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Li Z, Cheng W, Gao K, Liang S, Ke L, Wang M, Fan J, Li D, Zhang P, Xu Z, Li N. Pyroptosis: A spoiler of peaceful coexistence between cells in degenerative bone and joint diseases. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00247-9. [PMID: 38876191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.010] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As people age, degenerative bone and joint diseases (DBJDs) become more prevalent. When middle-aged and elderly people are diagnosed with one or more disorders such as osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA), and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), it often signals the onset of prolonged pain and reduced functionality. Chronic inflammation has been identified as the underlying cause of various degenerative diseases, including DBJDs. Recently, excessive activation of pyroptosis, a form of programed cell death (PCD) mediated by inflammasomes, has emerged as a primary driver of harmful chronic inflammation. Consequently, pyroptosis has become a potential target for preventing and treating DBJDs. AIM OF REVIEW This review explored the physiological and pathological roles of the pyroptosis pathway in bone and joint development and its relation to DBJDs. Meanwhile, it elaborated the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis within individual cell types in the bone marrow and joints, as well as the interplay among different cell types in the context of DBJDs. Furthermore, this review presented the latest compelling evidence supporting the idea of regulating the pyroptosis pathway for DBJDs treatment, and discussed the potential, limitations, and challenges of various therapeutic strategies involving pyroptosis regulation. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW In summary, an interesting identity for the unregulated pyroptosis pathway in the context of DBJDs was proposed in this review, which was undertaken as a spoiler of peaceful coexistence between cells in a degenerative environment. Over the extended course of DBJDs, pyroptosis pathway perpetuated its activity through crosstalk among pyroptosis cascades in different cell types, thus exacerbating the inflammatory environment throughout the entire bone marrow and joint degeneration environment. Correspondingly, pyroptosis regulation therapy emerged as a promising option for clinical treatment of DBJDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Li
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; Center for Translational Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenxiang Cheng
- Center for Translational Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Kuanhui Gao
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Songlin Liang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; Center for Translational Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liqing Ke
- Center for Translational Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mengjie Wang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jilin Fan
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Dandan Li
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen 518000, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518000 China; Shandong Zhongke Advanced Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan, 250300 China.
| | - Zhanwang Xu
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
| | - Nianhu Li
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Zhou T, Chen Y, Liao Z, Zhang L, Su D, Li Z, Yang X, Ke X, Liu H, Chen Y, Weng R, Shen H, Xu C, Wan Y, Xu R, Su P. Spatiotemporal Characterization of Human Early Intervertebral Disc Formation at Single-Cell Resolution. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206296. [PMID: 36965031 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) acts as a fibrocartilaginous joint to anchor adjacent vertebrae. Although several studies have demonstrated the cellular heterogeneity of adult mature IVDs, a single-cell transcriptomic atlas mapping early IVD formation is still lacking. Here, the authors generate a spatiotemporal and single cell-based transcriptomic atlas of human IVD formation at the embryonic stage and a comparative mouse transcript landscape. They identify two novel human notochord (NC)/nucleus pulposus (NP) clusters, SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10)+ and cathepsin K (CTSK)+ , that are distributed in the early and late stages of IVD formation and they are validated by lineage tracing experiments in mice. Matrisome NC/NP clusters, T-box transcription factor T (TBXT)+ and CTSK+ , are responsible for the extracellular matrix homeostasis. The IVD atlas suggests that a subcluster of the vertebral chondrocyte subcluster might give rise to an inner annulus fibrosus of chondrogenic origin, while the fibroblastic outer annulus fibrosus preferentially expresseds transgelin and fibromodulin . Through analyzing intercellular crosstalk, the authors further find that notochordal secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is a novel cue in the IVD microenvironment, and it is associated with IVD development and degeneration. In conclusion, the single-cell transcriptomic atlas will be leveraged to develop preventative and regenerative strategies for IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taifeng Zhou
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhiheng Liao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Long Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Deying Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics and State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhuling Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiaona Ke
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hengyu Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuyu Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ricong Weng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Huimin Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Caixia Xu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ren Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Peiqiang Su
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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Yurube T, Takeoka Y, Kanda Y, Ryosuke K, Kakutani K. Intervertebral disc cell fate during aging and degeneration: apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL (NASSJ) 2023; 14:100210. [PMID: 37090223 PMCID: PMC10113901 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Degenerative disc disease, a major cause of low back pain and associated neurological symptoms, is a global health problem with the high morbidity, workforce loss, and socioeconomic burden. The present surgical strategy of disc resection and/or spinal fusion results in the functional loss of load, shock absorption, and movement; therefore, the development of new biological therapies is demanded. This achievement requires the understanding of intervertebral disc cell fate during aging and degeneration. Methods Literature review was performed to clarify the current concepts and future perspectives of disc cell fate, focused on apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy. Results The intervertebral disc has a complex structure with the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF), and cartilage endplates. While the AF arises from the mesenchyme, the NP originates from the notochord. Human disc NP notochordal phenotype disappears in adolescence, accompanied with cell death induction and chondrocyte proliferation. Discs morphologically and biochemically degenerate from early childhood as well, thereby suggesting a possible involvement of cell fate including age-related phenotypic changes in the disease process. As the disc is the largest avascular organ in the body, nutrient deprivation is a suspected contributor to degeneration. During aging and degeneration, disc cells undergo senescence, irreversible growth arrest, producing proinflammatory cytokines and matrix-degradative enzymes. Excessive stress ultimately leads to programmed cell death including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Autophagy, the intracellular degradation and recycling system, plays a role in maintaining cell homeostasis. While the incidence of apoptosis and senescence increases with age and degeneration severity, autophagy can be activated earlier, in response to limited nutrition and inflammation, but impaired in aged, degenerated discs. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a signal integrator to determine disc cell fate. Conclusions Cell fate and microenvironmental regulation by modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is a potential biological treatment for degenerative disc disease.
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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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Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis of Cells from Degenerating and Non-Degenerating Intervertebral Discs from the Same Individual Reveals New Biomarkers for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073993. [PMID: 35409356 PMCID: PMC8999935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we used single-cell transcriptomic analysis to identify new specific biomarkers for nucleus pulposus (NP) and inner annulus fibrosis (iAF) cells, and to define cell populations within non-degenerating (nD) and degenerating (D) human intervertebral discs (IVD) of the same individual. Cluster analysis based on differential gene expression delineated 14 cell clusters. Gene expression profiles at single-cell resolution revealed the potential functional differences linked to degeneration, and among NP and iAF subpopulations. GO and KEGG analyses discovered molecular functions, biological processes, and transcription factors linked to cell type and degeneration state. We propose two lists of biomarkers, one as specific cell type, including C2orf40, MGP, MSMP, CD44, EIF1, LGALS1, RGCC, EPYC, HILPDA, ACAN, MT1F, CHI3L1, ID1, ID3 and TMED2. The second list proposes predictive IVD degeneration genes, including MT1G, SPP1, HMGA1, FN1, FBXO2, SPARC, VIM, CTGF, MGST1, TAF1D, CAPS, SPTSSB, S100A1, CHI3L2, PLA2G2A, TNRSF11B, FGFBP2, MGP, SLPI, DCN, MT-ND2, MTCYB, ADIRF, FRZB, CLEC3A, UPP1, S100A2, PRG4, COL2A1, SOD2 and MT2A. Protein and mRNA expression of MGST1, vimentin, SOD2 and SYF2 (p29) genes validated our scRNA-seq findings. Our data provide new insights into disc cells phenotypes and biomarkers of IVD degeneration that could improve diagnostic and therapeutic options.
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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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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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Wu ZL, Xie QQ, Liu TC, Yang X, Zhang GZ, Zhang HH. Role of the Wnt pathway in the formation, development, and degeneration of intervertebral discs. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 220:153366. [PMID: 33647863 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an age-related degenerative disease that is the main cause of low back pain. It seriously affects the quality of life of patients and places a heavy economic burden on families and society. The Wnt pathway plays an important role in the growth, development, and degeneration of intervertebral discs (IVDs). In the embryonic stage, the Wnt pathway participates in the growth and development of IVD by promoting the transformation of progenitor cells into notochord cells and the extension of the notochord. However, the activation of the Wnt pathway after birth promotes IVD cell senescence, apoptosis, and degradation of the extracellular matrix and induces the production of inflammatory factors, thereby accelerating the IVDD process. This article reviews the relationship between the Wnt pathway and IVD, emphasizing its influence on IVD growth, development, and degeneration. Targeting this pathway may become an effective strategy for the treatment of IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuo-Long Wu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Qi-Qi Xie
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Tai-Cong Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xing Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Guang-Zhi Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
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10
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Smit TH. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: The mechanobiology of differential growth. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1115. [PMID: 33392452 PMCID: PMC7770204 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been linked to neurological, genetic, hormonal, microbial, and environmental cues. Physically, however, AIS is a structural deformation, hence an adequate theory of etiology must provide an explanation for the forces involved. Earlier, we proposed differential growth as a possible mechanism for the slow, three-dimensional deformations observed in AIS. In the current perspective paper, the underlying mechanobiology of cells and tissues is explored. The musculoskeletal system is presented as a tensegrity-like structure, in which the skeletal compressive elements are stabilized by tensile muscles, ligaments, and fasciae. The upright posture of the human spine requires minimal muscular energy, resulting in less compression, and stability than in quadrupeds. Following Hueter-Volkmann Law, less compression allows for faster growth of vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The substantially larger intervertebral disc height observed in AIS patients suggests high intradiscal pressure, a condition favorable for notochordal cells; this promotes the production of proteoglycans and thereby osmotic pressure. Intradiscal pressure overstrains annulus fibrosus and longitudinal ligaments, which are then no longer able to remodel and grow, and consequently induce differential growth. Intradiscal pressure thus is proposed as the driver of AIS and may therefore be a promising target for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoor H. Smit
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryAmsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical CentresAmsterdamNetherlands
- Department of Medical BiologyAmsterdam University Medical CentresAmsterdamNetherlands
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11
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Antiaging Factor Klotho Retards the Progress of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration through the Toll-Like Receptor 4-NF- κB Pathway. Int J Cell Biol 2020; 2020:8319516. [PMID: 32256598 PMCID: PMC7106913 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8319516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiaging protein Klotho exhibits impressive properties of anti-inflammation, however is declined early after intervertebral disc injury, making Klotho restoration an attractive strategy of treating intervertebral disc inflammatory disorders. Here, we have found that Klotho is enriched in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and Klotho overexpression attenuates H2O2-induced acute inflammation essentially via suppressing Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The proinflammatory NF-κB signaling and cytokine expressions paralleled with Klotho repression and TLR4 elevation in both NP cells (H2O2 treatment) and rat intervertebral disc (needle puncture treatment). Overexpression of TLR4 downregulated expression of Klotho, whereas interfering TLR4 expression diminished the inhibitory effects of H2O2 on Klotho in NP cells. Consistently, Klotho knockdown by RNA interferences largely diminished the anti-inflammatory and intervertebral disc protective effects in an Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IDD) model. Thus, our study indicates that TLR4-NF-κB signaling and Klotho form a negative-feedback loop in NP cells. Also, we demonstrate that the expression of Klotho is regulated by the balance between upregulation and downregulation of TLR4-NF-κB signaling.
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12
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Yurube T, Ito M, Kakiuchi Y, Kuroda R, Kakutani K. Autophagy and mTOR signaling during intervertebral disc aging and degeneration. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1082. [PMID: 32211593 PMCID: PMC7084057 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative disc disease is a highly prevalent, global health problem that represents the primary cause of back pain and is associated with neurological disorders, including radiculopathy, myelopathy, and paralysis, resulting in worker disability and socioeconomic burdens. The intervertebral disc is the largest avascular organ in the body, and degeneration is suspected to be linked to nutritional deficiencies. Autophagy, the process through which cells self-digest and recycle damaged components, is an important cell survival mechanism under stress conditions, especially nutrient deprivation. Autophagy is negatively controlled by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that detects nutrient availability to trigger the activation of cell growth and protein synthesis pathways. Thus, resident disc cells may utilize autophagy and mTOR signaling to cope with harsh low-nutrient conditions, such as low glucose, low oxygen, and low pH. We performed rabbit and human disc cell and tissue studies to elucidate the involvement and roles played by autophagy and mTOR signaling in the intervertebral disc. In vitro serum and nutrient deprivation studies resulted in decreased disc cell proliferation and metabolic activity and increased apoptosis and senescence, in addition to increased autophagy. The selective RNA interference-mediated and pharmacological inhibition of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) was protective against inflammation-induced disc cellular apoptosis, senescence, and extracellular matrix catabolism, through the induction of autophagy and the activation of the Akt-signaling network. Although temsirolimus, a rapamycin derivative with improved water solubility, was the most effective mTORC1 inhibitor tested, dual mTOR inhibitors, capable of blocking multiple mTOR complexes, did not rescue disc cells. In vivo, high levels of mTOR-signaling molecule expression and phosphorylation were observed in human intermediately degenerated discs and decreased with age. A mechanistic understanding of autophagy and mTOR signaling can provide a basis for the development of biological therapies to treat degenerative disc disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yurube
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Masaaki Ito
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Yuji Kakiuchi
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Ryosuke Kuroda
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Kenichiro Kakutani
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
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13
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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [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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14
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Jin LY, Song XX, Li XF. The role of estrogen in intervertebral disc degeneration. Steroids 2020; 154:108549. [PMID: 31812622 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a main contributor to low back and radicular pain, which imposes heavy economic burdens on society. However, the etiology and mechanism of IVDD are complex and still not completely clear. In particular, the role of estrogen in IVDD has not received much attention in recent research, although estrogen plays a crucial role in the metabolic dysfunction of others musculoskeletal structures, such as bone, muscle, and tendon. In this review, we attempt to describe the role of estrogen in IVDD and to summarize the proposed mechanisms in vivo and in vitro, as well as, to outline several interesting questions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yu Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baoshan Branch of Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 1058, Huan Zheng Bei Rd, Shanghai 200444, China; Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xiao-Xing Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Lu, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Xin-Feng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baoshan Branch of Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 1058, Huan Zheng Bei Rd, Shanghai 200444, China.
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15
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Clouet J, Fusellier M, Camus A, Le Visage C, Guicheux J. Intervertebral disc regeneration: From cell therapy to the development of novel bioinspired endogenous repair strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 146:306-324. [PMID: 29705378 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP), frequently associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, is a major public health concern. LBP is currently managed by pharmacological treatments and, if unsuccessful, by invasive surgical procedures, which do not counteract the degenerative process. Considering that IVD cell depletion is critical in the degenerative process, the supplementation of IVD with reparative cells, associated or not with biomaterials, has been contemplated. Recently, the discovery of reparative stem/progenitor cells in the IVD has led to increased interest in the potential of endogenous repair strategies. Recruitment of these cells by specific signals might constitute an alternative strategy to cell transplantation. Here, we review the status of cell-based therapies for treating IVD degeneration and emphasize the current concept of endogenous repair as well as future perspectives. This review also highlights the challenges of the mobilization/differentiation of reparative progenitor cells through the delivery of biologics factors to stimulate IVD regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Clouet
- INSERM, UMR 1229, RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes F-44042, France; CHU Nantes, Pharmacie Centrale, PHU 11, Nantes F-44093, France; Université de Nantes, UFR Sciences Biologiques et Pharmaceutiques, Nantes F-44035, France; Université de Nantes, UFR Odontologie, Nantes F-44042, France
| | - Marion Fusellier
- INSERM, UMR 1229, RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes F-44042, France; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, CRIP, National Veterinary School (ONIRIS), Nantes F-44307, France
| | - Anne Camus
- INSERM, UMR 1229, RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes F-44042, France; Université de Nantes, UFR Odontologie, Nantes F-44042, France
| | - Catherine Le Visage
- INSERM, UMR 1229, RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes F-44042, France; Université de Nantes, UFR Odontologie, Nantes F-44042, France
| | - Jérôme Guicheux
- INSERM, UMR 1229, RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes F-44042, France; Université de Nantes, UFR Odontologie, Nantes F-44042, France; CHU Nantes, PHU4 OTONN, Nantes, F-44093, France.
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16
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Jaworski LM, Kleinhans KL, Jackson AR. Effects of Oxygen Concentration and Culture Time on Porcine Nucleus Pulposus Cell Metabolism: An in vitro Study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:64. [PMID: 31001527 PMCID: PMC6454860 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of individuals each year and is linked to degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the spine. Intervertebral disc degeneration is known to result from an imbalance in anabolic and catabolic activity by disc cells. Due to the avascular nature of the intervertebral disc, oxygen deficiency may occur in the central nucleus pulposus (NP). The resulting hypoxia affects matrix regulation and energy metabolism of disc cells, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigates in vitro glucose consumption and gene expression by NP cells over time under varying oxygen tensions. Notochordal porcine NP cells were cultured in agarose discs at 21, 5, or 1% oxygen tension for 1, 5, or 10 days. The expression of 10 key matrix genes, as well as Brachyury (T), by NP cells was analyzed using RT-PCR. Glucose consumption was measured using a two-point method. Results show that culture time and oxygen tension significantly affect glucose consumption rates by porcine NP cells. There were also significant changes in T expression based on oxygen level and culture time. The 1% oxygen tension had a significantly higher T expression on day 10 than the other two groups, which may indicate a better maintenance of the notochordal phenotype. MMP 1 and 13 expression increased over time for all groups, while only the 5% group showed an increase over time for MMP 3. TIMP expression followed the direction of MMPs but to a lesser magnitude. Five percent and twenty-one percent oxygen tensions led to decreases in anabolic gene expression while 1% led to increases. Oxygen concentration and culture time significantly impacted glucose consumption rate and the gene expression of matrix regulatory genes with hypoxic conditions most accurately maintaining the proper NP phenotype. This information is valuable not only for understanding disc pathophysiology, but also for harnessing the potential of notochordal NP cells in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas M Jaworski
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Kelsey L Kleinhans
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Alicia R Jackson
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
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17
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Abstract
Development of the axial skeleton is a complex, stepwise process that relies on intricate signaling and coordinated cellular differentiation. Disruptions to this process can result in a myriad of skeletal malformations that range in severity. The notochord and the sclerotome are embryonic tissues that give rise to the major components of the intervertebral discs and the vertebral bodies of the spinal column. Through a number of mouse models and characterization of congenital abnormalities in human patients, various growth factors, transcription factors, and other signaling proteins have been demonstrated to have critical roles in the development of the axial skeleton. Balance between opposing growth factors as well as other environmental cues allows for cell fate specification and divergence of tissue types during development. Furthermore, characterization of progenitor cells for specific cell lineages has furthered the understanding of specific spatiotemporal cues that cells need in order to initiate and complete development of distinct tissues. Identifying specific marker genes that can distinguish between the various embryonic and mature cell types is also of importance. Clinically, understanding developmental clues can aid in the generation of therapeutics for musculoskeletal disease through the process of developmental engineering. Studies into potential stem cell therapies are based on knowledge of the normal processes that occur in the embryo, which can then be applied to stepwise tissue engineering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosa Serra
- Department of Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
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18
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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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19
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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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20
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Amelot A, Mazel C. The Intervertebral Disc: Physiology and Pathology of a Brittle Joint. World Neurosurg 2018; 120:265-273. [PMID: 30218798 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc (ID) degeneration represents the number one cause for outpatient clinic visits worldwide. Mechanisms are discussed but not yet clearly established. Consequently, back pain management is commonly limited to symptomatic treatment therapies. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review is to evaluate major progress and to unravel the biology and pathology of ID discogenic pain. METHODS The design of this study is a systematic review. A literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases, with no time constraints to locate relevant literature. Significant articles (literature reviews, therapeutic essays, clinical-human-research studies, animal research, and laboratory research) on the intervertebral disc were identified and reviewed. The exclusion criteria were the following: case reports and clinical studies with <10 patients. RESULTS Through a dense review of the literature, the ID is deciphered and described as a fragile anatomic entity. For this systematic review, 132 studies were identified and 79 were retained. The main deterioration and alteration mechanisms that lead to the programmed death of the ID are summarized. In addition, the large variety of biological therapies that override surgical treatment are determined. CONCLUSIONS The degeneration mechanisms of the ID are well defined and decrypted. Although therapies have progressed, none has been effective. The regeneration of the ID remains highly challenging because of the complexity of its natural composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymeric Amelot
- Department of Neurosurgery, La Pitié Salpétrière Hospital, Paris, France; Sorbonne-University, UPMC, University Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Christian Mazel
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, L'Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
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21
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de Vries S, Doeselaar MV, Meij B, Tryfonidou M, Ito K. Notochordal Cell Matrix As a Therapeutic Agent for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration. Tissue Eng Part A 2018; 25:830-841. [PMID: 29739272 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Notochordal cells (NCs) reside in the core of the healthy disc and produce soluble factors that can stimulate nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). These NC-derived factors may be applied in intervertebral disc regeneration for treatment of low-back pain. However, identification of the active soluble factors is challenging. Therefore a novel approach to directly use porcine NC-rich NP matrix (NCM) is introduced. We explored porcine NCM's anabolic effects on bovine NPCs harvested from caudal discs of adolescent and adult (2-2.5 vs. 4-6 year old) cows. NC-conditioned medium (NCCM) and NCM were produced from porcine NC-rich NP tissue. Bovine NPCs were cultured in alginate beads for 4 weeks in base medium (BM), NCCM, and NCM to investigate NCM's regenerative potential. Porcine NCM increased glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of both adolescent and adult bovine NPCs. This was through increased proliferation of adolescent bovine NPCs, whereas in adult bovine NPCs, it was mostly through increased GAG production per NPC. Furthermore, adolescent bovine NPCs were cultured in BM and porcine NCM treated with interleukin (IL)-1β to investigate NCM's potential in an inflammatory environment. Addition of IL-1β enhanced IL1β and CXCL8 (IL8) gene expression, while NCM diminished IL1β gene expression. IL-1β reduced GAG and DNA content, but the addition of NCM relative to BM improved GAG and DNA content. Altogether, porcine NCM exerts bovine NPC-age dependent effects, and NCM's anabolic effect on adult NPCs is stronger compared with NCCM. Furthermore, porcine NCM induced an anabolic response of bovine NPCs in an inflammatory environment and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, NCM has potential in a regenerative therapy for disc degeneration, and warrants additional in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan de Vries
- 1 Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marina van Doeselaar
- 1 Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Björn Meij
- 2 Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna Tryfonidou
- 2 Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Keita Ito
- 1 Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,3 Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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22
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Thompson K, Moore S, Tang S, Wiet M, Purmessur D. The chondrodystrophic dog: A clinically relevant intermediate-sized animal model for the study of intervertebral disc-associated spinal pain. JOR Spine 2018; 1:e1011. [PMID: 29984354 PMCID: PMC6018624 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with an estimated 80% of the American population suffering from a painful back condition at some point during their lives. The most common cause of LBP is intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD), a condition that can be difficult to treat, either surgically or medically, with current available therapies. Thus, understanding the pathological mechanisms of IVDD and developing novel treatments are critical for improving outcome and quality of life in people living with LBP. While experimental animal models provide valuable mechanistic insight, each model has limitations that complicate translation to the clinical setting. This review focuses on the chondrodystrophic canine clinical model of IVDD as a promising model to assess IVD‐associated spinal pain and translational therapeutic strategies for LBP. The canine IVD, while smaller in size than human, goat, ovine, and bovine IVDs, is larger than most other small animal IVDD models and undergoes maturational changes similar to those of the human IVD. Furthermore, both dogs and humans develop painful IVDD as a spontaneous process, resulting in similar characteristic pathologies and clinical signs. Future exploration of the canine model as a model of IVD‐associated spinal pain and biological treatments using the canine clinical model will further demonstrate its translational capabilities with the added ethical benefit of treating an existing veterinary patient population with IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Thompson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Sarah Moore
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Shirley Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Matthew Wiet
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio.,Department of Orthopedics, College of Medicine The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
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Tang R, Jing L, Willard VP, Wu CL, Guilak F, Chen J, Setton LA. Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into nucleus pulposus-like cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018. [PMID: 29523190 PMCID: PMC5845143 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0797-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by an early decrease in cellularity of the nucleus pulposus (NP) region, and associated extracellular matrix changes, reduced hydration, and progressive degeneration. Cell-based IVD therapy has emerged as an area of great interest, with studies reporting regenerative potential for many cell sources, including autologous or allogeneic chondrocytes, primary IVD cells, and stem cells. Few approaches, however, have clear strategies to promote the NP phenotype, in part due to a limited knowledge of the defined markers and differentiation protocols for this lineage. Here, we developed a new protocol for the efficient differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into NP-like cells in vitro. This differentiation strategy derives from our knowledge of the embryonic notochordal lineage of NP cells as well as strategies used to support healthy NP cell phenotypes for primary cells in vitro. Methods An NP-genic phenotype of hiPSCs was promoted in undifferentiated hiPSCs using a stepwise, directed differentiation toward mesodermal, and subsequently notochordal, lineages via chemically defined medium and growth factor supplementation. Fluorescent cell imaging was used to test for pluripotency markers in undifferentiated cells. RT-PCR was used to test for potential cell lineages at the early stage of differentiation. Cells were checked for NP differentiation using immunohistochemistry and histological staining at the end of differentiation. To enrich notochordal progenitor cells, hiPSCs were transduced using lentivirus containing reporter constructs for transcription factor brachyury (T) promoter and green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence, and then sorted on T expression based on GFP intensity by flow cytometry. Results Periods of pellet culture following initial induction were shown to promote the vacuolated NP cell morphology and NP surface marker expression, including CD24, LMα5, and Basp1. Enrichment of brachyury (T) positive cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting was shown to further enhance the differentiation efficiency of NP-like cells. Conclusions The ability to efficiently differentiate human iPSCs toward NP-like cells may provide insights into the processes of NP cell differentiation and provide a cell source for the development of new therapies for IVD diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0797-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhang Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Shriners Hospitals for Children-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Liufang Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | - Chia-Lung Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Shriners Hospitals for Children-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Farshid Guilak
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Shriners Hospitals for Children-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.,Cytex Therapeutics, Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lori A Setton
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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A selective inhibition of c-Fos/activator protein-1 as a potential therapeutic target for intervertebral disc degeneration and associated pain. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16983. [PMID: 29208967 PMCID: PMC5717052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17289-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain. The transcription factor c-Fos/Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) controls the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that contribute to the pathogenesis IVD degeneration. We investigated the effects of inhibition of c-Fos/AP-1 on IVD degeneration and associated pain. A selective inhibitor, T-5224, significantly suppressed the interleukin-1β-induced up-regulation of Mmp-3, Mmp-13 and Adamts-5 transcription in human nucleus pulposus cells and in a mouse explant culture model of IVD degeneration. We used a tail disc percutaneous needle puncture method to further assess the effects of oral administration of T-5224 on IVD degeneration. Analysis of disc height, T2-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and histology revealed that IVD degeneration was significantly mitigated by T-5224. Further, oral administration of T-5224 ameliorated pain as indicated by the extended tail-flick latency in response to heat stimulation of rats with needle-puncture-induced IVD degeneration. These findings suggest that the inhibition of c-Fos/AP-1 prevents disc degeneration and its associated pain and that T-5224 may serve as a drug for the prevention of IVD degeneration.
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Bedside to bench and back to bedside: Translational implications of targeted intervertebral disc therapeutics. J Orthop Translat 2017; 10:18-27. [PMID: 29662757 PMCID: PMC5822961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal pain and associated disability is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide that has a strong association with degenerative disc disease (DDD). DDD can begin in early–late adolescence and has a variable course. Biologically based therapies to treat DDD face significant challenges posed by the unique milieu of the environment within the intervertebral discs. Many potential promising therapies are still in the early stages of development with a hostile microenvironment within the disc presenting unique challenges. The translational potential of this article: Patient selection, reasonable therapeutic goals, approach, and timing will need to be discerned in order to successfully translate potential therapeutics.
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Mehrkens A, Matta A, Karim MZ, Kim S, Fehlings MG, Schaeren S, Mark Erwin W. Notochordal cell-derived conditioned medium protects human nucleus pulposus cells from stress-induced apoptosis. Spine J 2017; 17:579-588. [PMID: 28089818 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Degenerative disc disease (DDD) remains without an effective therapy and presents a costly burden to society. PURPOSE Based upon prior reports concerning the effects of notochordal cell-conditioned medium (NCCM) on disc cells, we performed a proof of principle study to determine whether NCCM could reduce cytotoxic stress-induced apoptosis in human disc nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This is an "in vitro" fundamental or basic science study. METHODS Nucleus pulpous cells derived from 15 patients undergoing spinal surgery were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β and Fas ligand or etoposide in the presence of NCCM. We determined pro- or antiapoptotic events using activated caspase assays and determined genomic regulation of apoptosis using polymerase chain reaction arrays validated using Western blotting methods. We interrogated cellular apoptotic regulation using JC-1 dye and flow cytometry and performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to evaluate NP inflammatory cytokine secretion. RESULTS Notochordal cell-conditioned medium inhibits cytotoxic stress-induced caspase-9 and -3/7 activities and maintains the mitochondrial membrane potential in human NP cells, thereby suppressing the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Gene expression analysis revealed the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein as a key player responsible for evading etoposide-induced apoptosis in the presence of NCCM, and we verified these data using Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed distinct differences in IL-6 and IL-8 secretions by NP cells in response to etoposide in the presence of NCCM. CONCLUSIONS Here we demonstrate for the first time that NCCM reduces cytotoxic stress-induced apoptosis in human NP cells. Soluble factors present in NCCM could be harnessed for the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of DDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Mehrkens
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Spine Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstr. 21, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ajay Matta
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Muhammad Zia Karim
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Sarah Kim
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Stefan Schaeren
- Spine Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstr. 21, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - William Mark Erwin
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Division of Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario M2H 3J1, Canada.
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Bai XD, Li XC, Chen JH, Guo ZM, Hou LS, Wang DL, He Q, Ruan DK. * Coculture with Partial Digestion Notochordal Cell-Rich Nucleus Pulposus Tissue Activates Degenerative Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2017; 23:837-846. [PMID: 28145804 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggested that notochordal cells (NCs) and NC-conditioned medium (NCCM) can stimulate cell viability and matrix production of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). However, the potential of notochordal cell-rich nucleus pulposus (NRNP) incorporating the native environment of the intervertebral disc (IVD) has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to develop an optimal NRNP model and test whether it can allow a significant level of NPC activation in vitro. Rabbit NRNP explants were divided into three groups according to different digestion time: digestion NRNP of 8 h, partial digestion NRNP of 2 h, and natural NRNP. Cell viability and NC phenotype were compared between these groups after 14 days of incubation. The products of the selected partial digestion NRNP group were then cocultured with human degenerated NPCs for 14 days. NPC viability, cell proliferation and senescence, the production of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) found in extracellular matrix, and NP matrix production by NPCs were assessed. The results showed that coculturing with partial digestion NRNP significantly improved the cell proliferation, cell senescence, and disc matrix gene expression of NPCs compared with those in the monoculture group. In addition, GAG/DNA ratio in the coculture group increased significantly, while the level of collagen II protein remained unchanged. In this study, we demonstrated that partial digestion NRNP may show a promising potential for NPC regeneration in IVD tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Dong Bai
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital , Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Chuan Li
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital , Beijing, People's Republic of China
- 2 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gaozhou People's Hospital , Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Hai Chen
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital , Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Ming Guo
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital , Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Sheng Hou
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital , Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Li Wang
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital , Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing He
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital , Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Di-Ke Ruan
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital , Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Arkesteijn ITM, Potier E, Ito K. The Regenerative Potential of Notochordal Cells in a Nucleus Pulposus Explant. Global Spine J 2017; 7:14-20. [PMID: 28451504 PMCID: PMC5400162 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1583174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN In vitro disk explant culture. OBJECTIVE Notochordal cells (NCs) have been shown to upregulate matrix production by nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in coculture. To examine the translation of these in vitro results to a nativelike setting, the regenerative potential of NCs injected into NP tissue was assessed in this study. METHODS NP explants were cultured after injection with NCs in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or with PBS alone (sham). At days 0 and 42, cell viability and morphology, water, DNA, sulfated glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline content, and gene expression of anabolic markers were analyzed. RESULTS NCs remained viable during culture, but their morphology changed. The biochemical content remained unchanged, except for the DNA content in the NC group. Overall ACAN expression remained unchanged, whereas COL2A1 decreased during culture. CONCLUSIONS No overall anabolic response was observed when NCs were injected into NP explants. NCs were found to survive but did not display the typical NC morphology by the end of the culture period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene T. M. Arkesteijn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Potier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands,Department of Osteoarticular Bioengineering and Bioimaging, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Keita Ito
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands,Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Address for correspondence Keita Ito, MD, ScD, Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, GEM-Z 4.115, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands (e-mail: )
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29
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Oestrogen and parathyroid hormone alleviate lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration in ovariectomized rats and enhance Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27521. [PMID: 27279629 PMCID: PMC4899752 DOI: 10.1038/srep27521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the mitigation effect and mechanism of oestrogen and PTH on disc degeneration in rats after ovariectomy, as well as on Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, thirty 3-month-old rats were ovariectomized and divided into three groups. Ten additional rats were used as controls. Eight weeks later, the rats were administered oestrogen or PTH for 12 weeks, and then discs were collected for tests. Results showed that nucleus pulposus cells in the Sham group were mostly notochord cells, while in the OVX group, cells gradually developed into chondrocyte-like cells. Oestrogen or PTH could partly recover the notochord cell number. After ovariectomy, the endplate roughened and endplate porosity decreased. After oestrogen or PTH treatment, the smoothness and porosity of endplate recovered. Compared with the Sham group, Aggrecan, Col2a and Wnt/β-catenin pathway expression in OVX group decreased, and either oestrogen or PTH treatment improved their expression. The biomechanical properties of intervertebral disc significantly changed after ovariectomy, and oestrogen or PTH treatment partly recovered them. Disc degeneration occurred with low oestrogen, and the underlying mechanisms involve nutrition supply disorders, cell type changes and decreased Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. Oestrogen and PTH can retard disc degeneration in OVX rats and enhance Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity in nucleus pulposus.
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30
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Müller S, Acevedo L, Wang X, Karim MZ, Matta A, Mehrkens A, Schaeren S, Feliciano S, Jakob M, Martin I, Barbero A, Erwin WM. Notochordal cell conditioned medium (NCCM) regenerates end-stage human osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes and promotes a healthy phenotype. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:125. [PMID: 27255741 PMCID: PMC4890286 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Notochordal cell conditioned medium (NCCM) derived from non-chondrodystrophic dogs has pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic effects upon nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Here, for the first time, we assessed the ability of NCCM to influence the production of extracellular matrix and inflammatory proteins by healthy and osteoarthritic human chondrocytes within engineered cartilage tissues. We hypothesized that, similar to its action on NP cells, NCCM exerts metabolic and anti-catabolic effects on human articular chondrocytes and has the potential to significantly counteract inflammatory mediators. Methods Chondrocytes from nine non-osteoarthritic patients and from six osteoarthritic (OA) donors at the time of total knee arthroplasty were chondro-differentiated in pellets for 2 weeks. Non-OA pellets were exposed for 72 hours to IL-1β/TNF-α and then cultured up to 14 days in 2 % FBS-supplemented NCCM or 2 % FBS-supplemented medium (control (ctr)). OA pellets were cultured in NCCM or ctr medium without pro-inflammatory treatment. Tissues after each culture phase were analyzed biochemically (GAG/DNA), (immuno-) histologically (collagen I, II and GAG) and by Western blotting. Supernatants were analyzed by ELISA. Results Response to NCCM was age and disease dependent with healthy chondrocyte pellets (from donors >55 years of age) recovering their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents to baseline levels only with NCCM. OA pellets treated with NCCM significantly increased GAG content (1.8-fold) and levels of hyaluronic acid link protein (HAPLN), fibromodulin and SOX-9. The catabolic proteins (matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13) and pro-inflammatory enzyme levels (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)) were markedly reduced and there was significantly reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines (IL-6 and IL-8). Conclusions NCCM restores cartilage matrix production of end-stage human OA chondrocytes towards a healthy phenotype and suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators. Harnessing the necessary and sufficient factors within NCCM that confers chondroprotection and regenerative effects could lead to a minimally invasive agent for treatment of degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-1026-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Müller
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Divisions of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Street, KDT5-407, Toronto, ON, M5K 1K2, Canada
| | - Lina Acevedo
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Divisions of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Street, KDT5-407, Toronto, ON, M5K 1K2, Canada
| | - M Zia Karim
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Divisions of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Street, KDT5-407, Toronto, ON, M5K 1K2, Canada
| | - Ajay Matta
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Divisions of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Street, KDT5-407, Toronto, ON, M5K 1K2, Canada
| | - Arne Mehrkens
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Spine Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schaeren
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Spine Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Feliciano
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Jakob
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Martin
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Barbero
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - W Mark Erwin
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Divisions of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Street, KDT5-407, Toronto, ON, M5K 1K2, Canada.
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de Vries SAH, van Doeselaar M, Meij BP, Tryfonidou MA, Ito K. The Stimulatory Effect of Notochordal Cell-Conditioned Medium in a Nucleus Pulposus Explant Culture. Tissue Eng Part A 2015; 22:103-10. [PMID: 26421447 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2015.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Notochordal cell-conditioned medium (NCCM) has previously shown to have a stimulatory effect on nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in alginate and pellet cultures. These culture methods provide a different environment than the nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue, in which the NCCM ultimately should exert its effect. The objective of this study is to test whether NCCM stimulates NPCs within their native environment, and whether combined stimulation with NCCM and addition of BMSCs has a synergistic effect on extracellular matrix production. METHODS Bovine NP tissue was cultured in an artificial annulus in base medium (BM), porcine NCCM, or BM supplemented with 1 μg/mL Link N. Furthermore, BM and NCCM samples were injected with 10(6) BMSCs per NP sample. Samples were cultured for 4 weeks, and analyzed for biochemical contents (water, glycosaminoglycan [GAG], hydroxyproline, and DNA), gene expression (COL1A1, COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX9), and histology by Safranin O/Fast Green staining. RESULTS Culture in NCCM resulted in increased proteoglycan content compared to day 0 and BM, similar to Link N. However, only minor differences in gene expression compared to day 0 were observed. Addition of BMSCs did not result in increased GAG content, and surprisingly, DNA content in BMSC-injected groups was not higher than in the other groups after 4 weeks of culture. DISCUSSION This study shows that, indeed, NCCM is capable of stimulating NPC matrix production within the NP environment. The lack of increased DNA content in the BMSC-injected groups indicates that BMSCs have died over time. Identification of the bioactive factors in NCCM is crucial for further development of an NCCM-based treatment for intervertebral disc regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan A H de Vries
- 1 Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology , Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marina van Doeselaar
- 1 Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology , Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Björn P Meij
- 2 Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna A Tryfonidou
- 2 Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Keita Ito
- 1 Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology , Eindhoven, The Netherlands .,3 Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Potier E, Ito K. Can notochordal cells promote bone marrow stromal cell potential for nucleus pulposus enrichment? A simplified in vitro system. Tissue Eng Part A 2015; 20:3241-51. [PMID: 24873993 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have shown promising potential to stop intervertebral disc degeneration in several animal models. In order to restore a healthy state, though, this potential should be further stimulated. Notochordal cells (NCs), influential in disc development, have been shown to stimulate BMSC differentiation, but it is unclear how this effect will translate in an environment where resident disc cells (nucleus pulposus cells [NPCs]) could also influence BMSCs. The goal of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effects of NCs on BMSCs when cocultured with NPCs, in a simplified 3D in vitro system. Bovine BMSCs and NPCs were mixed (Mix) and seeded into alginate beads. Using culture inserts, the Mix was then cocultured with porcine NCs (alginate beads) and compared to coculture with empty beads or porcine skin fibroblasts (SFs, alginate beads). NPCs alone were also cocultured with NCs, and BMSCs alone cultured under chondrogenic conditions. The effects of coculture conditions on cell viability, matrix production (proteoglycan and collagen), and gene expression of disc markers (aggrecan, type II collagen, and SOX9) were assessed after 4 weeks of culture. The NC phenotype and gene expression profile were also analyzed. Coculture with NCs did not significantly influence cell viability, proteoglycan production, or disc marker gene expression of the Mix. When compared to NPCs, the Mix produced the same amount of proteoglycan and displayed a higher expression of disc marker, indicating a stimulation of the BMSCs (and/or NPCs) in the Mix. Additionally, during the 4 weeks of culture, the NC phenotype changed drastically (morphology, gene expression profile). These results show that NCs might not be as stimulatory for BMSCs in an NPC-rich environment, as believed from individual cultures. This absence of effects could be explained by a mild stimulation provided by (de)differentiating NCs and the costimulation of BMSCs and NPCs by each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Potier
- 1 Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology , Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Chen L, Liao J, Klineberg E, Leung VYL, Huang S. Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs): characteristics and function in the intervertebral disc. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2015; 11:602-608. [PMID: 26370612 DOI: 10.1002/term.2067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Chen
- Research Centre for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration; Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science; Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Jingwen Liao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
| | - Eric Klineberg
- Department of Orthopaedics; University of California at Davis; Sacramento California USA
| | - Victor YL Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong
| | - Shishu Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; West China Hospital; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University; Chengdu China
- Research Centre for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration; Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science; Shenzhen 518055 China
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Corallo D, Trapani V, Bonaldo P. The notochord: structure and functions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2989-3008. [PMID: 25833128 PMCID: PMC11114051 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1897-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The notochord is an embryonic midline structure common to all members of the phylum Chordata, providing both mechanical and signaling cues to the developing embryo. In vertebrates, the notochord arises from the dorsal organizer and it is critical for proper vertebrate development. This evolutionary conserved structure located at the developing midline defines the primitive axis of embryos and represents the structural element essential for locomotion. Besides its primary structural function, the notochord is also a source of developmental signals that patterns surrounding tissues. Among the signals secreted by the notochord, Hedgehog proteins play key roles during embryogenesis. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is a central regulator of embryonic development, controlling the patterning and proliferation of a wide variety of organs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on notochord structure and functions, with a particular emphasis on the key developmental events that take place in vertebrates. Moreover, we discuss some genetic studies highlighting the phenotypic consequences of impaired notochord development, which enabled to understand the molecular basis of different human congenital defects and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Corallo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Valeria Trapani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padua, Italy
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Hannesson KO, Ytteborg E, Takle H, Enersen G, Bæverfjord G, Pedersen ME. Sulphated glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in the developing vertebral column of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2015; 41:1029-1051. [PMID: 25963942 PMCID: PMC4495713 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-015-0067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the distribution of sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the developing vertebral column of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) at 700, 900, 1100 and 1400 d° was examined by light microscopy. The mineralization pattern was outlined by Alizarin red S and soft structures by Alcian blue. The temporal and spatial distribution patterns of different types of GAGs: chondroitin-4-sulphate/dermatan sulphate, chondroitin-6-sulphate, chondroitin-0-sulphate and keratan sulphate were addressed by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against the different GAGs. The specific pattern obtained with the different antibodies suggests a unique role of the different GAG types in pattern formation and mineralization. In addition, the distribution of the different GAG types in normal and malformed vertebral columns from 15 g salmon was compared. A changed expression pattern of GAGs was found in the malformed vertebrae, indicating the involvement of these molecules during the pathogenesis. The molecular size of proteoglycans (PGs) in the vertebrae carrying GAGs was analysed with western blotting, and mRNA transcription of the PGs aggrecan, decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin and lumican by real-time qPCR. Our study reveals the importance of GAGs in development of vertebral column also in Atlantic salmon and indicates that a more comprehensive approach is necessary to completely understand the processes involved.
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Arkesteijn ITM, Smolders LA, Spillekom S, Riemers FM, Potier E, Meij BP, Ito K, Tryfonidou MA. Effect of coculturing canine notochordal, nucleus pulposus and mesenchymal stromal cells for intervertebral disc regeneration. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:60. [PMID: 25890127 PMCID: PMC4396569 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0569-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early degenerative changes in the nucleus pulposus (NP) are observed after the disappearance of notochordal cells (NCs). Thus, it has been suggested that NCs play an important role in maintaining the NP and may have a regenerative potential on other cells of the NP. As the number of resident NP cells (NPCs) decreases in a degenerating disc, mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) may be used for cell supplementation. In this study, using cells of one species, the regenerative potential of canine NCs was assessed in long-term three-dimensional coculture with canine NPCs or MSCs. Methods Canine NCs and canine NPCs or MSCs were cocultured in alginate beads for 28 days under hypoxic and high-osmolarity conditions. Cell viability, cell morphology and DNA content, extracellular matrix production and expression of genes related to NC markers (Brachyury, KRT18) and NP matrix production (ACAN, COL2A1, COL1A1) were assessed after 1, 15 and 28 days of culture. Results NCs did not completely maintain their phenotype (morphology, matrix production, gene expression) during 28 days of culture. In cocultures of NPCs and NCs, both extracellular matrix content and anabolic gene expression remained unchanged compared with monoculture groups, whereas cocultures of MSCs and NCs showed increased glycosaminoglycan/DNA. However, the deposition of these proteoglycans was observed near the NCs and not the MSCs. Brachyury expression in the MSC and NC coculture group increased in time. The latter two findings indicate a trophic effect of MSCs on NCs rather than vice versa. Conclusions No regenerative potential of canine NCs on canine NPCs or MSCs was observed in this study. However, significant changes in NC phenotype in long-term culture may have resulted in a suboptimal regenerative potential of these NCs. In this respect, NC-conditioned medium may be better than coculture for future studies of the regenerative potential of NCs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0569-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene T M Arkesteijn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Lucas A Smolders
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.154, NL-3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich University, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sandra Spillekom
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.154, NL-3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Frank M Riemers
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.154, NL-3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Esther Potier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. .,Laboratoire de Bioingénierie et Biomécanique Ostéo-Articulaire (B2OA), UMR CNRS 7052, Université Denis Diderot Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 690, Paris, France.
| | - Björn P Meij
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.154, NL-3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Keita Ito
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. .,Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, HP G05.228, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Marianna A Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.154, NL-3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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de Vries SAH, Potier E, van Doeselaar M, Meij BP, Tryfonidou MA, Ito K. Conditioned medium derived from notochordal cell-rich nucleus pulposus tissue stimulates matrix production by canine nucleus pulposus cells and bone marrow-derived stromal cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2014; 21:1077-84. [PMID: 25370929 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2014.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Conditioned medium derived from notochordal cell-rich nucleus pulposus tissue (NCCM) was previously shown to have a stimulatory effect on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) individually, in mixed species in vitro cell models. The objective of the current study was to assess the stimulatory effect of NCCM on NPCs in a homologous canine in vitro model and to investigate whether combined stimulation with NCCM and addition of BMSCs provides a synergistic stimulatory effect. METHODS BMSCs and NPCs were harvested from chondrodystrophic dogs with confirmed early intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. NCCM was produced from NP tissue of nonchondrodystrophic dogs with healthy IVDs. BMSCs or NPCs alone (3×10(6) cells/mL) and NPCs+BMSCs (6×10(6) cells/mL; mixed 1:1) were cultured for 4 weeks in 1.2% alginate beads under base medium (BM), NCCM, or with addition of 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) as a positive control. Beads were assessed for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA contents by biochemical assays, GAG deposition by Alcian blue staining, and gene expression (aggrecan, versican, collagen 1 and 2, SOX9, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5), and matrix metalloproteinase 13 [MMP13]) with real-time quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS NCCM increased NPC proliferation, proteoglycan production, and expression of genes associated with a healthy NP-like phenotype. BMSCs also showed increased proteoglycan production under NCCM, but these effects were not observed at the gene level. Combined stimulation of NPCs with NCCM and coculturing with BMSCs did not result in increased proteoglycan content compared to stimulation with NCCM alone. DISCUSSION NCCM stimulates matrix production by both NPCs and BMSCs and directs NPCs toward a healthier phenotype. NCCM is therefore promising for IVD regeneration and identification of the bioactive components will be helpful to further develop this approach. In the current study, no synergistic effect of adding BMSCs was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan A H de Vries
- 1 Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology , Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Gantenbein B, Calandriello E, Wuertz-Kozak K, Benneker LM, Keel MJB, Chan SCW. Activation of intervertebral disc cells by co-culture with notochordal cells, conditioned medium and hypoxia. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2014; 15:422. [PMID: 25496082 PMCID: PMC4295479 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-15-422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Notochordal cells (NC) remain in the focus of research for regenerative therapy for the degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) due to their progenitor status. Recent findings suggested their regenerative action on more mature disc cells, presumably by the secretion of specific factors, which has been described as notochordal cell conditioned medium (NCCM). The aim of this study was to determine NC culture conditions (2D/3D, fetal calf serum, oxygen level) that lead to significant IVD cell activation in an indirect co-culture system under normoxia and hypoxia (2% oxygen). Methods Porcine NC was kept in 2D monolayer and in 3D alginate bead culture to identify a suitable culture system for these cells. To test stimulating effects of NC, co-cultures of NC and bovine derived coccygeal IVD cells were conducted in a 1:1 ratio with no direct cell contact between NC and bovine nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) or annulus fibrosus cells (AFC) in 3D alginate beads under normoxia and hypoxia (2%) for 7 and 14 days. As a positive control, NPC and AFC were stimulated with NC-derived conditioned medium (NCCM). Cell activity, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, DNA content and relative gene expression was measured. Mass spectrometry analysis of the NCCM was conducted. Results We provide evidence by flow cytometry that monolayer culture is not favorable for NC culture with respect to maintaining NC phenotype. In 3D alginate culture, NC activated NPC either in indirect co-culture or by addition of NCCM as indicated by the gene expression ratio of aggrecan/collagen type 2. This effect was strongest with 10% fetal calf serum and under hypoxia. Conversely, AFC seemed unresponsive to co-culture with pNC or to the NCCM. Further, the results showed that hypoxia led to decelerated metabolic activity, but did not lead to a significant change in the GAG/DNA ratio. Mass spectrometry identified connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, syn. CCN2) in the NCCM. Conclusions Our results confirm the requirement to culture NC in 3D to best maintain their phenotype, preferentially in hypoxia and with the supplementation of FCS in the culture media. Despite these advancements, the ideal culture condition remains to be identified. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-422) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue & Organ Mechanobiology, Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Omlor GW, Nerlich AG, Tirlapur UK, Urban JP, Guehring T. Loss of notochordal cell phenotype in 3D-cell cultures: implications for disc physiology and disc repair. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2014; 134:1673-81. [PMID: 25348151 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-014-2097-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Embryonic notochordal disc nucleus cells (NC) have been identified to protect disc tissue against disc degeneration but in human beings NC phenotype gets lost with aging and the pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood. NC may stimulate other cells via soluble factors, and NC-conditioned medium can be used to stimulate matrix production of other disc cells and mesenchymal stem cells and thus may be of special interest for biological disc repair. As this stimulatory effect is associated with the NC phenotype, we investigated how cell morphology and gene-expression of the NC phenotype changes with time in 3D-cell culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS NC and inner annulus chondrocyte-like cells (CLC) from immature pigtails (freshly isolated cells/tissue, 3D-alginate beads, 3D-clusters) were cultured for up to 16 days under normoxia and hypoxia. Protein-expression was analysed by immunohistology and gene-expression analysis was carried out on freshly isolated cells and cultured cells. Cell morphology and proliferation were analysed by two-photon-laser-microscopy. RESULTS Two-photon-laser-microscopy showed a homogenous and small CLC population in the inner annulus, which differed from the large vacuole-containing NC in the nucleus. Immunohistology found 93 % KRT8 positive cells in the nucleus and intracellular and pericellular Col2, IL6, and IL12 staining while CLC were KRT8 negative. Freshly isolated NC showed significantly higher KRT8 and CAIII but lower Col2 gene-expression than CLC. NC in 3D-cultures demonstrated significant size reduction and loss of vacuoles with culture time, all indicating a loss of the characteristic NC morphology. Hypoxia reduced the rate of decrease in NC size and vacuoles. Gene-expression of KRT8 and CAIII in NC fell significantly early in culture while Col2 did not decrease significantly within the culture period. In CLC, KRT8 and CAIII gene-expression was low and did not change noticeably in culture, whereas Col2 expression fell with time in culture. CONCLUSIONS 3D-culture caused a rapid loss of NC phenotype towards a CLC phenotype with disappearance of vacuoles, reduced cell size, increased proliferation, and gene-expression changes. These findings may be related to NC nutritional demands and support the latest hypothesis of NC maturation into CLC opposing the idea that NC get lost in human discs by cell death or apoptosis to be replaced by CLC from the inner annulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Omlor
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
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Wang SZ, Rui YF, Lu J, Wang C. Cell and molecular biology of intervertebral disc degeneration: current understanding and implications for potential therapeutic strategies. Cell Prolif 2014; 47:381-90. [PMID: 25112472 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a chronic, complex process associated with low back pain; mechanisms of its occurrence have not yet been fully elucidated. Its process is not only accompanied by morphological changes, but also by systematic changes in its histological and biochemical properties. Many cellular and molecular mechanisms have been reported to be related with IDD and to reverse degenerative trends, abnormal conditions of the living cells and altered cell phenotypes would need to be restored. Promising biological therapeutic strategies still rely on injection of active substances, gene therapy and cell transplantation. With advanced study of tissue engineering protocols based on cell therapy, combined use of seeding cells, bio-active substances and bio-compatible materials, are promising for IDD regeneration. Recently reported progenitor cells within discs themselves also hold prospects for future IDD studies. This article describes the background of IDD, current understanding and implications of potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Z Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
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Dynamic pressurization induces transition of notochordal cells to a mature phenotype while retaining production of important patterning ligands from development. Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 15:R122. [PMID: 24427812 PMCID: PMC3978427 DOI: 10.1186/ar4302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Notochordal cells (NCs) pattern aneural and avascular intervertebral discs (IVDs), and their disappearance, is associated with onset of IVD degeneration. This study induced and characterized the maturation of nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue from a gelatinous NC-rich structure to a matrix-rich structure populated by small NP cells using dynamic pressurization in an ex vivo culture model, and also identified soluble factors from NCs with therapeutic potential. Methods Porcine NC-rich NP tissue was cultured and loaded with hydrostatic pressure (0.5 to 2 MPa at 0.1 Hz for 2 hours) either Daily, for 1 Dose, or Control (no pressurization) groups for up to eight days. Cell phenotype and tissue maturation was characterized with measurements of cell viability, cytomorphology, nitric oxide, metabolic activity, matrix composition, gene expression, and proteomics. Results Daily pressurization induced transition of NCs to small NP cells with 73.8%, 44%, and 28% NCs for Control, 1 Dose and Daily groups, respectively (P < 0.0002) and no relevant cell death. Dynamic loading matured NP tissue by significantly increasing metabolic activity and accumulating Safranin-O-stained matrix. Load-induced maturation was also apparent from the significantly decreased glycolytic, cytoskeletal (Vimentin) and stress-inducible (HSP70) proteins assessed with proteomics. Loading increased the production of bioactive proteins Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and Noggin, and maintained Semaphorin3A (Sema3A). Discussion NP tissue maturation was induced from dynamic hydrostatic pressurization in a controlled ex vivo environment without influence from systemic effects or surrounding structures. NCs transitioned into small nonvacuolated NP cells probably via differentiation as evidenced by high cell viability, lack of nitric oxide and downregulation of stress-inducible and cytoskeletal proteins. SHH, Sema3A, and Noggin, which have patterning and neurovascular-inhibiting properties, were produced in both notochordal and matured porcine NP. Results therefore provide an important piece of evidence suggesting the transition of NCs to small NP cells is a natural part of aging and not the initiation of degeneration. Bioactive candidates identified from young porcine IVDs may be isolated and harnessed for therapies to target discogenic back pain.
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Targeting the extracellular matrix: Matricellular proteins regulate cell–extracellular matrix communication within distinct niches of the intervertebral disc. Matrix Biol 2014; 37:124-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Francisco AT, Hwang PY, Jeong CG, Jing L, Chen J, Setton LA. Photocrosslinkable laminin-functionalized polyethylene glycol hydrogel for intervertebral disc regeneration. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:1102-11. [PMID: 24287160 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) disorders and age-related degeneration are believed to contribute to lower back pain. There is significant interest in cell-based strategies for regenerating the nucleus pulposus (NP) region of the disc; however, few scaffolds have been evaluated for their ability to promote or maintain an immature NP cell phenotype. Previous studies have shown that NP cell-laminin interactions promote cell adhesion and biosynthesis, which suggests a laminin-functionalized biomaterial may be useful for promoting or maintaining the NP cell phenotype. Here, a photocrosslinkable poly(ethylene glycol)-laminin 111 (PEG-LM111) hydrogel was developed. The mechanical properties of PEG-LM111 hydrogel could be tuned within the range of dynamic shear moduli values previously reported for human NP. When primary immature porcine NP cells were seeded onto PEG-LM111 hydrogels of varying stiffnesses, LM111-presenting hydrogels were found to promote cell clustering and increased levels of sGAG production as compared to stiffer LM111-presenting and PEG-only gels. When cells were encapsulated in 3-D gels, hydrogel formulation was found to influence NP cell metabolism and expression of proposed NP phenotypic markers, with higher expression of N-cadherin and cytokeratin 8 observed for cells cultured in softer (<1kPa) PEG-LM111 hydrogels. Overall, these findings suggest that soft, LM111-functionalized hydrogels may promote or maintain the expression of specific markers characteristic of an immature NP cell phenotype.
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Spillekom S, Smolders LA, Grinwis GCM, Arkesteijn ITM, Ito K, Meij BP, Tryfonidou MA. Increased osmolarity and cell clustering preserve canine notochordal cell phenotype in culture. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2014; 20:652-62. [PMID: 24304309 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2013.0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is associated with a loss of notochordal cells (NCs) from the nucleus pulposus (NP) and their replacement by chondrocyte-like cells. NCs are known to maintain extracellular matrix quality and stimulate the chondrocyte-like NP cells, making NCs attractive for designing new tissue engineering approaches for IVD regeneration. However, optimal conditions, such as osmolarity and other characteristics of the culture media, for long-term culture of NCs are not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different culture media and osmolarity on the physiology of NCs in vitro. NC clusters isolated from canine IVDs were suspended in alginate beads and cultured at 37°C under normoxic conditions for 28 days. Three different culture conditions were investigated; (1) Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F12 (300 mOsm/L), (2) α-MEM (300 mOsm/L), and (3) α-MEM adjusted to 400 mOsm/L to mimic a hyperosmolar environment. NC morphology, expression of genes related to NC markers, matrix production and remodeling, and DNA- and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) analyses were performed on 1, 7, 14, and 28 days in culture. Large, vesicle-containing cells organized in clusters, characterized as NCs, remained present during 28 days for all culture conditions. However, the proportion of the NC clusters decreased over time, whereas the proportion of spindle-shaped cells increased. Gene expression profiling at 7, 14, and 28 days in culture compared to day 1 indicated a initial loss of NC phenotype followed by some recovery of brachyury and aggrecan gene expression after 28 days of culture supporting a potential recovery of NC phenotype. NCs cultured in α-MEM adjusted to 400 mOsm/L showed the highest gene expression of brachyury, cytokeratin 18, and aggrecan, the highest GAG production, and the lowest collagen 1α1 gene expression. In conclusion, NCs cultured in alginate in native cell clusters, partially retained their characteristic morphology and recovered their phenotype in long-term culture. The type of culture medium and medium osmolarity appear to be important factors for culturing NC clusters. These findings provide additional information concerning the maintenance of NCs in vitro that may aid further mechanistic inquiry into the biology of NCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Spillekom
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Yurube T, Hirata H, Kakutani K, Maeno K, Takada T, Zhang Z, Takayama K, Matsushita T, Kuroda R, Kurosaka M, Nishida K. Notochordal cell disappearance and modes of apoptotic cell death in a rat tail static compression-induced disc degeneration model. Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16:R31. [PMID: 24472667 PMCID: PMC3979117 DOI: 10.1186/ar4460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The intervertebral disc has a complex structure originating developmentally from both the mesenchyme and notochord. Notochordal cells disappear during adolescence, which is also when human discs begin to show degenerative signs. During degeneration later in life, disc cells decline because of apoptosis. Although many animal models have been developed to simulate human disc degeneration, few studies have explored the long-term changes in cell population and phenotype. Our objective was to elucidate the time-dependent notochordal cell disappearance and apoptotic cell death in a rat tail static compression-induced disc degeneration model. Methods Twenty-four 12-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rat tails were instrumented with an Ilizarov-type device and loaded statically at 1.3 MPa for up to 56 days. Loaded and distal-unloaded discs were harvested. Changes in cell number and phenotype were assessed with histomorphology and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis involvement was determined with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and immunohistochemistry. Results The number of disc nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells decreased with the loading period; particularly, the decrease was notable at day 7 in larger, vacuolated, cytokeratin-8- and galectin-3-co-positive cells, indicating notochordal origin. Subsequently, the proportion of cells positive for TUNEL and cleaved caspase-3, markers of apoptosis induction, increased from day 7 through day 56. Although the percentage of cells immunopositive for cleaved caspase-8, a marker of apoptosis initiation through the death-receptor pathway, increased only at day 7, the percentage of cells immunopositive for cleaved caspase-9 and p53-regulated apoptosis-inducing protein 1 (p53AIP1), markers of apoptosis initiation through the p53-mediated mitochondrial pathway, increased from day 7 through day 56. The percentage of cells immunopositive for B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), antiapoptotic proteins, decreased consistently with compression. Conclusions This rat tail model mimics notochordal cell disappearance and apoptotic cell death in human disc aging and degeneration. Sustained static compression induces transient activation of apoptosis through the death-receptor pathway and persistent activation of apoptosis through the p53-mediated mitochondrial pathway in disc cells. The increased proapoptotic and decreased antiapoptotic proteins observed at all time points signify static compression-induced disc cell death and degeneration.
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Bach FC, Willems N, Penning LC, Ito K, Meij BP, Tryfonidou MA. Potential regenerative treatment strategies for intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:3. [PMID: 24387033 PMCID: PMC3914844 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain due to spontaneous intervertebral disc (IVD) disease is common in dogs. In chondrodystrophic (CD) dogs, IVD disease typically develops in the cervical or thoracolumbar spine at about 3–7 years of age, whereas in non-chondrodystrophic (NCD) dogs, it usually develops in the caudal cervical or lumbosacral spine at about 6–8 years of age. IVD degeneration is characterized by changes in the biochemical composition and mechanical integrity of the IVD. In the degenerated IVD, the content of glycosaminoglycan (GAG, a proteoglycan side chain) decreases and that of denatured collagen increases. Dehydration leads to tearing of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and/or disc herniation, which is clinically characterized by pain and/or neurological signs. Current treatments (physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory/analgesic medication, surgery) for IVD disease may resolve neurological deficits and reduce pain (although in many cases insufficient), but do not lead to repair of the degenerated disc. For this reason, there is interest in new regenerative therapies that can repair the degenerated disc matrix, resulting in restoration of the biomechanical function of the IVD. CD dogs are considered a suitable animal model for human IVD degeneration because of their spontaneous IVD degeneration, and therefore studies investigating cell-, growth factor-, and/or gene therapy-based regenerative therapies with this model provide information relevant to both human and canine patients. The aim of this article is to review potential regenerative treatment strategies for canine IVD degeneration, with specific emphasis on cell-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Cell sources for nucleus pulposus regeneration. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2013; 23 Suppl 3:S364-74. [PMID: 24297331 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-013-3106-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is increasing interest in the development of cell therapy as a possible approach for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. To regenerate nucleus pulposus tissue, the cells must produce an appropriate proteoglycan-rich matrix, as this is essential for the functioning of the intervertebral disc. The natural environment within the disc is very challenging to implanted cells, particularly if they have been subcultured in normal laboratory conditions. The purpose of this work is to discuss parameters relevant to translating different proposed cell therapies of IVD into clinical use. RESULTS Several sources of cells have been proposed, including nucleus pulposus cells, chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue. There are some clinical trials and reports of attempts to regenerate nucleus pulposus utilising either autologous or allogenic cells. While the published results of clinical applications of these cell therapies do not indicate any safety issues, additional evidence will be needed to prove their long-term efficacy. CONCLUSION This article discusses parameters relevant for successful translation of research on different cell sources into clinically applicable cell therapies: the influence of the intervertebral disc microenvironment on the cell phenotype, issues associated with cell culture and technical preparation of cell products, as well as discussing current regulatory requirements. There are advantages and disadvantages of each proposed cell type, but no strong evidence to favour any one particular cell source at the moment.
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Spinal deformity in aged zebrafish is accompanied by degenerative changes to their vertebrae that resemble osteoarthritis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75787. [PMID: 24086633 PMCID: PMC3782452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related degenerative changes within the vertebral column are a significant cause of morbidity with considerable socio-economic impact worldwide. An improved understanding of these changes through the development of experimental models may lead to improvements in existing clinical treatment options. The zebrafish is a well-established model for the study of skeletogenesis with significant potential in gerontological research. With advancing age, zebrafish frequently develop gross deformities of their vertebral column, previously ascribed to reduced trunk muscle tone. In this study, we assess degenerative changes specifically within the bone and cartilage of the vertebral column of zebrafish at 1, 2 and 3-years of age. We show increased frequency and severity of spinal deformities/curvatures with age. Underlying the most severe phenotypes are partial or complete vertebral dislocations and focal thickening of the vertebral bone at the joint margins. MicroCT examination demonstrates small defects, fractures and morphological evidence suggestive of bone erosion and remodeling (i.e. osteophytes) within the vertebrae during aging, but no significant change in bone density. Light and electron microscopic examination reveal striking age-related changes in cell morphology, suggestive of chondroptosis, and tissue remodelling of the vertebral cartilage, particularly within the pericellular micro-environment. Glycosaminoglycan analysis of the vertebral column by HPLC demonstrates a consistent, age-related increase in the yield of total chondroitin sulfate disaccharide, but no change in sulfation pattern, supported by immunohistochemical analysis. Immunohistochemistry strongly identifies all three chondroitin/dermatan sulphate isoforms (C-0-S, C-4-S/DS and C-6-S) within the vertebral cartilage, particularly within the pericellular micro-environment. In contrast, keratan sulfate immunolocalises specifically with the notochordal tissue of the intervertebral disc, and its labelling diminishes with age. In summary, these observations raise the prospect that zebrafish, in addition to modelling skeletal development, may have utility in modelling age-related degenerative changes that affect the skeleton during senescence.
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Canonical Wnt signaling and caveolae play a role in intervertebral disc degeneration; the continuing saga of the mysterious notochordal cell. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:113. [PMID: 23521915 PMCID: PMC3672679 DOI: 10.1186/ar4182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades small animal models mainly involving rodents and rabbits have been developed whereby needle puncture, stab incision or enzymatic approaches have been validated to create the degenerative disc. Although important, these models continue to be plagued by biological attributes that limit applicability to the human condition. However, the fascinating story of two naturally occurring subspecies of canine, the non-chondrodystrophic and chondrodystrophic canine, provides us with an animal model that differentially is protected from the development of degenerative disc disease. Here, Smolders and colleagues provide the first steps to understanding some of the secrets held by man's best friend.
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Dai J, Kuang Y, Fang B, Gong H, Lu S, Mou Z, Sun H, Dong Y, Lu J, Zhang W, Zhang J, Wang Z, Wang X, Shen G. The effect of overexpression of Dlx2 on the migration, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cranial neural crest stem cells. Biomaterials 2013; 34:1898-910. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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