered by unknown if any, mechanism of action, no downstream detection of transplanted cells, mixed results concerning efficacy, small sample numbers, and a lack of objective evidence of pain mediation. Summary Treatment of DDD using biologically based therapeutics is a widely sought-after goal; however, potential therapies need to address pain and disability in larger, well-controlled studies.
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Modulation of the In Vivo Inflammatory Response by Pro- Versus Anti-Inflammatory Intervertebral Disc Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051730. [PMID: 32138314 PMCID: PMC7084831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is central in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration/regeneration mechanisms, and its balance is crucial to maintain tissue homeostasis. This work investigates the modulation of local and systemic inflammatory response associated with IVD degeneration/herniation by administration of PRO- versus ANTI-inflammatory treatments. Chitosan/poly-γ-glutamic acid nanocomplexes, known as pro-inflammatory (PRO), and soluble diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ANTI), were intradiscally administered in a rat IVD injury model, 24 h after lesion. Two weeks after administration, a reduction of disc height accompanied by hernia formation was observed. In the PRO-inflammatory treated group, IL-1β, IL-6 and COX-2 IVD gene expression were upregulated, and loss of nucleus pulposus (NP) structure and composition was observed. Systemically, lower T-cell frequency was observed in the lymph nodes (LN) and spleen (SP) of the PRO group, together with an increase in CD4+ T cells subset in the blood (BL) and LN. In contrast, the ANTI-group had higher proteoglycans/collagen ratio and collagen type 2 content in the NP, while an increase in the frequency of myeloid cells, M1 macrophages and activated macrophages (MHCII+) was observed at the systemic level. Overall, this study illustrates the dynamics of local and systemic inflammatory and immune cell responses associated with intradiscal therapies, which will contribute to designing more successful immunomodulatory treatments for IVD degeneration.
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Yang L, Kong J, Qiu Z, Shang T, Chen S, Zhao R, Raucci MG, Yang X, Wu Z. Mineralized collagen-modified PMMA cement enhances bone integration and reduces fibrous encapsulation in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease. Regen Biomater 2020; 7:181-193. [PMID: 32296537 PMCID: PMC7147368 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbz044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As a minimally invasive surgery, percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) is now contemplated to treat lumbar disc degeneration disease in elder population. Here, we investigated whether the osteogenic mineralized collagen (MC) modified polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement could be a suitable material in PCD surgery. Injectability, hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of the MC-modified PMMA (PMMA-MC) was characterized. The introduction of MC did not change the application and setting time of PMMA and was easy to be handled in minimally invasive operation. Hydrophilicity of PMMA-MC was greatly improved and its elastic modulus was tailored to complement mechanical performance of bone under dynamic stress. Then, PCD surgery in a goat model with induced disc degeneration was performed with implantation of PMMA-MC or PMMA. Three months after implantation, micro-computed tomography analysis revealed a 36.4% higher circumferential contact index between PMMA-MC and bone, as compared to PMMA alone. Histological staining confirmed that the surface of PMMA-MC was in direct contact with new bone, while the PMMA was covered by fibrous tissue. The observed gathering of macrophages around the implant was suspected to be the cause of fibrous encapsulation. Therefore, the interactions of PMMA and PMMA-MC with macrophages were investigated in vitro. We discovered that the addition of MC could hinder the proliferation and fusion of the macrophages. Moreover, expressions of fibroblast-stimulating growth factors, insulin-like growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-β were significantly down-regulated in the macrophages cocultured with PMMA-MC. Together, the promoted osteointegration and reduced fibrous tissue formation observed with PMMA-MC material makes it a promising candidate for PCD surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jianjun Kong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Hospital of Xingtai, Xingtai 054000, China
- Department of Orthopedic Laboratory, Xingtai Institute of Orthopaedics, Xingtai 054000, China
| | - Zhiye Qiu
- Beijing Allgens Medical Science and Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing 102609, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tieliang Shang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Maria Grazia Raucci
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Xiao Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Zhanyong Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Hospital of Xingtai, Xingtai 054000, China
- Department of Orthopedic Laboratory, Xingtai Institute of Orthopaedics, Xingtai 054000, China
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Hingert D, Nawilaijaroen P, Aldridge J, Baranto A, Brisby H. Investigation of the Effect of Secreted Factors from Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Disc Cells from Degenerated Discs. Cells Tissues Organs 2020; 208:76-88. [PMID: 32092752 DOI: 10.1159/000506350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is experienced by a large number of people in western countries and may be caused and influenced by many different pathologies and psychosocial factors including disc degeneration. Disc degeneration involves the increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the disc environment, which leads to the loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the viability of the native disc cells (DCs). Treatment approaches using growth factors and cell therapy have been proposed due to the compelling results that growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can influence the degenerated discs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conditioned media (CM) from human MSCs (hMSCs) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and TGF-β on disc cells, and hMSCs isolated from patients with degenerative discs and severe low back pain. The aim was also to examine the constituents of CM in order to study the peptides that could bring about intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration. DCs and hMSC pellets (approx.. 200,000 cells) were cultured and stimulated with hMSC-derived CM or CTGF and TGF-β over 28 days. The effects of CM and CTGF on DCs and hMSCs were assessed via cell viability, proteoglycan production, the expression of ECM proteins, and chondrogenesis in 3D pellet culture. To identify the constituents of CM, CM was analyzed with tandem mass spectrometry. The findings indicate that CM enhanced the cellular viability and ECM production of DCs while CTGF and the control exhibited nonsignificant differences. The same was observed in the hMSC group. Mass spectrometry analysis of CM identified >700 peptides, 129 of which showed a relative abundance of ≥2 (CTGF among them). The results suggest that CM holds potential to counter the progression of disc degeneration, likely resulting from the combination of all the substances released by the hMSCs. The soluble factors released belong to different peptide families. The precise mechanism underlying the regenerative effect needs to be investigated further, prior to incorporating peptides in the development of new treatment strategies for low back pain that is potentially caused by IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Hingert
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,
| | | | - Jonathan Aldridge
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Adad Baranto
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helena Brisby
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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NOTO Transcription Factor Directs Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesendoderm Progenitors to a Notochordal Fate. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020509. [PMID: 32102328 PMCID: PMC7072849 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The founder cells of the Nucleus pulposus, the centre of the intervertebral disc, originate in the embryonic notochord. After birth, mature notochordal cells (NC) are identified as key regulators of disc homeostasis. Better understanding of their biology has great potential in delaying the onset of disc degeneration or as a regenerative-cell source for disc repair. Using human pluripotent stem cells, we developed a two-step method to generate a stable NC-like population with a distinct molecular signature. Time-course analysis of lineage-specific markers shows that WNT pathway activation and transfection of the notochord-related transcription factor NOTO are sufficient to induce high levels of mesendoderm progenitors and favour their commitment toward the notochordal lineage instead of paraxial and lateral mesodermal or endodermal lineages. This study results in the identification of NOTO-regulated genes including some that are found expressed in human healthy disc tissue and highlights NOTO function in coordinating the gene network to human notochord differentiation.
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Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with low back pain. In IVDs, a high mechanical load, high osmotic pressure and hypoxic conditions create a hostile microenvironment for resident cells. How IVD homeostasis and function are maintained under stress remains to be understood; however, several research groups have reported isolating native endogenous progenitor-like or otherwise proliferative cells from the IVD. The isolation of such cells implies that the IVD might contain a quiescent progenitor-like population that could be activated for IVD repair and regeneration. Increased understanding of endogenous disc progenitor cells will improve our knowledge of IVD homeostasis and, when combined with tissue engineering techniques, might hold promise for future therapeutic applications. In this Review, the characteristics of progenitor cells in different IVD compartments are discussed, as well as the potency of different cell populations within the IVD. The stem cell characteristics of these cells are also compared with those of mesenchymal stromal cells. On the basis of existing evidence, whether and how IVD degeneration and the hostile microenvironment might affect endogenous progenitor cell function are considered, and ways to channel the potential of these cells for IVD repair are suggested.
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Takeuchi S, Hirasaki E, Kumakura H. Muscle Spindle Density of Lateral Rotators of the Thigh in Japanese Macaques and a Gibbon. Cells Tissues Organs 2020; 208:1-12. [PMID: 31927538 PMCID: PMC7212700 DOI: 10.1159/000504958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the six small lateral rotators of the hip joint, which is one of the most flexible joints and allows kinematically complex motions of the hindlimb, to elucidate the functional differentiation among these muscles and to test the hypothesis that species-specific characteristics in hindlimb use during locomotion are reflected in the muscle spindle density and in other parameters of the deep small hip joint rotators. For these purposes, we estimated the number of muscle spindles of the superior gemellus muscle (SG), inferior gemellus muscle, quadratus femoris muscle, obturator internus muscle (OI), obturator externus muscle, and piriformis muscle in three Japanese macaques and a gibbon, using 30-µm-thick serial sections throughout each muscle length after azan staining. The numbers of muscle spindles per 10,000 muscle fibers were determined to compare inter-muscle variation. The spindle density was highest in the SG and lowest in the OI in the Japanese macaques, suggesting that the SG, which is attached to the tendon of the OI, functions as a kinesiological monitor of the OI. On the other hand, SG the was missing in the gibbon, and the OI in the gibbon contained more spindles than that in the Japanese macaques. This suggests that the SG and the OI fused into one muscle in the gibbon. We postulate that the relative importance of the deep small hip rotator muscles differs between the Japanese macaques and gibbon and that the gibbon's muscles are less differentiated in terms of the spindle density, probably because this brachiating species uses its hindlimbs less frequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawa Takeuchi
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Eishi Hirasaki
- Section of Evolutionary Morphology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan,
| | - Hiroo Kumakura
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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Gao B, Yin J, Xu X, Fan J, Wang D, Zheng C, Lu W, Cheng P, Sun J, Wang D, Li L, Zhou BO, Yang L, Luo Z. Leptin receptor-expressing cells represent a distinct subpopulation of notochord-derived cells and are essential for disc homoeostasis. J Orthop Translat 2019; 21:91-99. [PMID: 32110508 PMCID: PMC7033302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/objective Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains to be an intractable clinical challenge. Although IDD is characterised by loss of notochordal cells (NCs) and dysfunction of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, little is known about the origin, heterogeneity, fate and maintenance of NCs and NP cells, which further stunts the therapeutic development. Thus, effective tools to spatially and temporally trace specific cell lineage and clarify cell functions in intervertebral disc (IVD) development and homoeostasis are urgently required. Methods In this study, NP specimens were obtained from 20 patients with degenerative disc disease or scoliosis. LepR-Cre mice was crossed with R26R-Tdtomato mice to generate LepR-Cre; R26R-Tdtomato mice, which enabled fate-mapping of NPs from embryo stage to late adult. LMNA G609G/G609G mice was used to determine the effect of premature-aging induced IDD on LepR NPs. X-ray imaging was used to measure lumber disc height of mice. Results Here, we provide the first evidence that the leptin receptor (LepR) is preferentially expressed in NCs at embryonic stages and notochord-derived cells in the postnatal IVD. By using R26R-Tdtomato fluorescent reporter mice, we systematically analysed the specificity of activity and targeting efficiency of leptin receptor-Cre (LepR-Cre) in IVD tissues from the embryonic stage E15.5 to 6-month-old LepR-Cre; Rosa26-Tdtomato (R26R-Tdtomato) mice. Specifically, LepR-Cre targets a distinct subpopulation of notochord-derived cells closely associated with disc homoeostasis. The percentage of LepR-expressing NP cells markedly decreases in the postnatal mouse IVD and, more importantly, in the human IVD with the progression of IDD. Moreover, both spine instability-induced and premature ageing-induced IDD mouse models display the phenotype of IDD with decreased percentage of LepR-expressing NP cells. These findings uncover a potential role of LepR-expressing notochord-derived cells in disc homoeostasis and open the gate for therapeutically targeting the NP cell subpopulation. Conclusion In conclusion, our data prove LepR-Cre mice useful for mapping the fate of specific subpopulations of IVD cells and uncovering the underlying mechanisms of IDD. The translational potential of this article The translation potential of article is that we first identified LepR as a candidate marker of subpopulation of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and provided LepR as a potential target for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which have certain profound significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Gao
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jinhua Yin
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jing Fan
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Di Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Weiguang Lu
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Pengzhen Cheng
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jicheng Sun
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lu Li
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bo O Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhuojing Luo
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Medical Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Homing Into Intervertebral Discs Enhances the Tie2-positive Progenitor Cell Population, Prevents Cell Death, and Induces a Proliferative Response. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2019; 44:1613-1622. [PMID: 31730570 PMCID: PMC6867676 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Experimental study with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue samples. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize the effect of MSC homing on the Tie2-positive IVD progenitor cell population, IVD cell survival, and proliferation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Homing of human MSCs has been described as potential alternative to MSC injection, aiming to enhance the regenerative capacity of the IVD. IVD cells expressing Tie2 (also known as CD202b or Angiopoietin-1 receptor TEK tyrosine kinase) represent a progenitor cell population with discogenic differentiation potential. However, the fraction of Tie2-positive progenitor cells decreases with aging and degree of IVD degeneration, resulting in a potential loss of the IVD's regenerative capacity. METHODS Human MSCs, isolated from vertebral bone marrow aspirates, were labeled and seeded onto the endplate of bovine IVDs and human IVD tissue. Following MSC migration for 5 days, IVD cells were isolated by tissue digestion. The fractions of Tie2-positive, dead, apoptotic, and proliferative IVD cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and compared to untreated IVDs. For human IVDs, 3 groups were investigated: nondegenerated (organ donors), IVDs of patients suffering from spinal trauma, and degenerative IVD tissue samples. RESULTS MSC homing enhanced the fraction of Tie2-positive IVD cells in bovine and human IVD samples. Furthermore, a proliferative response and lower fraction of dead cells were observed after MSC homing in both bovine and human IVD tissues. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that MSC homing enhances the survival and regenerative capability of IVD cells, which may be mediated by intercellular communication. MSC homing could represent a potential treatment strategy to prevent the onset of the degenerative cascade in IVDs at risk such as IVDs adjacent to a fused segment or IVDs after herniation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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Frapin L, Clouet J, Delplace V, Fusellier M, Guicheux J, Le Visage C. Lessons learned from intervertebral disc pathophysiology to guide rational design of sequential delivery systems for therapeutic biological factors. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 149-150:49-71. [PMID: 31445063 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has been associated with low back pain, which is a major musculoskeletal disorder and socio-economic problem that affects as many as 600 million patients worldwide. Here, we first review the current knowledge of IVD physiology and physiopathological processes in terms of homeostasis regulation and consecutive events that lead to tissue degeneration. Recent progress with IVD restoration by anti-catabolic or pro-anabolic approaches are then analyzed, as are the design of macro-, micro-, and nano-platforms to control the delivery of such therapeutic agents. Finally, we hypothesize that a sequential delivery strategy that i) firstly targets the inflammatory, pro-catabolic microenvironment with release of anti-inflammatory or anti-catabolic cytokines; ii) secondly increases cell density in the less hostile microenvironment by endogenous cell recruitment or exogenous cell injection, and finally iii) enhances cellular synthesis of extracellular matrix with release of pro-anabolic factors, would constitute an innovative yet challenging approach to IVD regeneration.
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Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Repair: Hype or Hope? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153622. [PMID: 31344903 PMCID: PMC6696292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic back pain is a common disability, which is often accredited to intervertebral disc degeneration. Gold standard interventions such as spinal fusion, which are mainly designed to mechanically seal the defect, frequently fail to restore the native biomechanics. Moreover, artificial implants have limited success as a repair strategy, as they do not alter the underlying disease and fail to promote tissue integration and subsequent native biomechanics. The reported high rates of spinal fusion and artificial disc implant failure have pushed intervertebral disc degeneration research in recent years towards repair strategies. Intervertebral disc repair utilizing principles of tissue engineering should theoretically be successful, overcoming the inadequacies of artificial implants. For instance, advances in the development of scaffolds aided with cells and growth factors have opened up new possibilities for repair strategies. However, none has reached the stage of clinical trials in humans. In this review, we describe the hitches encountered in the musculoskeletal field and summarize recent advances in designing tissue-engineered constructs for promoting nucleus pulposus repair. Additionally, the review focuses on the effect of biomaterial aided with cells and growth factors on achieving effective functional reparative potency, highlighting the ways to enhance the efficacy of these treatments.
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Electrical impulse effects on degenerative human annulus fibrosus model to reduce disc pain using micro-electrical impulse-on-a-chip. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5827. [PMID: 30967598 PMCID: PMC6456732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42320-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of cells and tissues for therapeutic benefit is a well-established method. Although animal studies can emulate the complexity of an organism’s physiology, lab-on-a-chip platforms provide a suitable primary model for follow-up animal studies. Thus, inexpensive and easy-to-use platforms for in vitro human cell studies are required. In the present study, we designed a micro-electrical impulse (micro-EI)-on-a-chip (micro-EI-chip), which can precisely control electron density and adjust the frequency based on a micro-EI. The micro-EI-chip can stimulate cells at various micro-EI densities (0–500 mV/mm) and frequencies (0–300 Hz), which enables multiple co-culture of different cell types with or without electrical stimulation. As a proof-of-concept study, a model involving degenerative inflamed human annulus fibrosus (hAF) cells was established in vitro and the effects of micro-EI on inflamed hAF cells were evaluated using the micro-EI-chip. Stimulation of the cells (150 mV/mm at 200 Hz) inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and downregulated the activities of extracellular matrix-modifying enzymes and matrix metalloproteinase-1. These results show that micro-EI stimulation could affect degenerative diseases based on inflammation, implicating the micro-EI-chip as being useful for basic research of electroceuticals.
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Loibl M, Wuertz‐Kozak K, Vadala G, Lang S, Fairbank J, Urban JP. Controversies in regenerative medicine: Should intervertebral disc degeneration be treated with mesenchymal stem cells? JOR Spine 2019; 2:e1043. [PMID: 31463457 PMCID: PMC6711491 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) can significantly reduce the quality of life of patients, and has a considerable economic and social impact worldwide. It is commonly associated with disc degeneration, even though many people with degenerate discs are asymptomatic. Degenerate disc disease (DDD), is thus a common term for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration associated with LBP. Degeneration is thought to lead to LBP because of nerve ingrowth into the degenerate disc, inflammation, or because degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) alters spinal biomechanics inappropriately. Thus, while the objectives of some interventions for LBP are to control pain intensity, other interventions aim to deal with the consequences of disc degeneration through stabilizing the disc surgically, by inserting artificial discs or by repairing the disc biologically and preventing progressive IVD degeneration. Despite tremendous research efforts, treatment of LBP through the use of regenerative interventions aiming to repair the IVD is still controversial. The use of mesenchymal stem cells for IVD regeneration in a patient-based case will be discussed by an ensemble of clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Loibl
- Department of Spine SurgerySchulthess KlinikZürichSwitzerland
- Department of Trauma SurgeryRegensburg University Medical CenterRegensburgGermany
| | - Karin Wuertz‐Kozak
- Institute for Biomechanics, Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zürich, ZürichSwitzerland
- Spine Center, Schön Klinik MünchenMunichGermany
- Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research InstituteParacelsus Private Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Department of Health ScienceUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
| | - Gianluca Vadala
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeryCampus Bio‐Medico University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Siegmund Lang
- Department of Trauma SurgeryRegensburg University Medical CenterRegensburgGermany
| | - Jeremy Fairbank
- Nuffield Department of OrthopaedicsRheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Jill P. Urban
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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Wang Y, Song Q, Huang X, Chen Z, Zhang F, Wang K, Huang G, Shen H. Long noncoding RNA GAS5 promotes apoptosis in primary nucleus pulposus cells derived from the human intervertebral disc via Bcl‑2 downregulation and caspase‑3 upregulation. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:2164-2172. [PMID: 30747227 PMCID: PMC6390029 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) apoptosis serves an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD); however, the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this process remain unknown. The present study aimed to determine the effects of the lncRNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) on the apoptosis of primary human NPCs derived from the intervertebral disc, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. TargetScan was used to predict the lncRNAs targeted by microRNA-155 (miR-155). Then, NPCs were subjected to lentivirus-mediated transduction of miR-155 or GAS5. A human lncRNA and mRNA array was used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs following miR-155 overexpression. GAS5 and miR-155 expression levels were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. After GAS5 overexpression, apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry via Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins, including caspase-3 and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). TargetScan indicated GAS5 had one binding site for miR-155. Following exogenous transfection of miR-155 mimics, GAS5 expression levels in NPCs were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Interestingly, miR-155 overexpression in NPCs resulted in 721 differentially expressed lncRNAs compared with the negative control group (P<0.05), including 492 and 229 upregulated and downregulated lncRNAs respectively. In addition, 18 transcripts of GAS5 exhibited a downregulated expression profile. GAS5 overexpression in NPCs resulted in enhanced caspase-3 decreased Bcl-2 expression levels; the apoptosis of NPCs was significantly increased (P<0.05). The results of the present study revealed that overexpression of lncRNA GAS5 may promotes NPC apoptosis via Bcl-2 downregulation and caspase-3 upregulation, which may be associated with miR-155. The results of the present study suggest that lncRNA GAS5-silenced NPCs, or lentivirus-mediated lncRNA GAS5 knockdown may be precise and effective therapeutic strategies in the treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, P.R. China
| | - Qingxin Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Guofeng Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, No. 175 Hospital of PLA, The Affiliated Southeast Hospital of Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, Fujian 363000, P.R. China
| | - Hongxing Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
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44
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Somasundaram SG, Muresanu C, Schield P, Makhmutovа A, Bovina EV, Fisenko VP, Hasanov NF, Aliev G. A Novel Non-invasive Effective Method for Potential Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease: A Hypothesis. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2019; 19:8-14. [PMID: 30332977 DOI: 10.2174/1871524918666181017152053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of the intervertebral discs plays a significant role in the people's life quality. There is not adequate research done in the pathogenesis and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Alternately, self-educated physiology offers a novel and noninvasive method to reverse the degenerated discs. In this single case study, report attempts have been made to highlight the effect of the self-educative physiology, on magnetic resonance imaging investigations, of progressive healing, on the degenerated intervertebral discs. Based on this novel method, an effort has been made to review literature on the degeneration of intervertebral discs and available mode of treatments and then to propose a hypothesis for the biochemical mechanisms of healing. The idea is that transforming growth factor-β1 from seminal plasma secretions may contribute to releasing the osteogenic protein- 1 which induces nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells in intervertebral discs for repairs. In addition, the patient's medical history is presented with background information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva G Somasundaram
- Departments of Biology & Health Education, Salem University, 223 West Main Street, Salem, WV 26426, United States
- NAFA LLC, 64 Carolina Ave, Salem, WV 26426, United States
| | - Cristian Muresanu
- Romanian Television, TVR Cluj, 160 Donath Street, Cluj-Napoca, CJ 400293, Romania
| | - Pamela Schield
- School of Education & Athletics, Salem University, Salem, WV 26426, United States
| | - Alfiya Makhmutovа
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
| | - Elena V Bovina
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir P Fisenko
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Trubetskaya Str., 8, Bld. 2, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Nusrat F Hasanov
- Neurology Division, Central Sharur District Hospital, Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan
| | - Gjumrakch Aliev
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Trubetskaya Str., 8, Bld. 2, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
- "GALLY" International Biomedical Research Consulting LLC., 7733 Louis Pasteur Drive, #330, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
- School of Health Science and Healthcare Administration, University of Atlanta, E. Johns Crossing, #175, Johns Creek, GA 30097, United States
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45
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de Vries SA, van Doeselaar M, Meij BP, Tryfonidou MA, Ito K. Notochordal cell matrix: An inhibitor of neurite and blood vessel growth? J Orthop Res 2018; 36:3188-3195. [PMID: 30035331 PMCID: PMC6585673 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessel and neurite ingrowth into the degenerating intervertebral disc (IVD) are related to pain. In reported studies, notochordal cell (NC)-conditioned medium (NCCM) induced a regenerative response of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, but also inhibition of neurite and vessel formation. NC matrix (NCM) derived from NC-rich NP tissue, induced even stronger anabolic effects than NCCM. Thus, the aim was to investigate whether NCM has similar anti-neurogenic and -angiogenic properties as NCCM. NCM and NCCM where produced from porcine NC-rich NP tissue. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in base medium (BM, 300 mOsm), NCCM (produced at 300 and 400 mOsm), NCM, or with chondroitin sulfate (CS, positive control) in angiogenesis-inducing medium, after which vessel length was measured. Although CS alone inhibited vessel growth, NCCM (both osmolarities) stimulated vessel formation by HUVECs. NCM did not affect vessel growth relative to BM. SH-SY5Y cells were cultured in BM, NCCM, and NCM on poly-D-lysine coated and polystyrene surfaces, and analyzed for neurite length and percentage of neurite expressing cells. On coated surfaces, neither NCCM nor NCM affected neurite growth. On a polystyrene surface, NCCM and NCM induced a higher number of neurite-expressing cells. NCCM's previously reported anti-angiogenic and -neurogenic effects were not observed in this study. Although addition of CS inhibited HUVEC vessel formation, other factors may be present in NCCM and NCM that affect neurite and vessel growth. Therefore, future studies testing an NC-based regenerative strategy should carefully assess the risk of such adverse effects in an in vivo setting. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3188-3195, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan A.H. de Vries
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoventhe Netherlands
| | - Marina van Doeselaar
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoventhe Netherlands
| | - Björn P. Meij
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoventhe Netherlands,Department of OrthopaedicsUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
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46
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Matta A, Karim MZ, Gerami H, Jun P, Funabashi M, Kawchuk G, Goldstein A, Foltz W, Sussman M, Eek BC, Erwin WM. NTG-101: A Novel Molecular Therapy that Halts the Progression of Degenerative Disc Disease. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16809. [PMID: 30429487 PMCID: PMC6235869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The tremendous cost, pain and disability associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD) makes the development of a biological agent that can mitigate the course of DDD, a critical unmet need. We have identified and reported that a single injection of a combination of recombinant human (rh) Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) proteins into the injured intervertebral disc (IVD) nucleus pulposus (NP) can mediate DDD in a pre-clinical rodent model. In this study, we developed and evaluated the efficacy of a novel molecular therapy (NTG-101) containing rhTGF-β1 and rhCTGF proteins suspended in an excipient solution using in vivo models of DDD including rat-tail and chondrodystrophic (CD) canines. Needle puncture injury in CD-canine NPs resulted in loss of hydration, disc height and showed radiographic evidence of DDD like humans. However, NTG-101-injected IVDs maintained disc height and demonstrated retention of viscoelastic properties as compared to IVDs injected with phosphate buffer saline (PBS, 1X, pH = 7.2). In addition, a single intra-discal injection of NTG-101 into the injured IVD-NPs resulted in sustained expression of healthy extra-cellular matrix (ECM) proteins (aggrecan, collagen 2A1) and reduced expression of inflammation associated proteins and molecules (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-13, Cox-2 and PGE2) as compared to vehicle controls. In conclusion, we demonstrated that a single intra-discal injection of the novel formulation, NTG-101 confers a robust anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic and pro-anabolic effects in pre-clinical models of DDD thereby restoring homeostasis. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NTG-101 for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter Jun
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Greg Kawchuk
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Warren Foltz
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - W Mark Erwin
- Notogen Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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47
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Hiyama A, Morita K, Sakai D, Watanabe M. CCN family member 2/connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is regulated by Wnt-β-catenin signaling in nucleus pulposus cells. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:217. [PMID: 30268161 PMCID: PMC6162946 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1723-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aims of this study were to investigate the gene expression of CCN family members in rat intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and to examine whether Wnt–β-catenin signaling regulates the expression of CCN family 2 (CCN2)/connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Methods The gene expression of CCN family members were assessed in rat IVD cells using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression pattern of CCN2 was also assessed in rat IVD cells using western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were performed to identify the mechanisms by which Wnt–β-catenin signaling influences the activity of the CCN2 promoter. To further determine if the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is required for the Wnt–β-catenin signaling-induced regulation of CCN2 expression in the NP cells, CCN2 expression was analyzed by reporter assay, RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Results CCN2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were expressed in rat IVDs. Expression of CCN2 was significantly higher than for mRNA of other CCN family members in both rat NP and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells. The relative activity of the CCN2 promoter decreased 24 h after treatment with 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (1.0 μM) (0.773 (95% 0.735, 0.812) P = 0.0077) in NP cells. In addition, treatment with the WT–β-catenin vector (500 ng) significantly decreased CCN2 promoter activity (0.688 (95% 0.535, 0.842) P = 0.0063), whereas β-catenin small interfering RNA (500 ng) significantly increased CCN2 promoter activity (1.775 (95% 1.435, 2.115) P < 0.001). Activation of Wnt–β-catenin signaling decreased the expression of CCN2 mRNA and protein by NP cells. Regulation of CCN2 by Wnt–β-catenin signaling involved the MAPK pathway in rat NP cells. Conclusions This study shows that Wnt–β-catenin signaling regulates the expression of CCN2 through the MAPK pathway in NP cells. Understanding the balance between Wnt–β-catenin signaling and CCN2 is necessary for developing therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of IVD degeneration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1723-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Hiyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan. .,Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Morita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
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48
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Thorpe AA, Bach FC, Tryfonidou MA, Le Maitre CL, Mwale F, Diwan AD, Ito K. Leaping the hurdles in developing regenerative treatments for the intervertebral disc from preclinical to clinical. JOR Spine 2018; 1:e1027. [PMID: 31463447 PMCID: PMC6686834 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic back and neck pain is a prevalent disability, often caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Because current treatments for this condition are less than satisfactory, a great deal of effort is being applied to develop new solutions, including regenerative strategies. However, the path from initial promising idea to clinical use is fraught with many hurdles to overcome. Many of the keys to success are not necessarily linked to science or innovation. Successful translation to clinic will also rely on planning and awareness of the hurdles. It will be essential to plan your entire path to clinic from the outset and to do this with a multidisciplinary team. Take advice early on regulatory aspects and focus on generating the proof required to satisfy regulatory approval. Scientific demonstration and societal benefits are important, but translation cannot occur without involving commercial parties, which are instrumental to support expensive clinical trials. This will only be possible when intellectual property can be protected sufficiently to support a business model. In this manner, commercial, societal, medical, and scientific partners can work together to ultimately improve patient health. Based on literature surveys and experiences of the co-authors, this opinion paper presents this pathway, highlights the most prominent issues and hopefully will aid in your own translational endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey A. Thorpe
- Biomolecular Sciences Research CentreSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
| | - Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | | | - Fackson Mwale
- Department of SurgeryMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Ashish D. Diwan
- Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic SurgerySt. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Division, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoventhe Netherlands
- Department of OrthopedicsUniversity Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
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49
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Human notochordal cell transcriptome unveils potential regulators of cell function in the developing intervertebral disc. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12866. [PMID: 30150762 PMCID: PMC6110784 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31172-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult nucleus pulposus originates from the embryonic notochord, but loss of notochordal cells with skeletal maturity in humans is thought to contribute to the onset of intervertebral disc degeneration. Thus, defining the phenotype of human embryonic/fetal notochordal cells is essential for understanding their roles and for development of novel therapies. However, a detailed transcriptomic profiling of human notochordal cells has never been achieved. In this study, the notochord-specific marker CD24 was used to specifically label and isolate (using FACS) notochordal cells from human embryonic and fetal spines (7.5–14 weeks post-conception). Microarray analysis and qPCR validation identified CD24, STMN2, RTN1, PRPH, CXCL12, IGF1, MAP1B, ISL1, CLDN1 and THBS2 as notochord-specific markers. Expression of these markers was confirmed in nucleus pulposus cells from aged and degenerate discs. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed molecules involved in inhibition of vascularisation (WISP2, Noggin and EDN2) and inflammation (IL1-RN) to be master regulators of notochordal genes. Importantly, this study has, for the first time, defined the human notochordal cell transcriptome and suggests inhibition of inflammation and vascularisation may be key roles for notochordal cells during intervertebral disc development. The molecules and pathways identified in this study have potential for use in developing strategies to retard/prevent disc degeneration, or regenerate tissue.
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50
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Buckley CT, Hoyland JA, Fujii K, Pandit A, Iatridis JC, Grad S. Critical aspects and challenges for intervertebral disc repair and regeneration-Harnessing advances in tissue engineering. JOR Spine 2018; 1:e1029. [PMID: 30895276 PMCID: PMC6400108 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain represents the highest burden of musculoskeletal diseases worldwide and intervertebral disc degeneration is frequently associated with this painful condition. Even though it remains challenging to clearly recognize generators of discogenic pain, tissue regeneration has been accepted as an effective treatment option with significant potential. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine offer a plethora of exploratory pathways for functional repair or prevention of tissue breakdown. However, the intervertebral disc has extraordinary biological and mechanical demands that must be met to assure sustained success. This concise perspective review highlights the role of the disc microenvironment, mechanical and clinical design considerations, function vs mimicry in biomaterial‐based and cell engineering strategies, and potential constraints for clinical translation of regenerative therapies for the intervertebral disc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor T Buckley
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland.,School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland.,Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine University of Manchester Manchester UK.,NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester Foundation Trust Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester UK
| | - Kengo Fujii
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of Tsukuba Tsukuba Japan
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM) National University of Ireland Galway Ireland
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
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