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Li C, Li Y, Wang W, Scimeca M, Melino G, Du R, Shi Y. Deer antlers: the fastest growing tissue with least cancer occurrence. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2452-2461. [PMID: 37864097 PMCID: PMC10733395 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Deer antlers are a bony organ solely able to acquired distinct unique attributes during evolution and all these attributes are against thus far known natural rules. One of them is as the fastest animal growing tissue (2 cm/day), they are remarkably cancer-free, despite high cell division rate. Although tumor-like nodules on the long-lived castrate antlers in some deer species do occur, but they are truly benign in nature. In this review, we tried to find the answer to this seemingly contradictory phenomenon based on the currently available information and give insights into possible clinic application. The antler growth center is located in its tip; the most intensive dividing cells are resident in the inner layer of reserve mesenchyme (RM), and these cells are more adopted to osteosarcoma rather than to normal bone tissues in gene expression profiles but acquire their energy mainly through aerobic oxidative phosphorylation pathway. To counteract propensity of neoplastic transformation, antlers evolved highly efficient apoptosis exactly in the RM, unparalleled by any known tissues; and annual wholesale cast to jettison the corps. Besides, some strong cancer suppressive genes including p53 cofactor genes and p53 regulator genes are highly positively selected by deer, which would have certainly contributed to curb tumorigenesis. Thus far, antler extracts and RM cells/exosomes have been tried on different cancer models either in vitro or in vivo, and all achieved positive results. These positive experimental results together with the anecdotal folklore that regular consumption of velvet antler is living with cancer-free would encourage us to test antlers in clinic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyi Li
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Wenying Wang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Rui Du
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University/The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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2
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Liu Q, Li J, Chang J, Guo Y, Wen D. The characteristics and medical applications of antler stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:225. [PMID: 37649124 PMCID: PMC10468909 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antlers are the only fully regenerable mammalian appendages whose annual renewal is initiated by antler stem cells (ASCs), defined as a specialized type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with embryonic stem cell properties. ASCs possess the same biological features as MSCs, including the capacity for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, immunomodulatory functions, and the maintenance of stem cell characteristics after multiple passages. Several preclinical studies have shown that ASCs exhibit promising potential in wound healing, bone repair, osteoarthritis, anti-tissue fibrosis, anti-aging, and hair regeneration. Medical applications based on ASCs and ASC-derived molecules provide a new source of stem cells and therapeutic modalities for regenerative medicine. This review begins with a brief description of antler regeneration and the role of ASCs. Then, the properties and advantages of ASCs are described. Finally, medical research advances regarding ASCs are summarized, and the prospects and challenges of ASCs are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinghui Chang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Dacheng Wen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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3
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Yang F, Wu J, Zhao M, Zheng H, Suo J, Liu X, Zheng D. MicroRNA PC-3p-2869 Regulates Antler Growth and Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Human Osteosarcoma and Chondrosarcoma Cells by Targeting CDK8, EEF1A1, and NTN1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10840. [PMID: 37446017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between the rapid growth and suppression of tumorigenesis during antler regeneration. This study investigated the role of a novel miRNA, PC-3p-2869 (miR-PC-2869), in antler growth and its therapeutic potential in human osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Stem-loop RT-qPCR showed that miR-PC-2869 was expressed extensively in diverse layers of antler tissues. Overexpression of miR-PC-2869 suppressed the proliferation and migration of antler cartilage cells. Similarly, heterologous expression of miR-PC-2869 reduced the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of osteosarcoma cell line MG63 and U2OS and chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353. Moreover, 18 functional target genes of miR-PC-2869 in humans were identified based on the screening of the reporter library. Among them, 15 target genes, including CDK8, EEF1A1, and NTN1, possess conserved miR-PC-2869-binding sites between humans and red deer (Cervus elaphus). In line with this, miR-PC-2869 overexpression decreased the expression levels of CDK8, EEF1A1, and NTN1 in MG63, SW1353, and antler cartilage cells. As expected, the knockdown of CDK8, EEF1A1, or NTN1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of MG63, SW1353, and antler cartilage cells, demonstrating similar suppressive effects as miR-PC-2869 overexpression. Furthermore, we observed that CDK8, EEF1A1, and NTN1 mediated the regulation of c-myc and cyclin D1 by miR-PC-2869 in MG63, SW1353, and antler cartilage cells. Overall, our work uncovered the cellular functions and underlying molecular mechanism of antler-derived miR-PC-2869, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for bone cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jin Wu
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Mindie Zhao
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Han Zheng
- Biotechnology Program, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Jingyuan Suo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xuedong Liu
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Dong Zheng
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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4
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Ba H, Wang X, Wang D, Ren J, Wang Z, Sun HX, Hu P, Zhang G, Wang S, Ma C, Wang Y, Wang E, Chen L, Liu T, Gu Y, Li C. Single-cell transcriptome reveals core cell populations and androgen-RXFP2 axis involved in deer antler full regeneration. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 11:43. [PMID: 36542206 PMCID: PMC9772379 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-022-00153-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Deer antlers constitute a unique mammalian model for the study of both organ formation in postnatal life and annual full regeneration. Previous studies revealed that these events are achieved through the proliferation and differentiation of antlerogenic periosteum (AP) cells and pedicle periosteum (PP) cells, respectively. As the cells resident in the AP and the PP possess stem cell attributes, both antler generation and regeneration are stem cell-based processes. However, the cell composition of each tissue type and molecular events underlying antler development remain poorly characterized. Here, we took the approach of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and identified eight cell types (mainly THY1+ cells, progenitor cells, and osteochondroblasts) and three core subclusters of the THY1+ cells (SC2, SC3, and SC4). Endothelial and mural cells each are heterogeneous at transcriptional level. It was the proliferation of progenitor, mural, and endothelial cells in the activated antler-lineage-specific tissues that drove the rapid formation of the antler. We detected the differences in the initial differentiation process between antler generation and regeneration using pseudotime trajectory analysis. These may be due to the difference in the degree of stemness of the AP-THY1+ and PP-THY1+ cells. We further found that androgen-RXFP2 axis may be involved in triggering initial antler full regeneration. Fully deciphering the cell composition for these antler tissue types will open up new avenues for elucidating the mechanism underlying antler full renewal in specific and regenerative medicine in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengxing Ba
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China
| | - Xin Wang
- grid.21155.320000 0001 2034 1839BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 Guangdong China ,grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, RNA Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Datao Wang
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Institute of Special Wild Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 130112, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Ren
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China
| | - Zhen Wang
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China
| | - Hai-Xi Sun
- grid.21155.320000 0001 2034 1839BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 Guangdong China
| | - Pengfei Hu
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China
| | - Guokun Zhang
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China
| | - Chao Ma
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China
| | - Yusu Wang
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China
| | - Enpeng Wang
- grid.440665.50000 0004 1757 641XJilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117 China
| | - Liang Chen
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, RNA Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianbin Liu
- grid.21155.320000 0001 2034 1839BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 Guangdong China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Ying Gu
- grid.21155.320000 0001 2034 1839BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 Guangdong China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.21155.320000 0001 2034 1839Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120 Guangdong China
| | - Chunyi Li
- grid.440668.80000 0001 0006 0255Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600 China ,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Deer Antler Biology, Changchun, 130600 China ,grid.464353.30000 0000 9888 756XCollege of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118 China
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5
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Rössner GE, Costeur L, Scheyer TM. Antiquity and fundamental processes of the antler cycle in Cervidae (Mammalia). THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2020; 108:3. [PMID: 33326046 PMCID: PMC7744388 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01713-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The origins of the regenerative nature of antlers, being branched and deciduous apophyseal appendages of frontal bones of cervid artiodactyls, have long been associated with permanent evolutionary precursors. In this study, we provide novel insight into growth modes of evolutionary early antlers. We analysed a total of 34 early antlers affiliated to ten species, including the oldest known, dating from the early and middle Miocene (approx. 18 to 12 million years old) of Europe. Our findings provide empirical data from the fossil record to demonstrate that growth patterns and a regular cycle of necrosis, abscission and regeneration are consistent with data from modern antlers. The diverse histological analyses indicate that primary processes and mechanisms of the modern antler cycle were not gradually acquired during evolution, but were fundamental from the earliest record of antler evolution and, hence, explanations why deer shed antlers have to be rooted in basic histogenetic mechanisms. The previous interpretation that proximal circular protuberances, burrs, are the categorical traits for ephemerality is refuted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud E. Rössner
- Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns - Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie, Richard Wagner Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
- Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Loïc Costeur
- Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, Augustinergasse 2, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Torsten M. Scheyer
- Universität Zürich, Paläontologisches Institut und Museum, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
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6
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Landete-Castillejos T, Kierdorf H, Gomez S, Luna S, García AJ, Cappelli J, Pérez-Serrano M, Pérez-Barbería J, Gallego L, Kierdorf U. Antlers - Evolution, development, structure, composition, and biomechanics of an outstanding type of bone. Bone 2019; 128:115046. [PMID: 31446115 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2019.115046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antlers are bony appendages of deer that undergo periodic regeneration from the top of permanent outgrowths (the pedicles) of the frontal bones. Of the "less familiar" bone types whose study was advocated by John Currey to gain a better understanding of structure-function relationships of mineralized tissues and organs, antlers were of special interest to him. The present review summarizes our current knowledge about the evolution, development, structure, mineralization, and biomechanics of antlers and how their formation is affected by environmental factors like nutrition. Furthermore, the potential role of antlers as a model in bone biology and several fields of biomedicine as well as their use as a monitoring tool in environmental studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Landete-Castillejos
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
| | - H Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, 31141 Hildesheim, Germany
| | - S Gomez
- Universidad de Cádiz, 11071 Cádiz, Spain
| | - S Luna
- Universidad de Cádiz, 11071 Cádiz, Spain
| | - A J García
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - J Cappelli
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - M Pérez-Serrano
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - J Pérez-Barbería
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - L Gallego
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - U Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, 31141 Hildesheim, Germany
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7
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Ba H, Wang D, Yau TO, Shang Y, Li C. Transcriptomic analysis of different tissue layers in antler growth Center in Sika Deer (Cervus nippon). BMC Genomics 2019; 20:173. [PMID: 30836939 PMCID: PMC6402185 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5560-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the unprecedented rapid growth rate (up to 2.75 cm/day), velvet antler is an invaluable model for the identification of potent growth factors and signaling networks for extremely fast growing tissues, mainly cartilage. Antler growth center (AGC) locates in its tip and consists of five tissue layers: reserve mesenchyme (RM), precartilage (PC), transition zone (TZ), cartilage (CA) and mineralized cartilage (MC). The aim of this study was to investigate the transcription dynamics in the AGC using RNA-seq technology. RESULTS Five tissue layers in the AGC were collected from three 3-year-old male sika deer using our previously reported sampling method (morphologically distinguishable). After sequencing (15 samples; triplicates/tissue layer), we assembled a reference transcriptome de novo and used RNA-seq to measure gene expression profiles across these five layers. Nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected from our data and subsequently verified using qRT-PCR. The results showed a high consistency with the RNA-seq results (R2 = 0.80). Nine modules were constructed based on co-expression network analysis, and these modules contained 370 hub genes. These genes were found to be mainly involved in mesenchymal progenitor cell proliferation, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Combination of our own results with the previously published reports, we found that Wnt signaling likely plays a key role not only in stimulating the antler stem cells or their immediate progeny, but also in promoting chondrogenesis and osteogenesis during antler development. CONCLUSION We have successfully assembled a reference transcriptome, generated gene expression profiling across the five tissue layers in the AGC, and identified nine co-expressed modules that contain 370 hub genes and genes predorminantly expressed in and highly relevant to each tissue layer. We believe our findings have laid the foundation for the identification of novel genes for rapid proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of antler cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengxing Ba
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Wild Economic Animals, Institute of Special Wild Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Datao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Wild Economic Animals, Institute of Special Wild Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Tung On Yau
- College of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Yudong Shang
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Wild Economic Animals, Institute of Special Wild Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Chunyi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Wild Economic Animals, Institute of Special Wild Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China. .,Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600, China.
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8
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Colitti M. Distribution of BDNF and TrkB isoforms in growing antler tissues of red deer. Ann Anat 2017; 213:33-46. [PMID: 28602824 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2017.05.007] [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: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Antlers are the cranial appendages of deer that regenerate each year. This renewal provides a model to explore molecules involved in mammalian organ regeneration. The cellular distributions of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the isoforms of its cognate receptor Trk tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkB) were localized by immunohistochemistry in sections of growing red deer antler. BDNF and TrkB full length were widely expressed in the integument, perichondrium, periosteum and bone. The truncated isoform receptor was particularly evidenced in integument and vascular inner dermis, but very light reaction was observed in cartilage and bone, both at the site of endochondral and intramembranous ossification. These observations were also assessed at transcriptional level by RT-PCR analyses. The highest expression of all genes significantly occurred in chondroprogenitor cells; however the full-length TrkB receptor was down regulated in osteocartilaginous compartments, in which the truncated isoform was up regulated. The truncated isoform is a dominant-negative receptor that inhibits the full length receptor signalling, even if the truncated isoform not only has this function. This study establishes the presence of BDNF and its receptor in the different cellular compartments of growing antler. Their transcripts assessed by RT-PCR indicate a local synthesis of these molecules that may contribute to the modulation of antler growth, acting as autocrine and/or paracrine factors independently of nerve supply. Among the plethora of other molecular signals and growth factors affecting the antler growth, the local production of BDNF and its cognate receptor could be of interest in understanding their role in antler renewal and to delineate the different involvement of the receptor isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Colitti
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, via delle Scienze, 206, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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9
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Ionic liquid-based method for direct proteome characterization of velvet antler cartilage. Talanta 2016; 161:541-546. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.08.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Direct localisation of molecules in tissue sections of growing antler tips using MALDI imaging. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 409:225-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2527-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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11
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The contribution of deer velvet antler research to the modern biological medicine. Chin J Integr Med 2014; 20:723-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-014-1827-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Li B, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Dong Z, Shang L, Wu L, Wang X, Jin Y. Periodontal ligament stem cells modulate root resorption of human primary teeth via Runx2 regulating RANKL/OPG system. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:2524-34. [PMID: 24827498 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological primary teeth exfoliation is a normal phenomenon during teeth development. However, retained primary teeth can often be observed in the patients with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) caused by mutation of Runx2. The potential regulative mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were derived from different resorbed stages of primary teeth and permanent teeth from normal patients and primary teeth from CCD patient. The proliferative, osteogenic and osteoclast-inductive capacities of PDLSCs from each group were detected. We demonstrated here that the proliferative ability of PDLSCs was reduced while the osteogenic and the osteoclast-inductive capacity of PDLSCs were enhanced during root resorption. The results also showed that PDLSCs from permanent teeth and CCD patient expressed low level of Runx2 and RANKL while high level of OPG. However, expression of Runx2 and RANKL were increased while expression of OPG was decreased in PDLSCs derived from resorbed teeth. Furthermore, Runx2 regulating the expression of RANKL and OPG and the osteoclast-inductive capacity of PDLSCs were confirmed by gain or loss of function assay. These data suggest that PDLSCs promote osteoclast differentiation via Runx2 upregulating RANKL and downregulating OPG, leading to enhanced root resorption that results in physiological exfoliation of primary teeth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Li
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an, China
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13
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Daley ELH, Alford AI, Miller JD, Goldstein SA. Phenotypic differences in white-tailed deer antlerogenic progenitor cells and marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2014; 20:1416-25. [PMID: 24313802 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deer antlers are bony appendages that are annually cast and rapidly regrown in a seasonal process coupled to the reproductive cycle. Due to the uniqueness of this process among mammals, we reasoned that a fundamental characterization of antler progenitor cell behavior may provide insights that could lead to improved strategies for promoting bone repair. In this study, we investigated whether white-tailed deer antlerogenic progenitor cells (APC) conform to basic criteria defining mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). In addition, we tested the effects of the artificial glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) on osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation as well as the degree of apoptosis during the latter. Comparisons were made to animal-matched marrow-derived MSC. APC and MSC generated similar numbers of colonies. APC cultures expanded less rapidly overall but experienced population recovery at later time points. In contrast to MSC, APC did not display adipogenic in vitro differentiation capacity. Under osteogenic culture conditions, APC and MSC exhibited different patterns of alkaline phosphatase activity over time. DEX increased APC alkaline phosphatase activity only initially but consistently led to decreased activity in MSC. APC and MSC in osteogenic culture underwent different time and DEX-dependent patterns of mineralization, yet APC and MSC achieved similar levels of mineral accrual in an ectopic ossicle model. During chondrogenic differentiation, APC exhibited high levels of apoptosis without a reduction in cell density. DEX decreased proteoglycan production and increased apoptosis in chondrogenic APC cultures but had the opposite effects in MSC. Our results suggest that APC and MSC proliferation and differentiation differ in their dependence on time, factors, and milieu. Antler tip APC may be more lineage-restricted osteo/chondroprogenitors with distinctly different responses to apoptotic and glucocorticoid stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan L H Daley
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
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14
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Morphogenetic mechanisms in the cyclic regeneration of hair follicles and deer antlers from stem cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:643601. [PMID: 24383056 PMCID: PMC3870647 DOI: 10.1155/2013/643601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We have made comparisons between hair follicles (HFs) and antler units (AUs)—two seemingly unrelated mammalian organs. HFs are tiny and concealed within skin, whereas AUs are gigantic and grown externally for visual display. However, these two organs share some striking similarities. Both consist of permanent and cyclic/temporary components and undergo stem-cell-based organogenesis and cyclic regeneration. Stem cells of both organs reside in the permanent part and the growth centres are located in the temporary part of each respective organ. Organogenesis and regeneration of both organs depend on epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Establishment of these interactions requires stem cells and reactive/niche cells (dermal papilla cells for HFs and epidermal cells for AUs) to be juxtaposed, which is achieved through destruction of the cyclic part to bring the reactive cells into close proximity to the respective stem cell niche. Developments of HFs and AUs are regulated by similar endocrine (particularly testosterone) and paracrine (particularly IGF1) factors. Interestingly, these two organs come to interplay during antlerogenesis. In conclusion, we believe that investigators from the fields of both HF and AU biology could greatly benefit from a comprehensive comparison between these two organs.
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15
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Kierdorf U, Flohr S, Gomez S, Landete-Castillejos T, Kierdorf H. The structure of pedicle and hard antler bone in the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): a light microscope and backscattered electron imaging study. J Anat 2013; 223:364-84. [PMID: 23961846 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Deer antlers are deciduous bony structures that develop from permanent frontal outgrowths, the pedicles. While growth and bone architecture of antlers have been studied in greater detail, information on pedicle formation and structure is scarce. The present study provides information on the structure of pedicle and hard antler bone in the European roe deer. A pronounced seasonal variation in pedicle architecture was observed, with high porosity around antler casting and a very compact bone structure during the hard antler stage. These observations suggest a corresponding marked variation also in the biomechanical properties of the pedicles. The seasonally alternating extensive resorption and formation processes make the pedicles of older deer heavily remodeled structures. Pedicles increase in thickness by apposition of primary bone that subsequently becomes replaced by secondary osteons. The antler cortex of roe deer is largely composed of a tubular framework of woven bone trabeculae with some remnants of mineralized cartilage, and primary osteons that have filled in the intertrabecular spaces. Secondary osteons are scarce, denoting little remodeling in antlers, which can be related to their short lifespan. The occurrence of cement lines around primary osteons indicates resorption on the trabecular scaffold prior to infilling of the intertrabecular spaces. The outer cortex showed a higher autofluorescence and a more immature structure than the main cortex, suggesting that it was secondarily formed by periosteal activity. Pedicles and antlers constitute a functional entity, and future histological and/or biomechanical studies should therefore consider both components of the cranial appendages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
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16
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An activity-maintaining sequential protein extraction method for bioactive assay and proteome analysis of velvet antlers. Talanta 2013; 107:189-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Revised: 01/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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17
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Li C, Harper A, Puddick J, Wang W, McMahon C. Proteomes and signalling pathways of antler stem cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30026. [PMID: 22279561 PMCID: PMC3261186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As the only known example of complete organ regeneration in mammals, deer antler in the growing or velvet phase is of major interest in developmental biology. This regeneration event initiates from self-renewing antler stem cells that exhibit pluripotency. At present, it remains unclear how the activation and quiescence of antler stem cells are regulated. Therefore, in the present study proteins that were differentially expressed between the antler stem cells and somatic cells (facial periosteum) were identified by a gel-based proteomic technique, and analysed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Several molecular pathways (PI3K/Akt, ERK/MAPK, p38 MAPK, etc.) were found to be activated during proliferation. Also expressed were the transcription factors POU5F1, SOX2, NANOG and MYC, which are key markers of embryonic stem cells. Expression of these proteins was confirmed in both cultured cells and fresh tissues by Western blot analysis. Therefore, the molecular pathways and transcription factors identified in the current study are common to embryonic and adult stem cells. However, expression of embryonic stem cell transcription factors would suggest that antler stem cells are, potentially, an intermediary stem cell type between embryonic and the more specialized tissue-specific stem cells like those residing in muscle, fat or from a hematopoietic origin. The retention of this embryonic, pluripotent lineage may be of fundamental importance for the subsequent regenerative capacity of antlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyi Li
- Developmental Biology Group, AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Changchun, China
| | - Anne Harper
- Developmental Biology Group, AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Puddick
- Waikato Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Wenying Wang
- Developmental Biology Group, AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand
| | - Chris McMahon
- Developmental Biology Group, AgResearch Ltd, Ruakura Agricultural Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
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18
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De novo characterization of the antler tip of Chinese Sika deer transcriptome and analysis of gene expression related to rapid growth. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 364:93-100. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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19
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Kužmová E, Bartoš L, Kotrba R, Bubenik GA. Effect of different factors on proliferation of antler cells, cultured in vitro. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18053. [PMID: 21464927 PMCID: PMC3065459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Antlers as a potential model for bone growth and development have become an object of rising interest. To elucidate processes explaining how antler growth is regulated, in vitro cultures have been established. However, until now, there has been no standard method to cultivate antler cells and in vitro results are often opposite to those reported in vivo. In addition, many factors which are often not taken into account under in vitro conditions may play an important role in the development of antler cells. In this study we investigated the effects of the antler growth stage, the male individuality, passaged versus primary cultures and the effect of foetal calf serum concentrations on proliferative potential of mixed antler cell cultures in vitro, derived from regenerating antlers of red deer males (Cervus elaphus). The proliferation potential of antler cells was measured by incorporation of (3)H thymidine. Our results demonstrate that there is no significant effect of the antler growth stage, whereas male individuality and all other examined factors significantly affected antler cell proliferation. Furthermore, our results suggest that primary cultures may better represent in vivo conditions and processes occurring in regenerating antlers. In conclusion, before all main factors affecting antler cell proliferation in vitro will be satisfactorily investigated, results of in vitro studies focused on hormonal regulation of antler growth should be taken with extreme caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Kužmová
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Uhříněves, Czech Republic.
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20
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GAO L, QIAO X, LIANG Z, ZHANG L, HUO Y, ZHANG Y. Application of on-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography in comparative proteome analysis of antlers with different growing stages. Se Pu 2010; 28:146-51. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1123.2012.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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21
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Improbable appendages: Deer antler renewal as a unique case of mammalian regeneration. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2009; 20:535-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2008.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Revised: 11/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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22
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Cegielski M, Izykowska I, Podhorska-Okolow M, Gworys B, Zabel M, Dziegiel P. Histological Studies of Growing and Mature Antlers of Red Deer Stags (Cervus elaphus). Anat Histol Embryol 2009; 38:184-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2008.00906.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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23
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Cegielski M, Dziewiszek W, Zabel M, Dzięgiel P, Iżycki D, Zatoński M, Bochnia M. Experimental application of xenogenous antlerogenic cells in replacement of auricular cartilage in rabbits. Xenotransplantation 2008; 15:374-83. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2008.00497.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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24
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Sha H, Ma Q, Jha RK, Xu F, Wang L, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Fan F. Resveratrol ameliorates hepatic injury via the mitochondrial pathway in rats with severe acute pancreatitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 601:136-42. [PMID: 18977215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Revised: 09/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
To gain insight into the processes by which severe acute pancreatitis induced apoptosis takes place in the liver, and to observe the protective effect of resveratrol on hepatic injury, a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis was induced by administering 4% sodium taurocholate through the common biliopancreatic duct. Pancreatic and hepatic injury was assessed by histology. Serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and total bilirubin were determined by reaction rate assay, and the serum levels of TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and IL-6 (interleukin-6) were detected by ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). We investigated cytochrome c released from mitochondria and used the RT-PCR (reverse transcription PCR), Western blot technique to evaluate Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 expression levels in hepatic tissue over the time course of apoptosis. Changes in hepatic cell mitochondrial membrane potential were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The majority of cytochrome c release occurred early in apoptosis from mitochondria, which undergo gradual hepatic impairment. The released cytochrome c can be reduced by resveratrol through both up-regulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax and caspase-3. These data provide substantial evidence that apoptosis is involved in hepatic injury during the severe acute pancreatitis process and that resveratrol can ameliorate the situation, thus protecting liver function in rats with severe acute pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanchen Sha
- Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
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25
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Gu L, Mo E, Yang Z, Zhu X, Fang Z, Sun B, Wang C, Bao J, Sung C. Expression and localization of insulin-like growth factor-I in four parts of the red deer antler. Growth Factors 2007; 25:264-79. [PMID: 18092234 DOI: 10.1080/08977190701773187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The expression and localization of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the four parts (tip, upper, mid and base) of the red deer antler has been extensively investigated. We used reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques to localize IGF-I messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and IGF-I peptide in the four parts of the antler. The specific sequence encoding IGF-I was detected by RT-PCR in all of the four specimens, and the 395 bp IGF-I sequence from the red deer antler was shown to have very high homology with human, goat and mouse IGF-I. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the expression of IGF-I occurred in chondrocytes and osteoblasts in the tip and upper parts of the antler. However, IGF-I was only detectable in osteoblasts around the bone in the mid and base parts. There were significant differences in the intensity of the signal obtained with the IGF-I probe in the tip, upper, mid and base tissues. The Western blot analysis also provided evidence that IGF-I expression was localized differentially in the four parts of the deer antler. This study indicates that antler tissue is an essential part of the IGF system, which is involved in the regulation of the growth of red deer antlers. The specific expression of IGF-I in the four parts of the deer antler suggests that the IGF-I molecule is present at significantly different levels throughout the deer antler development and regeneration processes. Localization of IGF-I in chondrocytes and osteoblasts suggests that IGF-I may play an important role in cartilage and bone formation. In addition, it may have a variety of biophysical effects that influence the rapid growth of deer antlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Gu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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26
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Kierdorf U, Kierdorf H, Szuwart T. Deer antler regeneration: Cells, concepts, and controversies. J Morphol 2007; 268:726-38. [PMID: 17538973 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The periodic replacement of antlers is an exceptional regenerative process in mammals, which in general are unable to regenerate complete body appendages. Antler regeneration has traditionally been viewed as an epimorphic process closely resembling limb regeneration in urodele amphibians, and the terminology of the latter process has also been applied to antler regeneration. More recent studies, however, showed that, unlike urodele limb regeneration, antler regeneration does not involve cell dedifferentiation and the formation of a blastema from these dedifferentiated cells. Rather, these studies suggest that antler regeneration is a stem-cell-based process that depends on the periodic activation of, presumably neural-crest-derived, periosteal stem cells of the distal pedicle. The evidence for this hypothesis is reviewed and as a result, a new concept of antler regeneration as a process of stem-cell-based epimorphic regeneration is proposed that does not involve cell dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation. Antler regeneration illustrates that extensive appendage regeneration in a postnatal mammal can be achieved by a developmental process that differs in several fundamental aspects from limb regeneration in urodeles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, 31141 Hildesheim, Germany.
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27
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Mount JG, Muzylak M, Allen S, Althnaian T, McGonnell IM, Price JS. Evidence that the canonical Wnt signalling pathway regulates deer antler regeneration. Dev Dyn 2006; 235:1390-9. [PMID: 16552759 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling regulates many developmental processes, including the fate specification, polarity, migration, and proliferation of cranial neural crest. The canonical Wnt pathway has also been shown to play an important role in bone physiology and there is evidence for its recapitulation during organ regeneration in lower vertebrates. This study explores the role of the Wnt signalling pathway in deer antlers, frontal bone appendages that are the only mammalian organs capable of regeneration. Immunocytochemistry was used to map the distribution of the activated form of beta-catenin ((a)betaCAT). A low level of (a)betaCAT staining was detected in chondrocytes and in osteoblasts at sites of endochondral bone formation. However, (a)betaCAT was localised in cellular periosteum and in osteoblasts in intramembranous bone, where it co-localised with osteocalcin. The most intense (a)betaCAT staining was in dividing undifferentiated cells in the mesenchymal growth zone. Antler progenitor cells (APCs) were cultured from this region and when the canonical Wnt pathway was inhibited at the level of Lef/TCF by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the cell number decreased. TUNEL staining revealed that this was as a result of increased apoptosis. Activation of the pathway by lithium chloride (LiCl) had no effect on cell number but inhibited alkaline phosphate activity (ALP), a marker of APC differentiation, whereas EGCG increased ALP activity. This study demonstrates that beta-catenin plays an important role in the regulation of antler progenitor cell survival and cell fate. It also provides evidence that beta-catenin's function in regulating bone formation by osteoblasts may be site-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Mount
- Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
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