1
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Wang C, Zhang X, Chen R, Zhu X, Lian N. EGR1 mediates METTL3/m 6A/CHI3L1 to promote osteoclastogenesis in osteoporosis. Genomics 2023; 115:110696. [PMID: 37558013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate EGR1-mediated METTL3/m6A/CHI3L1 axis in osteoporosis. METHODS Ovariectomy (OVX) was performed on mice to induce osteoporosis, followed by μ-CT scanning of femurs, histological staining, immunohistochemistry analysis of MMP9 and NFATc1, and ELISA of serum BGP, ALP, Ca, and CTXI. The isolated mouse bone marrow mononuclear macrophages (BMMs) were differentiated into osteoclasts under cytokine stimulation. TRAP staining was performed to quantify osteoclasts. The levels of Nfatc1, c-Fos, Acp5, and Ctsk in osteoclasts, m6A level, and the relationships among EGR1, METTL3, and CHI3L1 were analyzed. RESULTS The EGR1/METTL3/CHI3L1 levels and m6A level were upregulated in osteoporotic mice and the derived BMMs. EGR1 was a transcription factor of METTL3. METTL3 promoted the post-transcriptional regulation of CHI3L1 by increasing m6A methylation. EGR1 downregulation reduced BMMs-differentiated osteoclasts and alleviated OVX-induced osteoporosis by regulating the METTL3/m6A/CHI3L1 axis. CONCLUSION EGR1 promotes METTL3 transcription and increases m6A-modified CHI3L1 level, thereby stimulating osteoclast differentiation and osteoporosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, PR China.
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, PR China
| | - Rongsheng Chen
- Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, PR China
| | - Xitian Zhu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, PR China
| | - Nancheng Lian
- Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, PR China
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2
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Li J, Yu C, Ni S, Duan Y. Identification of Core Genes and Screening of Potential Targets in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. Front Genet 2022; 13:864100. [PMID: 35711934 PMCID: PMC9196128 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.864100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), characterized by diverse pathological changes, causes low back pain (LBP). However, prophylactic and delaying treatments for IDD are limited. The aim of our study was to investigate the gene network and biomarkers of IDD and suggest potential therapeutic targets. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IDD were identified by analyzing the mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA expression profiles of IDD cases from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis as well as miRNA–lncRNA–mRNA networks were conducted. Moreover, we obtained 71 hub genes and performed a comprehensive analysis including GO, KEGG, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), Disease Ontology (DO), methylation analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and potential drug identification. We finally used qRT-PCR to verify 13 significant DEGs in normal and degenerative nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Results: We identified 305 DEGs closely related to IDD. The GO and KEGG analyses indicated that changes in IDD are significantly associated with enrichment of the inflammatory and immune response. GSEA analysis suggested that cell activation involved in the inflammatory immune response amide biosynthetic process was the key for the development of IDD. The GSVA suggested that DNA repair, oxidative phosphorylation, peroxisome, IL-6-JAK-STAT3 signaling, and apoptosis were crucial in the development of IDD. Among the 71 hub genes, the methylation levels of 11 genes were increased in IDD. A total of twenty genes showed a high functional similarity and diagnostic value in IDD. The result of the immune cell infiltration analysis indicated that seven genes were closely related to active natural killer cells. The most relevant targeted hub genes for potential drug or molecular compounds were MET and PIK3CD. Also, qRT-PCR results showed that ARHGAP27, C15orf39, DEPDC1, DHRSX, MGAM, SLC11A1, SMC4, and LINC00887 were significantly downregulated in degenerative NPCs; H19, LINC00685, mir-185-5p, and mir-4306 were upregulated in degenerative NPCs; and the expression level of mir-663a did not change significantly in normal and degenerative NPCs. Conclusion: Our findings may provide new insights into the functional characteristics and mechanism of IDD and aid the development of IDD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songjia Ni
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Duan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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3
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Zhong H, Yang C, Gao Y, Cao P, Tian Y, Shen X, Wang R, Xu C, Chen H, Yuan W. PERK signaling activation restores nucleus pulposus degeneration by activating autophagy under hypoxia environment. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:341-353. [PMID: 34767959 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is an important disease with no efficient biological therapy identified. Autophagy, a wildly known therapeutic target for human disease, has been demonstrated to be activated under hypoxia, with underlying mechanism remains elusive. Thus, this study aims to specify the role of autophagy in IVD degeneration, the regulating mechanism of hypoxia-inducing autophagy, and the therapeutic value of autophagy for IVD degeneration. METHODS RNA-seq was used to screen the primary pathway affected in NP cells under hypoxia, the specific link between hypoxia and autophagy were investigated using ChIP-seq and dual luciferase reporter assay. Conditional ATG7 knockout mice (ATG7-/-) were constructed for assessing the effect of autophagy on IVD degeneration, and puncture induced mice model of IVD degeneration were used for intradiscal injection to evaluate the therapeutic value of autophagy. RESULTS We demonstrated that hypoxia induces autophagy by transcriptional activation of autophagic gene LC3B and ATG7, which is controlled by PERK signaling. Then, we observed that inhibiting autophagy or PERK signaling leads to impaired NP cell viability and function, furthermore, using ATG7 knockout (ATG7-/-) mice, we identified the protective role of autophagy in IVD. Furthermore, we found that intradiscal injection of PERK signaling agonist, CCT020312, significantly restores the degeneration level of needle punctured mice IVD. CONCLUSION We showed that the activation of PERK signaling upon hypoxia serves as a vital mechanism to induce autophagy and identified the therapeutic value of PERK signaling agonist for IVD degeneration treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Zhong
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - C Yang
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Gao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - P Cao
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Tian
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - X Shen
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - R Wang
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - C Xu
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - H Chen
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - W Yuan
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Theocharidis G, Thomas BE, Sarkar D, Mumme HL, Pilcher WJR, Dwivedi B, Sandoval-Schaefer T, Sîrbulescu RF, Kafanas A, Mezghani I, Wang P, Lobao A, Vlachos IS, Dash B, Hsia HC, Horsley V, Bhasin SS, Veves A, Bhasin M. Single cell transcriptomic landscape of diabetic foot ulcers. Nat Commun 2022; 13:181. [PMID: 35013299 PMCID: PMC8748704 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a devastating complication of diabetes whose pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, we profile 174,962 single cells from the foot, forearm, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells using single-cell RNA sequencing. Our analysis shows enrichment of a unique population of fibroblasts overexpressing MMP1, MMP3, MMP11, HIF1A, CHI3L1, and TNFAIP6 and increased M1 macrophage polarization in the DFU patients with healing wounds. Further, analysis of spatially separated samples from the same patient and spatial transcriptomics reveal preferential localization of these healing associated fibroblasts toward the wound bed as compared to the wound edge or unwounded skin. Spatial transcriptomics also validates our findings of higher abundance of M1 macrophages in healers and M2 macrophages in non-healers. Our analysis provides deep insights into the wound healing microenvironment, identifying cell types that could be critical in promoting DFU healing, and may inform novel therapeutic approaches for DFU treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Theocharidis
- The Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics and Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beena E Thomas
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics and Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Debasree Sarkar
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics and Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hope L Mumme
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics and Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William J R Pilcher
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics and Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bhakti Dwivedi
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Ruxandra F Sîrbulescu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonios Kafanas
- Lincoln County Hospital, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, Scunthorpe, UK
| | - Ikram Mezghani
- The Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics and Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peng Wang
- The Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics and Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonio Lobao
- The Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics and Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ioannis S Vlachos
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Biraja Dash
- Yale Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-Wound Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Henry C Hsia
- Yale Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-Wound Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Valerie Horsley
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Swati S Bhasin
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics and Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aristidis Veves
- The Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics and Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Manoj Bhasin
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics and Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Panebianco CJ, Dave A, Charytonowicz D, Sebra R, Iatridis JC. Single-cell RNA-sequencing atlas of bovine caudal intervertebral discs: Discovery of heterogeneous cell populations with distinct roles in homeostasis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21919. [PMID: 34591994 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101149r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Back and neck pain are significant healthcare burdens that are commonly associated with pathologies of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The poor understanding of the cellular heterogeneity within the IVD makes it difficult to develop regenerative IVD therapies. To address this gap, we developed an atlas of bovine (Bos taurus) caudal IVDs using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). Unsupervised clustering resolved 15 unique clusters, which we grouped into the following annotated partitions: nucleus pulposus (NP), outer annulus fibrosus (oAF), inner AF (iAF), notochord, muscle, endothelial, and immune cells. Analyzing the pooled gene expression profiles of the NP, oAF, and iAF partitions allowed us to identify novel markers for NP (CP, S100B, H2AC18, SNORC, CRELD2, PDIA4, DNAJC3, CHCHD7, and RCN2), oAF (IGFBP6, CTSK, LGALS1, and CCN3), and iAF (MGP, COMP, SPP1, GSN, SOD2, DCN, FN1, TIMP3, WDR73, and GAL) cells. Network analysis on subpopulations of NP and oAF cells determined that clusters NP1, NP2, NP4, and oAF1 displayed gene expression profiles consistent with cell survival, suggesting these clusters may uniquely support viability under the physiological stresses of the IVD. Clusters NP3, NP5, oAF2, and oAF3 expressed various extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated genes, suggesting their role in maintaining IVD structure. Lastly, transcriptional entropy and pseudotime analyses found that clusters NP3 and NP1 had the most stem-like gene expression signatures of the NP partition, implying these clusters may contain IVD progenitor cells. Overall, results highlight cell type diversity within the IVD, and these novel cell phenotypes may enhance our understanding of IVD development, homeostasis, degeneration, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Panebianco
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Arpit Dave
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Charytonowicz
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert Sebra
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomics Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Sema4, a Mount Sinai venture, Stamford, Connecticut, USA
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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6
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Song Y, Hao D, Jiang H, Huang M, Du Q, Lin Y, Liu F, Chen B. Nrf2 Regulates CHI3L1 to Suppress Inflammation and Improve Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:4079-4088. [PMID: 34466014 PMCID: PMC8403022 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s310831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is an inflammatory condition that occurs following mechanical joint trauma and that results in joint degeneration. This study sought to evaluate the regulatory function of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in a murine model of anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced PTOA and in an in vitro model of synoviocyte inflammation induced by LPS treatment with the goal of exploring the role of chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) in this pathogenic context. Methods PTOA model mice were intra-articularly injected with Nrf2 overexpression lentiviral vector, and safranin O-fast green staining as well as the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Scoring System were used to evaluate the severity of cartilage damage. Protein expression in the synovial tissue was evaluated by Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and ELISA. Additionally, murine synoviocytes were infected with Nrf2 overexpression lentivirus and stimulated with LPS. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA. ROS levels were measured using dihydroethidium (DHE) dye. Results We determined that the overexpression of Nrf2 was sufficient to reduce cartilage degradation in the context of PTOA in vivo, and we observed a significant decrease in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) in the articular cartilage of samples from mice overexpressing Nrf2 relative to control mice. Synovial CHI3L1 expression and serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were reduced in animals overexpressing this transcription factor relative to PTOA model controls. Consistent with these findings, murine synoviocytes treated with LPS exhibited dose-dependent increases in ROS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Nrf2, and CHI3L1 levels, whereas Nrf2 overexpression was sufficient to suppress these increases. Conclusion Our data indicated that Nrf2 negatively regulates CHI3L1, suggesting that this signaling axis may regulate PTOA progression and may thus be a viable therapeutic target in individuals affected by this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.,Division of Traumatology and Joint, Department of Orthopaedics, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, People's Republic of China
| | - Dake Hao
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Huan Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingguang Huang
- Division of Traumatology and Joint, Department of Orthopaedics, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingjun Du
- Division of Traumatology and Joint, Department of Orthopaedics, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Lin
- Division of Traumatology and Joint, Department of Orthopaedics, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Liu
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Chen
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
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7
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Gan Y, He J, Zhu J, Xu Z, Wang Z, Yan J, Hu O, Bai Z, Chen L, Xie Y, Jin M, Huang S, Liu B, Liu P. Spatially defined single-cell transcriptional profiling characterizes diverse chondrocyte subtypes and nucleus pulposus progenitors in human intervertebral discs. Bone Res 2021; 9:37. [PMID: 34400611 PMCID: PMC8368097 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-021-00163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms underlying the development, homeostasis, and disease of human intervertebral disks (IVDs) remains challenging. Here, the transcriptomic landscape of 108 108 IVD cells was mapped using single-cell RNA sequencing of three main compartments from young and adult healthy IVDs, including the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate (CEP). The chondrocyte subclusters were classified based on their potential regulatory, homeostatic, and effector functions in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Notably, in the NP, a PROCR+ resident progenitor population showed enriched colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) activity and trilineage differentiation capacity. Finally, intercellular crosstalk based on signaling network analysis uncovered that the PDGF and TGF-β cascades are important cues in the NP microenvironment. In conclusion, a single-cell transcriptomic atlas that resolves spatially regulated cellular heterogeneity together with the critical signaling that underlies homeostasis will help to establish new therapeutic strategies for IVD degeneration in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Gan
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China ,grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jian He
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengyang Xu
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Yan
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ou Hu
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhijie Bai
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yangli Xie
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Min Jin
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Liu
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China ,grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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8
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Gan Y, He J, Zhu J, Xu Z, Wang Z, Yan J, Hu O, Bai Z, Chen L, Xie Y, Jin M, Huang S, Liu B, Liu P. Spatially defined single-cell transcriptional profiling characterizes diverse chondrocyte subtypes and nucleus pulposus progenitors in human intervertebral discs. Bone Res 2021; 9:37. [PMID: 34400611 PMCID: PMC8368097 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-021-00163-z+10.1038/s41413-021-00163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms underlying the development, homeostasis, and disease of human intervertebral disks (IVDs) remains challenging. Here, the transcriptomic landscape of 108 108 IVD cells was mapped using single-cell RNA sequencing of three main compartments from young and adult healthy IVDs, including the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate (CEP). The chondrocyte subclusters were classified based on their potential regulatory, homeostatic, and effector functions in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Notably, in the NP, a PROCR+ resident progenitor population showed enriched colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) activity and trilineage differentiation capacity. Finally, intercellular crosstalk based on signaling network analysis uncovered that the PDGF and TGF-β cascades are important cues in the NP microenvironment. In conclusion, a single-cell transcriptomic atlas that resolves spatially regulated cellular heterogeneity together with the critical signaling that underlies homeostasis will help to establish new therapeutic strategies for IVD degeneration in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Gan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengyang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ou Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhijie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yangli Xie
- Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Min Jin
- Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
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9
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Spatially defined single-cell transcriptional profiling characterizes diverse chondrocyte subtypes and nucleus pulposus progenitors in human intervertebral discs. Bone Res 2021; 9:37. [PMID: 34400611 PMCID: PMC8368097 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-021-00163-z 10.1038/s41413-021-00163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms underlying the development, homeostasis, and disease of human intervertebral disks (IVDs) remains challenging. Here, the transcriptomic landscape of 108 108 IVD cells was mapped using single-cell RNA sequencing of three main compartments from young and adult healthy IVDs, including the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate (CEP). The chondrocyte subclusters were classified based on their potential regulatory, homeostatic, and effector functions in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Notably, in the NP, a PROCR+ resident progenitor population showed enriched colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) activity and trilineage differentiation capacity. Finally, intercellular crosstalk based on signaling network analysis uncovered that the PDGF and TGF-β cascades are important cues in the NP microenvironment. In conclusion, a single-cell transcriptomic atlas that resolves spatially regulated cellular heterogeneity together with the critical signaling that underlies homeostasis will help to establish new therapeutic strategies for IVD degeneration in the clinic.
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10
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Xia B, Xing J, Ai Q, Li H, Xu M, Hou T. [Expression profile of intervertebral disc degeneration-specific genes: a transcriptome sequencing-based analysis]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:883-890. [PMID: 34238741 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.06.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify new therapeutic targets for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) by analyzing gene variations in IDD. OBJECTIVE We analyzed surgical samples of intervertebral disc from 4 patients with IDD and 3 patients with non-IDD using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in IDD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were utilized for gene enrichment studies to acquire the key genes and signal pathways during IDD progression. The differential expressions of the identified genes in IDD were validated in clinical samples with qRT-PCR. OBJECTIVE The transcriptome profile revealed 512 significant DEGs, which were enriched in terms of keratinization, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, growth factor binding, and inflammatory chemotaxis in GO analysis. The top 10 terms of KEGG enrichment included amoebiasis, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TNF signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway. Thirteen DEGs selected as the targets for qRT-PCR validation showed significant differential expressions in IDD (P < 0.001), and their expression trends were all consistent with the results of RNA-seq. Among these genes, 10 genes showed significant intergroup fold change (Log2FoldChange>1). OBJECTIVE ECM, growth factors, collagen components, inflammatory chemokines and such signal pathways as TNF-α and PI3K-Akt all have important contributions to IDD progression and may thus serve as new therapeutic targets for treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - J Xing
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Q Ai
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - H Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - M Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - T Hou
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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11
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Li L, Wei K, Ding Y, Ahati P, Xu H, Fang H, Wang H. M2a Macrophage-Secreted CHI3L1 Promotes Extracellular Matrix Metabolic Imbalances via Activation of IL-13Rα2/MAPK Pathway in Rat Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:666361. [PMID: 34168643 PMCID: PMC8217759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.666361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of macrophages in degenerated discs is a common phenomenon. However, the roles and mechanisms of M2a macrophages in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) have not been illuminated. This study investigated the expression of the M2a macrophage marker (CD206) in human and rat intervertebral disc tissues by immunohistochemistry. To explore the roles of M2a macrophages in IDD, nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were co-cultured with M2a macrophages in vitro. To clarify whether the CHI3L1 protein mediates the effect of M2a macrophages on NP cells, siRNA was used to knock down CHI3L1 transcription. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, NP cells were incubated with recombinant CHI3L1 proteins, then subjected to western blotting analysis of the IL-13Rα2 receptor and MAPK pathway. CD206-positive cells were detected in degenerated human and rat intervertebral disc tissues. Notably, M2a macrophages promoted the expression of catabolism genes (MMP-3 and MMP-9) and suppressed the expression of anabolism genes (aggrecan and collagen II) in NP cells. These effects were abrogated by CHI3L1 knockdown in M2a macrophages. Exposure to recombinant CHI3L1 promoted an extracellular matrix metabolic imbalance in NP cells via the IL-13Rα2 receptor, along with activation of the ERK and JNK MAPK signaling pathways. This study elucidated the roles of M2a macrophages in IDD and identified potential mechanisms for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Ding
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Paerxiati Ahati
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoran Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huang Fang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Sun C, Zhang H, Wang X, Liu X. Ligamentum flavum fibrosis and hypertrophy: Molecular pathways, cellular mechanisms, and future directions. FASEB J 2020; 34:9854-9868. [PMID: 32608536 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000635r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum (LF), along with disk protrusion and facet joints degeneration, is associated with the development of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Of note, LF hypertrophy is deemed as an important cause of LSCS. Histologically, fibrosis is proved to be the main pathology of LF hypertrophy. Despite the numerous studies explored the mechanisms of LF fibrosis at the molecular and cellular levels, the exact mechanism remains unknown. It is suggested that pathophysiologic stimuli such as mechanical stress, aging, obesity, and some diseases are the causative factors. Then, many cytokines and growth factors secreted by LF cells and its surrounding tissues play different roles in activating the fibrotic response. Here, we summarize the current status of detailed knowledge available regarding the causative factors, pathology, molecular and cellular mechanisms implicated in LF fibrosis and hypertrophy, also focusing on the possible avenues for anti-fibrotic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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