Glycosylation of DMP1 Is Essential for Chondrogenesis of Condylar Cartilage

Histopathological characterization of mandibular condyles in four temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis mouse models

OBJECTIVE

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) has been modeled in different ways with a lack of uniformity. We aimed to investigate four TMJOA mouse models and assess histopathological changes in condyles, which could assist in the selection of animal models in further TMJOA-related studies.

DESIGN

Four TMJOA mouse models were established, including unilateral hyperocclusion, discectomy, monosodium iodoacetate injection and aged model. Bilateral condyles were collected at different time points. The condylar alterations were analyzed by Micro-CT, Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Toluidine blue staining, Safranin O staining, Trap staining, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Radiographic and histopathological analysis indicated that all four methods could cause condylar degeneration successfully. Differences in morphologic and histologic changes were found among four models. The hyperocclusion model was time-dependent and the lesions got worse over time. Discectomy model presented obvious damage of cartilage and subchondral bone. Injected model showed severe inflammation and chondrocyte hypertrophy. The aged model was characterized by decreased of proteoglycan and osteolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The four methods had different characteristics and applicability. The harvest time affected the degree of cartilage degradation. Hyperocclusion was suited to explore the early-stage of TMJOA. Discectomy present advantages in investigating the long-term restoration of cartilage and subchondral bone. Monosodium iodoacetate-injection was appropriate for screening the agents for inflammatory relief. The aged model more naturally facilitated discovering underlying mechanisms in primary TMJOA. Unilateral modeling methods could initiate contralateral condylar alterations. The TMJOA models should be selected based on experimental requirements and applicability of each model.

Zfp260 choreographs the early stage osteo-lineage commitment of skeletal stem cells

The initial fine-tuning processes are crucial for successful bone regeneration, as they guide skeletal stem cells through progenitor differentiation toward osteo- or chondrogenic fate. While fate determination processes are well-documented, the mechanisms preceding progenitor commitment remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a transcription factor, Zfp260, as pivotal for stem cell maturation into progenitors and directing osteogenic differentiation. Zfp260 is markedly up-regulated as cells transition from stem to progenitor stages; its dysfunction causes lineage arrest at the progenitor stage, impairing bone repair. Zfp260 is required for maintaining chromatin accessibility and regulates Runx2 expression by forming super-enhancer complexes. Furthermore, the PKCα kinase phosphorylates Zfp260 at residues Y173, S182, and S197, which are essential for its functional activity. Mutations at these residues significantly impair its functionality. These findings position Zfp260 as a vital factor bridging stem cell activation with progenitor cell fate determination, unveiling a element fundamental to successful bone regeneration.

Effect of blockage of Trem1 on the M1 polarization of macrophages in the regulation dental pulp inflammation

Dental pulp inflammation is a common and significant factor related to poor dental prognosis. Current treatment strategies primarily concentrate on managing the inflammatory response, with specific targets for intervention still under investigation. Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREMs) are a group of receptor molecules extensively present on myeloid cell surfaces, crucial in the regulation of inflammatory process. Our analysis of transcriptomic sequencing data from clinical pulp samples of dataset GSE77459 and animal models revealed up-regulation of Trem1 during pulpitis. Administration of the Trem1-blocking peptide LP17 led to lower (more than 1-fold) levels of several pro-inflammatory factors and inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization both in vivo and in vitro. This study of the expression patterns and functions of Trem1 in the development of dental pulp inflammation provides novel insights into the therapeutic strategies for clinical pulpitis.

Long-term haplodeficency of DSPP causes temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in mice

BACKGROUND

Extracellular matrix (ECM) protein malfunction or defect may lead to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA). Dentin sialophophoprotein (DSPP) is a mandibular condylar cartilage ECM protein, and its deletion impacted cell proliferation and other extracellular matrix alterations of postnatal condylar cartilage. However, it remains unclear if long-term loss of function of DSPP leads to TMJ OA. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that long-term haploinsufficiency of DSPP causes TMJ OA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine whether Dspp+/- mice exhibit TMJ OA but no severe tooth defects, mandibles of wild-type (WT), Dspp+/-, and Dspp homozygous (Dspp-/-) mice were analyzed by Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). To characterize the progression and possible mechanisms of osteoarthritic degeneration over time in Dspp+/- mice over time, condyles of Dspp+/- and WT mice were analyzed radiologically, histologically, and immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses revealed that Dspp+/- and Dspp-/- mice had significantly lower subchondral bone mass, bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, and trabecular thickness compared to WT mice at 12 months. Interestingly, in contrast to Dspp-/- mice which exhibited tooth loss, Dspp+/- mice had minor tooth defects. RNA sequencing data showed that haplodeficency of DSPP affects the biological process of ossification and osteoclast differentiation. Additionally, histological analysis showed that Dspp+/- mice had condylar cartilage fissures, reduced cartilage thickness, decreased articular cell numbers and severe subchondral bone cavities, and with signs that were exaggerated with age. Radiographic data showed an increase in subchondral osteoporosis up to 18 months and osteophyte formation at 21 months. Moreover, Dspp+/- mice showed increased distribution of osteoclasts in the subchondral bone and increased expression of MMP2, IL-6, FN-1, and TLR4 in the mandibular condylar cartilage.

CONCLUSIONS

Dspp+/- mice exhibit TMJ OA in a time-dependent manner, with lesions in the mandibular condyle attributed to hypomineralization of subchondral bone and breakdown of the mandibular condylar cartilage, accompanied by upregulation of inflammatory markers.

Rhein induces bone regeneration via alleviating inflammation in murine periodontitis model

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of rhein on eliminating the inflammation and promoting bone regeneration of periodontitis after local administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo, periodontitis model was established in murine mandibular first molar by using ligature for 7 days, followed by ligature removal and local administration of rhein/vehicle for 7 consecutive days. In vitro, periodontal ligament fibroblasts were treated by LPS, along with the applications of rhein/vehicle. Histology and molecular biology approaches were applied for analysis.

RESULTS

In vivo, rhein alleviated periodontitis inflammation through downregulating the inflammatory index and promoted the osteogenic potential of PDL fibroblasts in a dosage-dependent manner. The result of micro-CT validated this phenomenon. In vitro, rhein administration inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of P65, along with the arose runx2 level of PDL fibroblasts with the stimulus of LPS in mimicking periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

Rhein played its inhibitory role on inflammation via curbing the activation of P65 but uprising the activities of Runx2 in PDL fibroblasts in periodontitis microenvironment. These data suggested that rhein could be an effective and potential clinical choice for the treatment of periodontitis.

Bulk RNA-seq analyses of mandibular condylar cartilage in a post-traumatic TMJ osteoarthritis rabbit model

OBJECTIVE

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is anatomically comprised of the mandibular condylar cartilage (CC) lined with fibrocartilaginous superficial zone and is crucial for eating and dental occlusion. TMJ osteoarthritis (OA) leads to pain, joint dysfunction and permanent loss of cartilage tissue. However, there are no drugs clinically available that ameliorate OA and little is known about global profiles of genes that contribute to TMJ OA. Furthermore, animal models that recapitulate the complexity of signalling pathways contributing to OA pathogenesis are crucial for designing novel biologics that thwart OA progression. We have previously developed a New Zealand white rabbit TMJ injury model that demonstrates CC degeneration. Here, we performed genome-wide profiling to identify new signalling pathways critical for cellular functions during OA pathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Temporomandibular joint OA was surgically induced in New Zealand white rabbits. Three months following injury, we performed global gene expression profiling of the TMJ condyle. RNA samples from TMJ condyles were subjected to sequencing. After raw RNA-seq data were mapped to relevant genomes, differential expression was analysed with DESeq2. Gene ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were conducted.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed multiple pathways altered during TMJ OA induction including the Wnt, Notch and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways. We demonstrate an animal model that recapitulates the complexity of the cues and signals underlying TMJ OA pathogenesis, which is essential for developing and testing novel pharmacologic agents to treat OA.

Rhein-attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury via targeting NFATc1/Trem2 axis

BACKGROUND

Evidence indicated that the early stage transition of macrophages' polarization stages yielded a superior prognosis for acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Rhein (cassic acid) is one major component of many traditional Chinese medicines, and has been reported to perform with strong anti-inflammation capabilities. However, the role rhein played and the mechanism via which it did so in LPS-induced ALI/ARDS remain unclear.

METHODS

ALI/ARDS was induced by LPS (3 mg/kg, i.n, st), accompanied by the applications of rhein (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p, qd), and a vehicle or NFATc1 inhibitor (10 mg/kg, i.p, qd) in vivo. Mice were sacrificed 48 h after modeling. Lung injury parameters, epithelial cell apoptosis, macrophage polarization, and oxidative stress were examined. In vitro, conditioned medium from alveolar epithelial cells stimulated by LPS was used for culturing a RAW264.7 cell line, along with rhein administrations (5 and 25 μM). RNA sequencing, molecule docking, biotin pull-down, ChIP-qPCR, and dual luciferase assay were performed to clarify the mechanisms of rhein in this pathological process.

RESULTS

Rhein significantly attenuated tissue inflammation and promoted macrophage M2 polarization transition in LPS-induced ALI/ARDS. In vitro, rhein alleviated the intracellular ROS level, the activation of P65, and thus the M1 polarization of macrophages. In terms of mechanism, rhein played its protective roles via targeting the NFATc1/Trem2 axis, whose function was significantly mitigated in both Trem2 and NFATc1 blocking experiments.

CONCLUSION

Rhein promoted macrophage M2 polarization transition by targeting the NFATc1/Trem2 axis to regulate inflammation response and prognosis after ALI/ARDS, which shed more light on possibilities for the clinical treatments of this pathological process.

A new frontier in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis treatment: Exosome-based therapeutic strategy

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a debilitating degenerative disease with high incidence, deteriorating quality of patient life. Currently, due to ambiguous etiology, the traditional clinical strategies of TMJOA emphasize on symptomatic treatments such as pain relief and inflammation alleviation, which are unable to halt or reverse the destruction of cartilage or subchondral bone. A number of studies have suggested the potential application prospect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy in TMJOA and other cartilage injury. Worthy of note, exosomes are increasingly being considered the principal efficacious agent of MSC secretions for TMJOA management. The extensive study of exosomes (derived from MSCs, synoviocytes, chondrocytes or adipose tissue et al.) on arthritis recently, has indicated exosomes and their specific miRNA components to be potential therapeutic agents for TMJOA. In this review, we aim to systematically summarize therapeutic properties and underlying mechanisms of MSCs and exosomes from different sources in TMJOA, also analyze and discuss the approaches to optimization, challenges, and prospects of exosome-based therapeutic strategy.

The role of proteoglycan form of DMP1 in cranial repair

Background

The cranial region is a complex set of blood vessels, cartilage, nerves and soft tissues. The reconstruction of cranial defects caused by trauma, congenital defects and surgical procedures presents clinical challenges. Our previous data showed that deficiency of the proteoglycan (PG) form of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1-PG) could lead to abnormal cranial development. In addition, DMP1-PG was highly expressed in the cranial defect areas. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of DMP1-PG in intramembranous ossification in cranial defect repair.

Methods

Mouse cranial defect models were established by using wild- type (WT) and DMP1-PG point mutation mice. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histological staining were performed to assess the extent of repair. Immunofluorescence assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR) were applied to detect the differentially expressed osteogenic markers. RNA sequencing was performed to probe the molecular mechanism of DMP1-PG in regulating defect healing.

Results

A delayed healing process and an abnormal osteogenic capacity of primary osteoblasts were observed in DMP1-PG point mutation mice. Furthermore, impaired inflammatory signaling pathways were detected by using RNA transcription analysis of this model.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that DMP1-PG is an indispensable positive regulator during cranial defect healing.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-022-00443-4.

The Roles of SIBLING Proteins in Dental, Periodontal and Craniofacial Development

The majority of dental, periodontal, and craniofacial tissues are derived from the neural crest cells and ectoderm. Neural crest stem cells are pluripotent, capable of differentiating into a variety of cells. These cells can include osteoblasts, odontoblasts, cementoblasts, chondroblasts, and fibroblasts which are responsible for forming some of the tissues of the oral and craniofacial complex. The hard tissue forming cells deposit a matrix composed of collagen and non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) that later undergoes mineralization. The NCPs play a role in the mineralization of collagen. One such category of NCPs is the small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family of proteins. This family is composed of dentin sialophosphosprotein (DSPP), osteopontin (OPN), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE). The SIBLING family is known to have regulatory effects in the mineralization process of collagen fibers and the maturation of hydroxyapatite crystals. It is well established that SIBLING proteins have critical roles in tooth development. Recent literature has described the expression and role of SIBLING proteins in other areas of the oral and craniofacial complex as well. The objective of the present literature review is to summarize and discuss the different roles the SIBLING proteins play in the development of dental, periodontal, and craniofacial tissues.

ERα/β/DMP1 axis promotes trans-differentiation of chondrocytes to bone cells through GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway

Estrogen-induced premature closing of the growth plate in the long bones is a major cause of short stature after premature puberty. Recent studies have found that chondrocytes can directly trans-differentiate into osteoblasts in the process of endochondral bone formation, which indicates that cartilage formation and osteogenesis may be a continuous biological process. However, whether estrogen promotes the direct trans-differentiation of chondrocytes into osteoblasts remains largely unknown. Chondrocytes were treated with different concentrations of 17β-estradiol, and Alizarin Red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity assay were used to detected osteogenesis. Specific short hairpin RNA and tamoxifen were used to block the estrogen receptor (ER) pathway and osteogenic marker genes and downstream gene expression were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry staining. The findings showed that 17β-estradiol promoted the chondrocyte osteogenesis in vitro, even at high concentrations. In addition, blocking of the ERα/β pathway inhibited the trans-differentiation of chondrocytes into osteogenic cells. Furthermore, we found that dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), which is a direct downstream molecular of ER, was involved in 17β-estradiol/ER pathway-regulated osteogenesis. As well, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β)/β-catenin signal pathway also participates in ERα/β/DMP1-regulated chondrocyte osteogenesis. The GSK-3β/β-catenin signal pathway was involved in ERα/β/DMP1-regulated chondrocyte osteogenesis. These findings suggest that ER/DMP1/GSK-3β/β-catenin plays a vital role in estrogen regulation of chondrocyte osteogenesis and provide a therapeutic target for short stature caused by epiphyseal fusion.

Animal Models of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: Classification and Selection

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a common degenerative joint disease that can cause severe pain and dysfunction. It has a serious impact on the quality of lives of patients. Since mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of TMJOA is not fully understood, the development of effective tools for early diagnosis and disease-modifying therapies has been hindered. Animal models play a key role in understanding the pathological process of diseases and evaluating new therapeutic interventions. Although some similarities in disease processes between animals and humans are known, no one animal model is sufficient for studying all characteristics of TMJOA, as each model has different translatability to human clinical conditions. For the past 4 decades, TMJOA animal models have been studied by numerous researchers and can be broadly divided into induced, naturally occurring, and genetically modified models. The induced models can be divided into invasive models (intra-articular injection and surgical induction) or non-invasive models (mechanical loading, high-fat diet, and sleep deprivation). Different types of animal models simulate different pathological expressions of TMJOA and have their unique characteristics. Currently, mice, rats, and rabbits are commonly used in the study of TMJOA. This review sought to provide a general description of current experimental models of TMJOA and assist researchers in selecting the most appropriate models for different kinds of research.

Aberrant Fluid Shear Stress Contributes to Articular Cartilage Pathogenesis via Epigenetic Regulation of ZBTB20 by H3K4me3

Purpose

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease for human beings, characterized by severe inflammation, cartilage degradation, and subchondral bone destruction. However, current therapies are limited to relieving pain or joint replacement and no effective treatment methods have been discovered to improve degenerative changes. Currently, a variety of evidences have indicated that aberrant mechanical stimuli is closely associated with articular joint pathogenesis, while the detailed underlying mechanism remains unelucidated. In the present study, we determined to investigate the impact of excessive high fluid shear stress (FSS) on primary chondrocytes and the underlying epigenetic mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

Phalloidin staining and EdU staining were used to evaluate cell morphology and viability. The mRNA level and protein level of genes were determined by qPCR, Western blot assay, and immunofluorescence staining. Mechanistic investigation was performed through RNA-sequencing and CUT&Tag sequencing. In vivo, we adopted unilateral anterior crossbites (UAC) mice model to investigate the expression of H3K4me3 and ZBTB20 in aberrant force-related cartilage pathogenesis.

Results

The results demonstrated that FSS greatly disrupts cell morphology and significantly decreased chondrocyte viability. Aberrant FSS induces remarkable inflammatory mediators production, leading to cartilage degeneration and degradation. In depth mechanistic study showed that FSS results in more than 10-fold upregulation of H3K4me3, and the modulatory effect of H3K4me3 on cartilage was obtained by directly targeting ZBTB20. Furthermore, Wnt signaling was strongly activated in high FSS-induced OA pathogenesis, and the negative impact of ZBTB20 on chondrocytes was also achieved through activating Wnt signaling pathway. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of H3K4me3 activation by MM-102 or treatment with Wnt pathway inhibitor LF3 could effectively alleviate the destructive effect of FSS on chondrocytes. In vivo UAC mice model validated the dysregulation of H3K4me3 and ZBTB20 in aberrant force-induced cartilage pathogenesis.

Conclusion

Through the combination of in vitro FSS model and in vivo UAC model, KMT2B-H3K4me3-ZBTB20 axis was first identified in aberrant FSS-induced cartilage pathogenesis, which may provide evidences for epigenetic-based therapy in the future.

Identification of N-glycoproteins of hip cartilage in patients with osteonecrosis of femoral head using quantitative glycoproteomics

N-glycosylation is a major post-translational modification of proteins and involved in many diseases, however, the state and role of N-glycosylation in cartilage degeneration of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) remain unclear. The aim of this study is to identify the glycoproteins of ONFH hip cartilage. Cartilage tissues were collected from nine patients with ONFH and nine individuals with traumatic femoral neck fracture. Cartilage glycoproteins were identified by glycoproteomics based on LC-MS/MS. The differentially N-glycoproteins including glycosites were identified in ONFH and controls. A total of 408 N-glycoproteins with 444 N-glycosites were identified in ONFH and control cartilage. Among them, 104 N-glycoproteins with 130 N-glycosites were significantly differential in ONFH and control cartilage, which including matrix-remodeling-associated protein 5, prolow-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1, clusterin and lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 2. Gene Ontology analysis revealed the significantly differential glycoproteins mainly belonged to protein metabolic process, single-multicellular organism process, proteolysis, biological adhesion and cell adhesion. KEGG pathway and protein-protein interaction analysis suggested that the significantly differential glycoproteins were associated with PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and N-glycan biosynthesis. This information provides substantial insight into the role of protein glycosylation in the development of cartilage degeneration of ONFH patients.

Trem2 mediated Syk-dependent ROS amplification is essential for osteoclastogenesis in periodontitis microenvironment

Periodontitis is the sixth most prevalent diseases around the globe, which is closely related to many systemic diseases and affects general health. As the leading cause of tooth loss, periodontitis is characterized by irreversible alveolar bone loss and activated osteoclastogenic process, which might be closely related to the activated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in osteoclasts. Here, we demonstrated triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2) as a key regulator of osteoclastogenesis with the regulation of intracellular ROS signals in periodontitis. In the present study, the expression of Trem2 was significantly upregulated in human alveolar bones diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, as assessed by RNA-seq. In the mice model of periodontitis, the alveolar bone resorption was impeded in the presence of the conditional knockout of Trem2 in osteoclasts. Furthermore, we identified Trem2/DAP12/Syk-dependent cascade as a vital intracellular signaling for the amplification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signals in osteoclastogenesis, while the accumulation of soluble Aβ₄₂ oligomers (Aβo) in periodontitis microenvironment further strengthened the signals and enhanced osteoclastogenesis through direct interactions with Trem2. Collectively, Trem2 mediated ROS signal amplification cascade was crucial in the process of osteoclastogenesis in periodontitis, suggesting the potential of Trem2 as a target for the prevention and treatment of bone destruction in periodontitis.

Glycosylation of DMP1 maintains cranial sutures in mice

Craniosynostosis, a severe craniofacial developmental disease, can only be treated with surgery currently. Recent studies have shown that proteoglycans are involved in the suture development. For the bone matrix protein, dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), glycosylation on the N-terminal of it could generate a functional proteoglycan form of DMP1 during osteogenesis. We identified that the proteoglycan form of DMP1 (DMP1-PG) is highly expressed in mineralisation front of suture. But, the potential role of DMP1-PG in suture fusion remain unclear. To investigate the role of DMP1-PG in cranial suture fusion and craniofacial bone development. By using a DMP1 glycosylation site mutation mouse model, DMP1-S89G mice, we compared the suture development in it with control mice. We compared the suture phenotypes, bone formation rate, expression levels of bone formation markers in vivo between DMP1-S89G mice and wild-type mice. Meanwhile, cell culture and organ culture were performed to detect the differences in cell differentiation and suture fusion in vitro. Finally, chondroitin sulphate (CHS), as functional component of DMP1-PG, was employed to test whether it could delay the premature suture fusion and the abnormal differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) of DMP1-PG mice. DMP1-S89G mice had premature closure of suture and shorter skull size. Lack of DMP1-PG accelerated bone formation in cranial suture. DMP1-PG maintained the essential stemness of BMSCs in suture through blocking the premature differentiation of BMSCs to osteoblasts. Finally, chondroitin sulphate, a major component of DMP1-PG, successfully delayed the premature suture fusion by organ culture of skull in vitro. DMP1-PG could inhibit premature fusion of cranial suture and maintain the suture through regulating the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

CircGCN1L1 promotes synoviocyte proliferation and chondrocyte apoptosis by targeting miR-330-3p and TNF-α in TMJ osteoarthritis

Altered expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been identified in various human diseases. In this study, we investigated whether circRNAs function as competing endogenous RNAs to regulate the pathological process of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). High-throughput sequencing of mRNA (RNA seq) was performed to detect the expression of circRNAs in TMJOA and control synovial tissues isolated from humans. The differentially upregulated circGCN1L1 (hsa_circ_0000448) in synoviocyte was validated in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrate the interactions between circGCN1L1 and both miR-330-3p and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) through bioinformatics predictions, luciferase report assays, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. mRNA expression profiles of TNF-α-stimulated synoviocyte showed that circGCN1L1 and p65 expressions were upregulated by TNF-α. Moreover, miR-330-3p was negatively correlated with TNF-α secretion. Further, we found that miR-330-3p directly targeted TNF and restrained the production of matrix-degrading enzymes (MMP3, MMP13, and ADAMTS4). Mechanistic studies unveiled that circGCN1L1 in TMJOA synovial tissues and cells may be associated with condylar chondrocyte apoptosis and synoviocyte hyperplasia. Moreover, intra-articular injection of shcircGCN1L1 alleviated TMJOA progression in rat models. Altogether, we elucidated the important roles of a novel circRNA, namely, circGCN1L1, which induced inflammation in TMJ synoviocytes and decreased anabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) through miR-330-3p and TNF-α gene. This circRNA may represent a potentially effective therapeutic strategy against TMJOA progression at an early stage.

Glycosylation of DMP1 promotes bone reconstruction in long bone defects

The regeneration of bone defects is necessary for the successful healing. During the process of healing, callus plays crucial roles in providing the stable bone-reconstruction environment. The callus is consisted of various large molecules including collagen proteins, non-collagen proteins and proteoglycans (PGs), which are involved in maintaining mechanical strength and interacting with cytokines and grow factors in the injury sites. Recently, our data have found that the PG form of Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (DMP1-PG), which is a newly identified PG, was richly expressed in the bone defect sites. Previous researches have demonstrated the special role of DMP1-PG in chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification, however, the knowledge about the role of DMP1-PG in bone defect repair is still limited. To further detect the potential function of DMP1-PG in the defect healing, we employed a bone defect intramembranous ossification model using the glycosylation site mutant DMP1-PG (S⁸⁹-G⁸⁹, S89G-DMP1) mouse. The morphologic changes of calluses and abnormal expression levels of osteogenesis genes were displayed in the injury sites in S89G-DMP1 mice. In addition, impaired BMP-Smad signaling pathway was observed due to the deficiency of DMP1-PG. Collectively, our findings indicated that the DMP1-PG is one of key proteoglycans in the process of defect healing via regulating the osteogenesis.

Dentin matrix protein 1 correlates with the severity of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and promotes hyper-permeability of endothelial cells infected by Hantaan virus

Hantaviruses are the major causative agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in humans, which is characterized by increased capillary permeability. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) has been shown to degrade components of the basal membrane and interendothelial junctions via matrix metalloproteinase-9. To study the changes of serum DMP1 in HFRS, we determined the concentration of DMP1 using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that serum DMP1 concentrations increased significantly, and reached peak value during the oliguric phase and in the critical group in HFRS patients. Moreover, serum DMP1 concentrations were closely related to blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cystatin C, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We further explored the role of DMP1 in HTNV-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model. Data from immunocytochemistry showed that VEGF and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) promoted the expression of DMP1 on HTNV-infected HUVECs. Results from transwell assays demonstrated that the permeability of HUVECs increased significantly after HTNV infection with the addition of DMP1, VEGF, and TNF-α. This study suggests that elevated DMP1 concentrations may be associated with disease stage, severity, and the degree of acute kidney injury. DMP1 is involved in the regulation of capillary permeability in HFRS caused by hantavirus infection.

MicroRNA let-7c-5p Suppressed Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Dental Pulp Inflammation by Inhibiting Dentin Matrix Protein-1-Mediated Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo

Background

Let-7c-5p is down-regulated in dental pulp tissues in inflammatory disorders. The microRNA (miR) molecule shows an anti-inflammation potential due to its direct regulation of dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP1), which promotes inflammation changes in dental pulp tissues. In the present study, the effect of let-7c-5p on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulpitis was detected and the associated mechanism was explored.

Material/Methods

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were isolated from rat dental tissues, infected with let-7c-5p lentivirus particles, and subjected to LPS administration to induce inflammation. Then, the effect of let-7c-5p overexpression on LPS-induced impairments on DPSCs were detected and the mechanism was explained by focusing on the DMP1 expression and NF-κB pathway. The role of DMP1 in the anti-inflammation effect of let-7c-5p was assessed by incubating let-7c-5p-expressed DPSCs with DMP1 protein. The results of in vitro assays were verified in LPS-induced rat pulpitis models.

Results

LPS administration increased the production of IL-1β and TNF-α and decreased DPSCs viability by increasing the expression of DMP1 and activating NF-κB pathway. However, the induced expression of let-7c-5p relieved DPSCs from LPS-induced inflammation and suppressed DMP1 as well as NF-κB pathway. The incubation of let-7c-5p-expressed DPSCs with DMP1 protein blocked the effect of let-7c-5p. In in vivo experiments, the injection of let-7c-5p attenuated LPS-induced pulpitis by inhibiting DMP1-mediated NF-κB pathway.

Conclusions

Findings outlined in the current study demonstrated the dental pulp protecting function of let-7c-5p during LPS-induced inflammation, which was exerted by inhibiting the DMP1-mediated NF-κB pathway.

Extracellular matrix protein DMP1 suppresses osteogenic differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are self-renewing and multipotent stem cells which was investigated for diverse clinical applications. However, complex mechanism of MSCs fate determination is still not fully disclosed. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins contribute to maintain MSCs stemness by providing extracellular microenvironment. Increasing evidences show that ECM proteins could also regulate the fate of MSCs directly. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an ECM protein enrich in bone tissue and terminal cells, which well-known in promoting osteoblasts and osteocytes maturation, and facilitate mineralization. Recently, our experiment indicated that DMP1 was also expressed in MSCs of long bone. In present study, it is found that DMP1 expressed in Prx1 positive MSCs. And, DMP1 is down-regulated in early osteoblasts and up-regulated again in mature osteoblasts. DMP1 conditional knockout mice model under Prx1cre was generated to explore whether DMP1 regulates MSCs osteogenic differentiation. Specific ablation of DMP1 in Prx1 positive MSCs increased bone mass in vivo and promoted osteoblasts activity in vitro. This study provides a new understanding of DMP1's function in regulation of osteogenesis: not only an enhancer of bone formation, but also a negative regulator of MSCs differentiation in bone.