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Couasnay G, Garcia H, Elefteriou F. A comparative analysis of TonEBP conditional knockout mouse models reveals inter-dependency between compartments of the intervertebral disc. Development 2024; 151:dev202354. [PMID: 38421307 PMCID: PMC11006390 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202354] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between notochord and sclerotome are required for normal embryonic spine patterning, but whether the postnatal derivatives of these tissues also require interactions for postnatal intervertebral disc (IVD) growth and maintenance is less established. We report here the comparative analysis of four conditional knockout mice deficient for TonEBP, a transcription factor known to allow cells to adapt to changes in extracellular osmotic pressure, in specific compartments of the IVD. We show that TonEBP deletion in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells does not affect their survival or aggrecan expression, but promoted cell proliferation in the NP and in adjacent vertebral growth plates (GPs). In cartilage end plates/GPs, TonEBP deletion induced cell death, but also structural alterations in the adjacent NP cells and vertebral bodies. Embryonic or postnatal TonEBP loss generated similar IVD changes. In addition to demonstrating the requirement of TonEBP in the different compartments of the IVD, this comparative analysis uncovers the in vivo interdependency of the different IVD compartments during the growth of the postnatal IVD-vertebral units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greig Couasnay
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haley Garcia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Florent Elefteriou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Li Y, Pavanram P, Bühring J, Rütten S, Schröder KU, Zhou J, Pufe T, Wang LN, Zadpoor AA, Jahr H. Physiomimetic biocompatibility evaluation of directly printed degradable porous iron implants using various cell types. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:589-604. [PMID: 37536493 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Additively manufactured (AM) degradable porous metallic biomaterials offer unique opportunities for satisfying the design requirements of an ideal bone substitute. Among the currently available biodegradable metals, iron has the highest elastic modulus, meaning that it would benefit the most from porous design. Given the successful preclinical applications of such biomaterials for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the moderate compatibility of AM porous iron with osteoblast-like cells, reported in earlier studies, has been surprising. This may be because, as opposed to static in vitro conditions, the biodegradation products of iron in vivo are transported away and excreted. To better mimic the in situ situations of biodegradable biomaterials after implantation, we compared the biodegradation behavior and cytocompatibility of AM porous iron under static conditions to the conditions with dynamic in situ-like fluid flow perfusion in a bioreactor. Furthermore, the compatibility of these scaffolds with four different cell types was evaluated to better understand the implications of these implants for the complex process of natural wound healing. These included endothelial cells, L929 fibroblasts, RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells, and osteoblastic MG-63 cells. The biodegradation rate of the scaffolds was significantly increased in the perfusion bioreactor as compared to static immersion. Under either condition, the compatibility with L929 cells was the best. Moreover, the compatibility with all the cell types was much enhanced under physiomimetic dynamic flow conditions as compared to static biodegradation. Our study highlights the importance of physiomimetic culture conditions and cell type selection when evaluating the cytocompatibility of degradable biomaterials in vitro. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Additively manufactured (AM) degradable porous metals offer unique opportunities for the treatment of large bony defects. Despite the successful preclinical applications of biodegradable iron in the cardiovascular field, the moderate compatibility of AM porous iron with osteoblast-like cells was reported. To better mimic the in vivo condition, we compared the biodegradation behavior and cytocompatibility of AM porous iron under static condition to dynamic perfusion. Furthermore, the compatibility of these scaffolds with various cell types was evaluated to better simulate the process of natural wound healing. Our study suggests that AM porous iron holds great promise for orthopedic applications, while also highlighting the importance of physio-mimetic culture conditions and cell type selection when evaluating the cytocompatibility of degradable biomaterials in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2628CD, the Netherlands.
| | - P Pavanram
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - J Bühring
- Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - S Rütten
- Institute of Pathology, Electron Microscopy Unit, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - K-U Schröder
- Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - J Zhou
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2628CD, the Netherlands
| | - T Pufe
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - L-N Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - A A Zadpoor
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2628CD, the Netherlands
| | - H Jahr
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany.; Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany.
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3
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Cui Y, Miao MZ, Wang M, Su QP, Qiu K, Arbeeva L, Chubinskaya S, Diekman BO, Loeser RF. Yes-associated protein nuclear translocation promotes anabolic activity in human articular chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023; 31:1078-1090. [PMID: 37100374 PMCID: PMC10524185 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been widely studied as a mechanotransducer in many cell types, but its function in cartilage is controversial. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of YAP phosphorylation and nuclear translocation on the chondrocyte response to stimuli relevant to osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN Cultured normal human articular chondrocytes from 81 donors were treated with increased osmolarity media as an in vitro model of mechanical stimulation, fibronectin fragments (FN-f) or IL-1β as catabolic stimuli, and IGF-1 as an anabolic stimulus. YAP function was assessed with gene knockdown and inhibition by verteporfin. Nuclear translocation of YAP and its transcriptional co-activator TAZ and site-specific YAP phosphorylation were determined by immunoblotting. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to detect YAP were performed on normal and OA human cartilage with different degrees of damage. RESULTS Chondrocyte YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation increased under physiological osmolarity (400 mOsm) and IGF-1 stimulation, which was associated with YAP phosphorylation at Ser128. In contrast, catabolic stimulation decreased the levels of nuclear YAP/TAZ through YAP phosphorylation at Ser127. Following YAP inhibition, anabolic gene expression and transcriptional activity decreased. Additionally, YAP knockdown reduced proteoglycan staining and levels of type II collagen. Total YAP immunostaining was greater in OA cartilage, but YAP was sequestered in the cytosol in cartilage areas with more severe damage. CONCLUSIONS YAP chondrocyte nuclear translocation is regulated by differential phosphorylation in response to anabolic and catabolic stimuli. Decreased nuclear YAP in OA chondrocytes may contribute to reduced anabolic activity and promotion of further cartilage loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Cui
- Xiangya International Medical Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China; Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - M Z Miao
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Division of Oral & Craniofacial Health Sciences, University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - M Wang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Q P Su
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - K Qiu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - L Arbeeva
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - S Chubinskaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - B O Diekman
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - R F Loeser
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Fragoulis A, Tohidnezhad M, Kubo Y, Wruck CJ, Craveiro RB, Bock A, Wolf M, Pufe T, Jahr H, Suhr F. The Contribution of the Nrf2/ARE System to Mechanotransduction in Musculoskeletal and Periodontal Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097722. [PMID: 37175428 PMCID: PMC10177782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097722] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensing plays an essential role in maintaining tissue functions. Across the human body, several tissues (i.e., striated muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, as well as cartilage) require mechanical loading to exert their physiological functions. Contrary, mechanical unloading triggers pathological remodeling of these tissues and, consequently, human body dysfunctions. At the cellular level, both mechanical loading and unloading regulate a wide spectrum of cellular pathways. Among those, pathways regulated by oxidants such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) represent an essential node critically controlling tissue organization and function. Hence, a sensitive balance between the generation and elimination of oxidants keeps them within a physiological range. Here, the Nuclear Factor-E2-related factor 2/Antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) system plays an essential role as it constitutes the major cellular regulation against exogenous and endogenous oxidative stresses. Dysregulations of this system advance, i.a., liver, neurodegenerative, and cancer diseases. Herein, we extend our comprehension of the Nrf2 system to the aforementioned mechanically sensitive tissues to explore its role in their physiology and pathology. We demonstrate the relevance of it for the tissues' functionality and highlight the imperative to further explore the Nrf2 system to understand the physiology and pathology of mechanically sensitive tissues in the context of redox biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanassios Fragoulis
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mersedeh Tohidnezhad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Yusuke Kubo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Christoph Jan Wruck
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Rogerio Bastos Craveiro
- Department of Orthodontics, Dental Clinic, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Bock
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Wolf
- Department of Orthodontics, Dental Clinic, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Pufe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Holger Jahr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Suhr
- Division of Molecular Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health, University of Bayreuth, 95326 Kulmbach, Germany
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Kim HS, Ha HS, Kim DH, Son DH, Baek S, Park J, Lee CH, Park S, Yoon HJ, Yu SE, Kang JI, Park KM, Shin YM, Lee JB, Sung HJ. O 2 variant chip to simulate site-specific skeletogenesis from hypoxic bone marrow. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd4210. [PMID: 36947623 PMCID: PMC10032601 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add4210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The stemness of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is maintained by hypoxia. The oxygen level increases from vessel-free cartilage to hypoxic bone marrow and, furthermore, to vascularized bone, which might direct the chondrogenesis to osteogenesis and regenerate the skeletal system. Hence, oxygen was diffused from relatively low to high levels throughout a three-dimensional chip. When we cultured BMSCs in the chip and implanted them into the rabbit defect models of low-oxygen cartilage and high-oxygen calvaria bone, (i) the low oxygen level (base) promoted stemness and chondrogenesis of BMSCs with robust antioxidative potential; (ii) the middle level (two times ≥ low) pushed BMSCs to quiescence; and (iii) the high level (four times ≥ low) promoted osteogenesis by disturbing the redox balance and stemness. Last, endochondral or intramembranous osteogenesis upon transition from low to high oxygen in vivo suggests a developmental mechanism-driven solution to promote chondrogenesis to osteogenesis in the skeletal system by regulating the oxygen environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Seon Kim
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Su Ha
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Hyeon Son
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sewoom Baek
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongeun Park
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hee Lee
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Suji Park
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jin Yoon
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Eun Yu
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeon Il Kang
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, College of Life sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Park
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, College of Life sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Biomaterials and Process Development, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Min Shin
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Bok Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak-Joon Sung
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Laagland LT, Bach FC, Creemers LB, Le Maitre CL, Poramba‐Liyanage DW, Tryfonidou MA. Hyperosmolar expansion medium improves nucleus pulposus cell phenotype. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1219. [PMID: 36203869 PMCID: PMC9520765 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Repopulating the degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) with tissue‐specific nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) has already been shown to promote regeneration in various species. Yet the applicability of NPCs as cell‐based therapy has been hampered by the low cell numbers that can be extracted from donor IVDs and their potentially limited regenerative capacity due to their degenerated phenotype. To optimize the expansion conditions, we investigated the effects of increasing culture medium osmolarity during expansion on the phenotype of dog NPCs and their ability to produce a healthy extracellular matrix (ECM) in a 3D culture model. Methods Dog NPCs were expanded in expansion medium with a standard osmolarity of 300 mOsm/L or adjusted to 400 or 500 mOsm/L in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Following expansion, NPCs were cultured in a 3D culture model in chondrogenic culture medium with a standard osmolarity. Read‐out parameters included cell proliferaton rate, morphology, phenotype and healthy ECM production. Results Increasing the expansion medium osmolarity from 300 to 500 mOsm/L resulted in NPCs with a more rounded morphology and a lower cell proliferation rate accompanied by the expression of several healthy NPC and progenitor markers at gene (KRT18, ACAN, COL2, CD73, CD90) and protein (ACAN, PAX1, CD24, TEK, CD73) level. The NPCs expanded at 500 mOsm/L were able to retain most of their phenotypic markers and produce healthy ECM during 3D culture independent of the oxygen level used during expansion. Conclusions Altogether, our findings show that increasing medium osmolarity during expansion results in an NPC population with improved phenotype, which could enhance the potential of cell‐based therapies for IVD regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne T. Laagland
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Laura B. Creemers
- Department of Orthopedics University Medical Centre Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
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Jahr H, van der Windt AE, Timur UT, Baart EB, Lian WS, Rolauffs B, Wang FS, Pufe T. Physosmotic Induction of Chondrogenic Maturation Is TGF-β Dependent and Enhanced by Calcineurin Inhibitor FK506. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095110. [PMID: 35563498 PMCID: PMC9100228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing extracellular osmolarity 100 mOsm/kg above plasma level to the physiological levels for cartilage induces chondrogenic marker expression and the differentiation of chondroprogenitor cells. The calcineurin inhibitor FK506 has been reported to modulate the hypertrophic differentiation of primary chondrocytes under such conditions, but the molecular mechanism has remained unclear. We aimed at clarifying its role. Chondrocyte cell lines and primary cells were cultured under plasma osmolarity and chondrocyte-specific in situ osmolarity (+100 mOsm, physosmolarity) was increased to compare the activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5). The effects of osmolarity and FK506 on calcineurin activity, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix quality, and BMP- and TGF-β signaling were analyzed using biochemical, gene, and protein expression, as well as reporter and bio-assays. NFAT5 translocation was similar in chondrocyte cell lines and primary cells. High supraphysiological osmolarity compromised cell proliferation, while physosmolarity or FK506 did not, but in combination increased proteoglycan and collagen expression in chondrocytes in vitro and in situ. The expression of the TGF-β-inducible protein TGFBI, as well as chondrogenic (SOX9, Col2) and terminal differentiation markers (e.g., Col10) were affected by osmolarity. Particularly, the expression of minor collagens (e.g., Col9, Col11) was affected. The inhibition of the FK506-binding protein suggests modulation at the TGF-β receptor level, rather than calcineurin-mediated signaling, as a cause. Physiological osmolarity promotes terminal chondrogenic differentiation of progenitor cells through the sensitization of the TGF-β superfamily signaling at the type I receptor. While hyperosmolarity alone facilitates TGF-β superfamily signaling, FK506 further enhances signaling by releasing the FKBP12 break from the type I receptor to improve collagenous marker expression. Our results help explain earlier findings and potentially benefit future cell-based cartilage repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Jahr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (U.T.T.); (T.P.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-2418089525
| | - Anna E. van der Windt
- Department of Orthopaedics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Ufuk Tan Timur
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (U.T.T.); (T.P.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther B. Baart
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Wei-Shiung Lian
- Core Laboratory for Phenomics and Diagnostics, Department of Medical Research, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (W.-S.L.); (F.-S.W.)
- Center for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Bernd Rolauffs
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79085 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Feng-Sheng Wang
- Core Laboratory for Phenomics and Diagnostics, Department of Medical Research, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (W.-S.L.); (F.-S.W.)
- Center for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Thomas Pufe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (U.T.T.); (T.P.)
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Thielen NGM, Neefjes M, Vitters EL, van Beuningen HM, Blom AB, Koenders MI, van Lent PLEM, van de Loo FAJ, Blaney Davidson EN, van Caam APM, van der Kraan PM. Identification of Transcription Factors Responsible for a Transforming Growth Factor-β-Driven Hypertrophy-like Phenotype in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071232. [PMID: 35406794 PMCID: PMC8998018 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During osteoarthritis (OA), hypertrophy-like chondrocytes contribute to the disease process. TGF-β's signaling pathways can contribute to a hypertrophy(-like) phenotype in chondrocytes, especially at high doses of TGF-β. In this study, we examine which transcription factors (TFs) are activated and involved in TGF-β-dependent induction of a hypertrophy-like phenotype in human OA chondrocytes. We found that TGF-β, at levels found in synovial fluid in OA patients, induces hypertrophic differentiation, as characterized by increased expression of RUNX2, COL10A1, COL1A1, VEGFA and IHH. Using luciferase-based TF activity assays, we observed that the expression of these hypertrophy genes positively correlated to SMAD3:4, STAT3 and AP1 activity. Blocking these TFs using specific inhibitors for ALK-5-induced SMAD signaling (5 µM SB-505124), JAK-STAT signaling (1 µM Tofacitinib) and JNK signaling (10 µM SP-600125) led to the striking observation that only SB-505124 repressed the expression of hypertrophy factors in TGF-β-stimulated chondrocytes. Therefore, we conclude that ALK5 kinase activity is essential for TGF-β-induced expression of crucial hypertrophy factors in chondrocytes.
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Kubo Y, Beckmann R, Fragoulis A, Conrads C, Pavanram P, Nebelung S, Wolf M, Wruck CJ, Jahr H, Pufe T. Nrf2/ARE Signaling Directly Regulates SOX9 to Potentially Alter Age-Dependent Cartilage Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020263. [PMID: 35204144 PMCID: PMC8868513 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is implicated in osteoarthritis, and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway maintains redox homeostasis. We investigated whether Nrf2/ARE signaling controls SOX9. SOX9 expression in human C-28/I2 chondrocytes was measured by RT–qPCR after shRNA-mediated knockdown of Nrf2 or its antagonist the Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with cap ‘‘n’’ collar homology-associated protein 1 (Keap1). To verify whether Nrf2 transcriptionally regulates SOX9, putative ARE-binding sites in the proximal SOX9 promoter region were inactivated, cloned into pGL3, and co-transfected with phRL–TK for dual-luciferase assays. SOX9 promoter activities without and with Nrf2-inducer methysticin were compared. Sox9 expression in articular chondrocytes was correlated to cartilage thickness and degeneration in wild-type (WT) and Nrf2-knockout mice. Nrf2-specific RNAi significantly decreased SOX9 expression, whereas Keap1-specific RNAi increased it. Putative ARE sites (ARE1, ARE2) were identified in the SOX9 promoter region. ARE2 mutagenesis significantly reduced SOX9 promoter activity, but ARE1 excision did not. Functional ARE2 site was essential for methysticin-mediated induction of SOX9 promoter activity. Young Nrf2-knockout mice revealed significantly lower Sox9-positive chondrocytes, and old Nrf2-knockout animals showed thinner cartilage and more cartilage degeneration. Our results suggest Nrf2 directly regulates SOX9 in articular cartilage, and Nrf2-loss can develop mild osteoarthritis at old age. Pharmacological Nrf2 induction may hold the potential to diminish age-dependent cartilage degeneration through improving SOX9 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kubo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.B.); (A.F.); (C.C.); (P.P.); (C.J.W.); (H.J.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-24-1808-9525
| | - Rainer Beckmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.B.); (A.F.); (C.C.); (P.P.); (C.J.W.); (H.J.); (T.P.)
| | - Athanassios Fragoulis
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.B.); (A.F.); (C.C.); (P.P.); (C.J.W.); (H.J.); (T.P.)
| | - Claudius Conrads
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.B.); (A.F.); (C.C.); (P.P.); (C.J.W.); (H.J.); (T.P.)
| | - Prathyusha Pavanram
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.B.); (A.F.); (C.C.); (P.P.); (C.J.W.); (H.J.); (T.P.)
| | - Sven Nebelung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Michael Wolf
- Department of Orthodontics, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Christoph Jan Wruck
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.B.); (A.F.); (C.C.); (P.P.); (C.J.W.); (H.J.); (T.P.)
| | - Holger Jahr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.B.); (A.F.); (C.C.); (P.P.); (C.J.W.); (H.J.); (T.P.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Pufe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.B.); (A.F.); (C.C.); (P.P.); (C.J.W.); (H.J.); (T.P.)
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10
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Singh YP, Moses JC, Bhardwaj N, Mandal BB. Overcoming the Dependence on Animal Models for Osteoarthritis Therapeutics - The Promises and Prospects of In Vitro Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100961. [PMID: 34302436 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal disease characterized by progressive degeneration of osteochondral tissues. Current treatment is restricted to the reduction of pain and loss of function of the joint. To better comprehend the OA pathophysiological conditions, several models are employed, however; there is no consensus on a suitable model. In this review, different in vitro models being developed for possible therapeutic intervention of OA are outlined. Herein, various in vitro OA models starting from 2D model, co-culture model, 3D models, dynamic culture model to advanced technologies-based models such as 3D bioprinting, bioassembly, organoids, and organ-on-chip-based models are discussed with their advantages and disadvantages. Besides, different growth factors, cytokines, and chemicals being utilized for induction of OA condition are reviewed in detail. Furthermore, there is focus on scrutinizing different molecular and possible therapeutic targets for better understanding the mechanisms and OA therapeutics. Finally, the underlying challenges associated with in vitro models are discussed followed by future prospective. Taken together, a comprehensive overview of in vitro OA models, factors to induce OA-like conditions, and intricate molecular targets with the potential to develop personalized osteoarthritis therapeutics in the future with clinical translation is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogendra Pratap Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Guwahati Assam 781039 India
| | - Joseph Christakiran Moses
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Guwahati Assam 781039 India
| | - Nandana Bhardwaj
- Department of Science and Mathematics Indian Institute of Information Technology Guwahati Bongora Guwahati Assam 781015 India
| | - Biman B. Mandal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Guwahati Assam 781039 India
- Centre for Nanotechnology Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Guwahati Assam 781039 India
- School of Health Sciences and Technology Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Guwahati Assam 781039 India
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11
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An in vitro analysis of the effect of hyperosmolarity on the chondrogenic potential of human articular cartilage derived chondroprogenitors. Tissue Cell 2021; 72:101590. [PMID: 34256278 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101590] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chondroprogenitors display promise for articular cartilage regeneration. It is imperative to standardize culture conditions, to further enhance chondrogenicity and reduce tendency for hypertrophy. Cartilage matrix provides a unique hyperosmolar microenvironment that enables native cells to resist compressive stress. However, commonly used culture media have osmolarities relatively hypoosmotic when compared to in-vivo conditions. Previous reports involving chondrocytes demonstrated enhanced chondrogenic potential secondary to utilization of hyperosmolar culture conditions. The study aimed to assess the effect of hyperosmolarity (either mimicking normal joint conditions or short-term hyperosmotic stress) on chondroprogenitor phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fibronectin adhesion assay derived human articular chondroprogenitors (n = 3) were divided into 3 groups: a) Control: cells grown in standard culture conditions (320 mOsm/L), b) Test A: cells grown in hyperosmolar media mimicking joint conditions (409 mOsm/L) and c) Test B: cells exposed to short-term hyperosmotic stress (504 mOsm/L) for 24 h, prior to assessment. Evaluation parameters included population doubling, cell size, surface marker expression, mRNA expression (markers of chondrogenesis, dedifferentiation and hypertrophy) and multilineage potential. RESULTS Subjecting these cells to increased osmolarity in culture did not demonstrably favor chondrogenesis (control vs Test A: comparable COL2A1) while hyperosmotic stress further increased the tendency for hypertrophy and terminal differentiation (high COL1A1 and low COL2A1, P = 0.006). Additionally, growth kinetics, surface marker expression and multilineage potential were comparable across groups. CONCLUSION Chondroprogenitors displayed sensitivity to increase in osmolarity as chondrogenic phenotype did not improve, while hypertrophic propensity was heightened, although further analysis of culture and phenotypic parameters will aid in optimizing chondroprogenitor use in cartilage regeneration.
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12
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Sieber S, Michaelis M, Gühring H, Lindemann S, Gigout A. Importance of Osmolarity and Oxygen Tension for Cartilage Tissue Engineering. Biores Open Access 2020; 9:106-115. [PMID: 32257626 PMCID: PMC7133430 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2020.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
For cartilage repair in vivo or evaluation of new therapeutic approaches in vitro, the generation of functional cartilage tissue is of crucial importance and can only be achieved if the phenotype of the chondrocytes is preserved. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is broadly used for this purpose. However, adapting culture parameters like the oxygen tension or the osmolarity to their physiological values is often omitted. Indeed, articular cartilage is an avascular tissue subjected to reduced oxygen tension and presenting and increased osmolarity compared with most other tissues. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of a physiological oxygen tension (3% instead of 21%) and physiological osmolarity (430 vs. 330 mOsm in nonadjusted DMEM) and the combination of both on the cell proliferation, matrix production, and the phenotype of porcine chondrocytes in a scaffold-free 3D culture system. We observed that a physiological osmolarity had no effect on cell proliferation and matrix production but positively influences the chondrocyte phenotype. A physiological oxygen level prevented cell proliferation but resulted in an increased matrix content/million cells and had a positive influence on the chondrocyte phenotype as well. The strongest benefit was reached with the combination of both physiological osmolarity and oxygen levels; with these conditions, type I collagen expression became undetectable. In addition, at 3% O2 the chondrocytes-matrix constructs were found to more closely resemble native cartilage regarding the matrix-to-cell ratio. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrates the benefit of using physiological oxygen tension and osmolarity in cartilage tissue engineering with the combination of both showing the strongest benefit on the chondrocyte phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Sieber
- Osteoarthritis Research, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Hans Gühring
- Osteoarthritis Research, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Anne Gigout
- Osteoarthritis Research, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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13
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Tessier S, Doolittle AC, Sao K, Rotty JD, Bear JE, Ulici V, Loeser RF, Shapiro IM, Diekman BO, Risbud MV. Arp2/3 inactivation causes intervertebral disc and cartilage degeneration with dysregulated TonEBP-mediated osmoadaptation. JCI Insight 2020; 5:131382. [PMID: 31961823 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.131382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix and osmolarity influence the development and homeostasis of skeletal tissues through Rho GTPase-mediated alteration of the actin cytoskeleton. This study investigated whether the actin-branching Arp2/3 complex, a downstream effector of the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1, plays a critical role in maintaining the health of matrix-rich and osmotically loaded intervertebral discs and cartilage. Mice with constitutive intervertebral disc- and cartilage-specific deletion of the critical Arp2/3 subunit Arpc2 (Col2-Cre; Arpc2fl/fl) developed chondrodysplasia and spinal defects. Since these mice did not survive to adulthood, we generated mice with inducible Arpc2 deletion in disc and cartilage (Acan-CreERT2; Arpc2fl/fl). Inactivation of Arp2/3 at skeletal maturity resulted in growth plate closure, loss of proteoglycan content in articular cartilage, and degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc at 1 year of age. Chondrocytes with Arpc2 deletion showed compromised cell spreading on both collagen and fibronectin. Pharmacological inhibition of Cdc42 and Arp2/3 prevented the osmoadaptive transcription factor TonEBP/NFAT5 from recruiting cofactors in response to a hyperosmolarity challenge. Together, these findings suggest that Arp2/3 plays a critical role in cartilaginous tissues through the regulation of cell-extracellular matrix interactions and modulation of TonEBP-mediated osmoadaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tessier
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
| | - Alexandra C Doolittle
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.,Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimheak Sao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.,Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeremy D Rotty
- Department of Biochemistry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.,UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - James E Bear
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.,UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Veronica Ulici
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, and.,Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard F Loeser
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, and.,Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.,Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brian O Diekman
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.,Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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14
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Mang T, Lindemann S, Gigout A. Increasing the Medium Osmolarity Reduces the Inflammatory Status of Human OA Chondrocytes and Increases Their Responsiveness to GDF-5. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020531. [PMID: 31947660 PMCID: PMC7014320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment surrounding chondrocytes changes drastically in osteoarthritis (OA). For instance, the osmolarity in cartilage (ranging from 350 to 460 mOsm in healthy tissue) decreases during the progression of OA, reaching 270 mOsm. The objective of this study was to evaluate how osmolarity influences human OA chondrocytes. For this purpose, the osmolarity of the culture medium (340 mOsm) was increased to 380, 420 or 460 mOsm and its effect on the phenotype, matrix production, protease expression, cytokine release and growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) receptor expression in human OA chondrocytes was evaluated in a monolayer. Afterwards, the same parameters, as well as the responsiveness to GDF-5, were evaluated in 3D culture at 340 and 380 mOsm. Our results revealed that increasing the medium osmolarity increased matrix production but also reduced cytokine release, type I collagen and protease expression. It was also demonstrated that at 380 mOsm, the response to GDF-5 in 3D culture was more robust than at 340 mOsm. For the first time, it was established that a decreased osmolarity plays a role in sustaining inflammation and catabolic activities in OA chondrocytes and decreases their responsiveness to GDF-5. This indicates that osmolarity is a critical aspect of OA pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Mang
- Osteoarthritis Research, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (T.M.); (S.L.)
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sven Lindemann
- Osteoarthritis Research, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (T.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Anne Gigout
- Osteoarthritis Research, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (T.M.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6151-72-8678
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15
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Tessier S, Tran VA, Ottone OK, Novais EJ, Doolittle A, DiMuzio MJ, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. TonEBP-deficiency accelerates intervertebral disc degeneration underscored by matrix remodeling, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and changes in proinflammatory gene expression. Matrix Biol 2019; 87:94-111. [PMID: 31707045 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) plays an important role in intervertebral disc and axial skeleton embryogenesis. However, the contribution of this osmoregulatory transcription factor in postnatal intervertebral disc homeostasis is not known in vivo. Here, we show for the first time that TonEBP-deficient mice have pronounced age-related degeneration of the intervertebral disc with annular and endplate herniations. Using FTIR-imaging spectroscopy, quantitative immunohistochemistry, and tissue-specific transcriptomic analysis, we provide morphological and molecular evidence that the overall phenotype is driven by a replacement of water-binding proteoglycans with fibrocartilaginous matrix. Whereas TonEBP deficiency in the AF compartment caused tissue fibrosis associated with alterations in actin cytoskeleton and adhesion molecules, predominant changes in pro-inflammatory pathways were seen in the NP compartment of mutants, underscoring disc compartment-specific effects. Additionally, TonEBP-deficient mice presented with compromised trabecular bone properties of vertebrae. These results provide the first in vivo support to the long-held hypothesis that TonEBP is crucial for postnatal homeostasis of the spine and controls a multitude of functions in addition to cellular osmoadaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tessier
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Victoria A Tran
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olivia K Ottone
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emanuel J Novais
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Doolittle
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J DiMuzio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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16
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Tessier S, Madhu V, Johnson ZI, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. NFAT5/TonEBP controls early acquisition of notochord phenotypic markers, collagen composition, and sonic hedgehog signaling during mouse intervertebral disc embryogenesis. Dev Biol 2019; 455:369-381. [PMID: 31301300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
High osmolarity, bound water, and hydrostatic pressure contribute to notochord mechanics and its morphogenesis into the nucleus pulposus (NP) compartment of the intervertebral disc. Indeed, the osmoadaptive transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5 aka TonEBP), is robustly expressed by resident cells of the notochord and NP. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that drive notochord osmoregulation and the functions of NFAT5 in disc embryogenesis remain largely unexplored. In this study, we show that deletion of NFAT5 in mice results in delayed vertebral column development and a reduced NP aspect ratio in the caudal spine. This phenotype is associated with lower levels of the T-box transcription factor, Brachyury, delayed expression of notochord phenotypic markers, and decreased collagen II deposition in the perinotochordal sheath and condensing mesenchyme. In addition, NFAT5 mutants showed a stage-dependent dysregulation of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling with non-classical expression of Gli1. Generation of mice with notochord-specific deletion of IFT88 (ShhcreERT2;Ift88f/f) supported this mode of Gli1 regulation. Using isolated primary NP cells and bioinformatics approaches, we further show that Ptch1 and Smo expression is controlled by NFAT5 in a cell autonomous manner. Altogether, our results demonstrate that NFAT5 contributes to notochord and disc embryogenesis through its regulation of hallmark notochord phenotypic markers, extracellular matrix, and Shh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tessier
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vedavathi Madhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zariel I Johnson
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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17
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Jahr H, Gunes S, Kuhn AR, Nebelung S, Pufe T. Bioreactor-Controlled Physoxia Regulates TGF-β Signaling to Alter Extracellular Matrix Synthesis by Human Chondrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071715. [PMID: 30959909 PMCID: PMC6480267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Culturing articular chondrocytes under physiological oxygen tension exerts positive effects on their extracellular matrix synthesis. The underlying molecular mechanisms which enhance the chondrocytic phenotype are, however, still insufficiently elucidated. The TGF-β superfamily of growth factors, and the prototypic TGF-β isoforms in particular, are crucial in maintaining matrix homeostasis of these cells. We employed a feedback-controlled table-top bioreactor to investigate the role of TGF-β in microtissues of human chondrocytes over a wider range of physiological oxygen tensions (i.e., physoxia). We compared 1%, 2.5%, and 5% of partial oxygen pressure (pO2) to the ‘normoxic’ 20%. We confirmed physoxic conditions through the induction of marker genes (PHD3, VEGF) and oxygen tension-dependent chondrocytic markers (SOX9, COL2A1). We identified 2.5% pO2 as an oxygen tension optimally improving chondrocytic marker expression (ACAN, COL2A1), while suppressing de-differentiation markers (COL1A1,COL3A1). Expression of TGF-β isoform 2 (TGFB2) was, relatively, most responsive to 2.5% pO2, while all three isoforms were induced by physoxia. We found TGF-β receptors ALK1 and ALK5 to be regulated by oxygen tension on the mRNA and protein level. In addition, expression of type III co-receptors betaglycan and endoglin appeared to be regulated by oxygen tension as well. R-Smad signaling confirmed that physoxia divergently regulated phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3. Pharmacological inhibition of canonical ALK5-mediated signaling abrogated physoxia-induced COL2A1 and PAI-1 expression. Physoxia altered expression of hypertrophy markers and that of matrix metalloproteases and their activity, as well as expression ratios of specific proteins (Sp)/Krüppel-like transcription factor family members SP1 and SP3, proving a molecular concept of ECM marker regulation. Keeping oxygen levels tightly balanced within a physiological range is important for optimal chondrocytic marker expression. Our study provides novel insights into transcriptional regulations in chondrocytes under physoxic in vitro conditions and may contribute to improving future cell-based articular cartilage repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Jahr
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital Aachen, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HXMaastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Seval Gunes
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital Aachen, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Annika-Ricarda Kuhn
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital Aachen, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Sven Nebelung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aachen University Hospital, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Pufe
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital Aachen, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
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18
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Tan Timur U, Caron M, van den Akker G, van der Windt A, Visser J, van Rhijn L, Weinans H, Welting T, Emans P, Jahr H. Increased TGF-β and BMP Levels and Improved Chondrocyte-Specific Marker Expression In Vitro under Cartilage-Specific Physiological Osmolarity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040795. [PMID: 30781744 PMCID: PMC6412363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During standard expansion culture (i.e., plasma osmolarity, 280 mOsm) human articular chondrocytes dedifferentiate, making them inappropriate for autologous chondrocyte implantation to treat cartilage defects. Increasing the osmolarity of culture media to physiological osmolarity levels of cartilage (i.e., 380 mOsm), increases collagen type II (COL2A1) expression of human articular chondrocytes in vitro, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. We hypothesized that TGF-β superfamily signaling may drive expression of COL2A1 under physiological osmolarity culture conditions. Human articular chondrocytes were cultured in cytokine-free medium of 280 or 380 mOsm with or without siRNA mediated TGF-β2 knockdown (RNAi). Expression of TGF-β isoforms, and collagen type II was evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. TGF-β2 protein secretion was evaluated using ELISA and TGF-β bioactivity was determined using an established reporter assay. Involvement of BMP signaling was investigated by culturing human articular chondrocytes in the presence or absence of BMP inhibitor dorsomorphin and BMP bioactivity was determined using an established reporter assay. Physiological cartilage osmolarity (i.e., physosmolarity) most prominently increased TGF-β2 mRNA expression and protein secretion as well as TGF-β bioactivity. Upon TGF-β2 isoform-specific knockdown, gene expression of chondrocyte marker COL2A1 was induced. TGF-β2 RNAi under physosmolarity enhanced TGF-β bioactivity. BMP bioactivity increased upon physosmotic treatment, but was not related to TGF-β2 RNAi. In contrast, dorsomorphin inhibited COL2A1 mRNA expression in human articular chondrocytes independent of the osmotic condition. Our data suggest a role for TGF-β superfamily member signaling in physosmolarity-induced mRNA expression of collagen type II. As physosmotic conditions favor the expression of COL2A1 independent of our manipulations, contribution of other metabolic, post-transcriptional or epigenetic factors cannot be excluded in the underlying complex and interdependent regulation of marker gene expression. Dissecting these molecular mechanisms holds potential to further improve future cell-based chondral repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ufuk Tan Timur
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany..
| | - Marjolein Caron
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Guus van den Akker
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna van der Windt
- Department of Orthopaedics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jenny Visser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lodewijk van Rhijn
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Harrie Weinans
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Tim Welting
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pieter Emans
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Holger Jahr
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany..
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Aisenbrey EA, Bryant SJ. The role of chondroitin sulfate in regulating hypertrophy during MSC chondrogenesis in a cartilage mimetic hydrogel under dynamic loading. Biomaterials 2018; 190-191:51-62. [PMID: 30391802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for cartilage regeneration, but readily undergo terminal differentiation. The aim of this study was two-fold: a) investigate physiochemical cues from a cartilage-mimetic hydrogel under dynamic compressive loading on MSC chondrogenesis and hypertrophy and b) identify whether Smad signaling and p38 MAPK signaling mediate hypertrophy during MSC chondrogenesis. Human MSCs were encapsulated in photoclickable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels containing chondroitin sulfate and RGD, cultured under dynamic compressive loading or free swelling for three weeks, and evaluated by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Loading inhibited hypertrophy in the cartilage-mimetic hydrogel indicated by a reduction in pSmad 1/5/8, Runx2, and collagen X proteins, while maintaining chondrogenesis by pSmad 2/3 and collagen II proteins. Inhibiting pSmad 1/5/8 under free swelling culture significantly reduced collagen X protein, similar to the loading condition. Chondroitin sulfate was necessary for load-inhibited hypertrophy and correlated with enhanced S100A4 expression, which is downstream of the osmotic responsive transcription factor NFAT5. Inhibiting p38 MAPK under loading reduced S100A4 expression, and upregulated Runx2 and collagen X protein. Findings from this study indicate that chondroitin sulfate with dynamic loading create physiochemical cues that support MSC chondrogenesis and attenuate hypertrophy through Smad 1/5/8 inhibition and p38 MAPK upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Aisenbrey
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - Stephanie J Bryant
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA; Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA.
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Krouwels A, Melchels FPW, van Rijen MHP, Öner FC, Dhert WJA, Tryfonidou MA, Creemers LB. Comparing Hydrogels for Human Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration: Role of Osmolarity During Expansion. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2018; 24:222-232. [PMID: 29457534 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels can facilitate nucleus pulposus (NP) regeneration, either for clinical application or research into mechanisms of regeneration. However, many different hydrogels and culture conditions for human degenerated NP have been employed, making literature data difficult to compare. Therefore, we compared six different hydrogels of natural polymers and investigated the role of serum in the medium and of osmolarity during expansion or redifferentiation in an attempt to provide comparators for future studies. Human NP cells of Thompson grade III discs were cultured in alginate, agarose, fibrin, type II collagen, gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA), and hyaluronic acid-poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. Medium containing fetal bovine serum and a serum-free (SF) medium were compared in agarose, gelMA, and type II collagen hydrogels. Isolation and expansion of NP cells in low compared to high osmolarity medium were performed before culture in agarose and type II collagen hydrogels in media of varying osmolarity. NP cells in agarose produced the highest amounts of proteoglycans, followed by cells in type II collagen hydrogels. The absence of serum reduced the total amount of proteoglycans produced by the cells, although incorporation efficiency was higher in type II collagen hydrogels in the absence than in the presence of serum. Isolation and expansion of NP cells in high osmolarity medium improved proteoglycan production during culture in hydrogels, but variation in osmolarity during redifferentiation did not have any effect. Agarose hydrogels seem to be the best option for in vitro culture of human NP cells, but for clinical application, type II collagen hydrogels may be better because, as opposed to agarose, it degrades in time. Although culture in SF medium reduces the amount of proteoglycans produced during redifferentiation culture, isolating and expanding the cells in high osmolarity medium can largely compensate for this loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Krouwels
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ferry P W Melchels
- 2 Institute of Biological Chemistry, Department of Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mattie H P van Rijen
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F Cumhur Öner
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J A Dhert
- 3 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna A Tryfonidou
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura B Creemers
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
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No Effects of Hyperosmolar Culture Medium on Tissue Regeneration by Human Degenerated Nucleus Pulposus Cells Despite Upregulation Extracellular Matrix Genes. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2018; 43:307-315. [PMID: 25856264 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000000920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An in vitro study using human degenerated nucleus pulposus cells. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of osmolality and different osmolytes on the regeneration by human nucleus pulposus cells through gene expression and extracellular matrix production. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major problem in developed countries. Regeneration of the IVD can prevent pain and costs due to diminished work absence and health care, and improve quality of life. The osmotic value of a disc decreases during degeneration due to loss of proteoglycans and might increase degeneration. It is known that gene expression of matrix genes of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells increases when cultured in hyperosmotic medium. Thus, increasing the osmolality of the disc might be beneficial for disc regeneration. METHODS In the current study, isolated degenerated human NP cells were used in regeneration culture with medium of different osmolalities, adjusted with different osmolytes. NaCl, urea and sucrose. The cells were cultured for 28 days and expression of matrix genes and production of glycosaminoglycans and collagen II were measured. RESULTS Gene expression for both collagen II and aggrecan increased with increasing osmolality using NaCl or sucrose, but not urea. Protein production however, was not affected by increasing osmolality and was decreased when using urea and sucrose. Expression of genes for Col1A1, MMP13, and MMP14 decreased with increasing osmolality, whereas expression of LOXL2 and LOXL3 increased. Transient expression of TonEBP was found 6 hours after the start of culture, but not at later time points. CONCLUSION Although expression of matrix genes is upregulated, hyperosmolality does not enhance matrix production by nucleus pulposus cells. Raising osmolality can potentially increase matrix production, but in itself is not sufficient to accomplish regeneration in the current in vitro culture system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N /A.
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Johnson ZI, Doolittle AC, Snuggs JW, Shapiro IM, Le Maitre CL, Risbud MV. TNF-α promotes nuclear enrichment of the transcription factor TonEBP/NFAT5 to selectively control inflammatory but not osmoregulatory responses in nucleus pulposus cells. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:17561-17575. [PMID: 28842479 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.790378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) causes chronic back pain and is linked to production of proinflammatory molecules by nucleus pulposus (NP) and other disc cells. Activation of tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein (TonEBP)/NFAT5 by non-osmotic stimuli, including proinflammatory molecules, occurs in cells involved in immune response. However, whether inflammatory stimuli activate TonEBP in NP cells and whether TonEBP controls inflammation during IDD is unknown. We show that TNF-α, but not IL-1β or LPS, promoted nuclear enrichment of TonEBP protein. However, TNF-α-mediated activation of TonEBP did not cause induction of osmoregulatory genes. RNA sequencing showed that 8.5% of TNF-α transcriptional responses were TonEBP-dependent and identified genes regulated by both TNF-α and TonEBP. These genes were over-enriched in pathways and diseases related to inflammatory response and inhibition of matrix metalloproteases. Based on RNA-sequencing results, we further investigated regulation of novel TonEBP targets CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL3 TonEBP acted synergistically with TNF-α and LPS to induce CXCL1-proximal promoter activity. Interestingly, this regulation required a highly conserved NF-κB-binding site but not a predicted TonE, suggesting cross-talk between these two members of the Rel family. Finally, analysis of human NP tissue showed that TonEBP expression correlated with canonical osmoregulatory targets TauT/SLC6A6, SMIT/SLC5A3, and AR/AKR1B1, supporting in vitro findings that the inflammatory milieu during IDD does not interfere with TonEBP osmoregulation. In summary, whereas TonEBP participates in the proinflammatory response to TNF-α, therapeutic strategies targeting this transcription factor for treatment of disc disease must spare osmoprotective, prosurvival, and matrix homeostatic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zariel I Johnson
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 and
| | - Alexandra C Doolittle
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 and
| | - Joseph W Snuggs
- the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, S1 1WB Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 and
| | - Christine L Le Maitre
- the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, S1 1WB Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 and
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Diaz-Romero J, Kürsener S, Kohl S, Nesic D. S100B + A1 CELISA: A Novel Potency Assay and Screening Tool for Redifferentiation Stimuli of Human Articular Chondrocytes. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:1559-1570. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Diaz-Romero
- Osteoarticular Research Group; Department of Clinical Research; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Kürsener
- Osteoarticular Research Group; Department of Clinical Research; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Sandro Kohl
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology; Inselspital; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Dobrila Nesic
- Osteoarticular Research Group; Department of Clinical Research; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology; Inselspital; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
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Johnson ZI, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. RNA Sequencing Reveals a Role of TonEBP Transcription Factor in Regulation of Pro-inflammatory Genes in Response to Hyperosmolarity in Healthy Nucleus Pulposus Cells: A HOMEOSTATIC RESPONSE? J Biol Chem 2016; 291:26686-26697. [PMID: 27875309 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.757732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein (TonEBP/NFAT5) is critical for osmo-adaptation and extracellular matrix homeostasis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in their hypertonic tissue niche. Recent studies implicate TonEBP signaling in inflammatory disease and rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. However, broader functions of TonEBP in the disc remain unknown. RNA sequencing was performed on NP cells with TonEBP knockdown under hypertonic conditions. 1140 TonEBP-dependent genes were identified and categorized using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Bioinformatic analysis showed enrichment of matrix homeostasis and cytokine/chemokine signaling pathways. C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) were studied further. Knockdown experiments showed that TonEBP was necessary to maintain expression levels of these genes. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments and site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that TonEBP binding to a specific site in the CCL2 promoter is required for hypertonic inducibility. Despite inhibition by dominant-negative TonEBP, IL6 and NOS2 promoters were not hypertonicity-inducible. Whole-disc response to hypertonicity was studied in an ex vivo organ culture model, using wild-type and haploinsufficient TonEBP mice. Pro-inflammatory targets were induced by hypertonicity in discs from wild-type but not TonEBP-haploinsufficient mice. Mechanistically, NF-κB activity increased with hypertonicity and was necessary for hypertonic induction of target genes IL6, TNF, and NOS2 but not CCL2 Although TonEBP maintains transcription of genes traditionally considered pro-inflammatory, it is important to note that some of these genes also serve anabolic and pro-survival roles. Therefore, in NP cells, this phenomenon may reflect a physiological adaptation to diurnal osmotic loading of the intervertebral disc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zariel I Johnson
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107.,From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 .,From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
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Potočar U, Hudoklin S, Kreft ME, Završnik J, Božikov K, Fröhlich M. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Respond to Increased Osmolarities. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163870. [PMID: 27706209 PMCID: PMC5051864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies present a feasible option for the treatment of degenerated cartilaginous and intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues. Microenvironments of these tissues are specific and often differ from the microenvironment of cells that, could be potentially used for therapy, e.g. human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC). To ensure safe and efficient implantation of hASC, it is important to evaluate how microenvironmental conditions at the site of implantation affect the implanted cells. This study has demonstrated that cartilaginous tissue-specific osmolarities ranging from 400-600 mOsm/L affected hASC in a dose- and time-dependent fashion in comparison to 300 mOsm/L. Increased osmolarities resulted in transient (nuclear DNA and actin reorganisation) and non-transient, long-term morphological changes (vesicle formation, increase in cell area, and culture morphology), as well as reduced proliferation in monolayer cultures. Increased osmolarities diminished acid proteoglycan production and compactness of chondrogenically induced pellet cultures, indicating decreased chondrogenic potential. Viability of hASC was strongly dependent on the type of culture, with hASC in monolayer culture being more tolerant to increased osmolarity compared to hASC in suspension, alginate-agarose hydrogel, and pellet cultures, thus emphasizing the importance of choosing relevant in vitro conditions according to the specifics of clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samo Hudoklin
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Erdani Kreft
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Završnik
- Department of biochemistry and molecular biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Krešimir Božikov
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Division of Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mirjam Fröhlich
- Educell Ltd., Trzin, Slovenia
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of biochemistry and molecular biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Chondrocytes, the single cell type in adult articular cartilage, have conventionally been considered to be non-excitable cells. However, recent evidence suggests that their resting membrane potential (RMP) is less negative than that of excitable cells, and they are fully equipped with channels that control ion, water and osmolyte movement across the chondrocyte membrane. Amongst calcium-specific ion channels, members of the voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) family are expressed in chondrocytes where they are functionally active. L-type VDCC inhibitors such as nifedipine and verapamil have contributed to our understanding of the roles of these ion channels in chondrogenesis, chondrocyte signalling and mechanotransduction. In this narrative review, we discuss published data indicating that VDCC function is vital for chondrocyte health, especially in regulating proliferation and maturation. We also highlight the fact that activation of VDCC function appears to accompany various inflammatory aspects of osteoarthritis (OA) and, based on in vitro data, the application of nifedipine and/or verapamil may be a promising approach for ameliorating OA severity. However, very few studies on clinical outcomes are available regarding the influence of calcium antagonists, which are used primarily for treating cardiovascular conditions in OA patients. This review is intended to stimulate further research on the chondrocyte 'channelome', contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and facilitate the retargeting and repositioning of existing pharmacological agents currently used for other comorbidities for the treatment of OA.
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Abstract
Articular cartilage is a unique load-bearing connective tissue with a low intrinsic capacity for repair and regeneration. Its avascularity makes it relatively hypoxic and its unique extracellular matrix is enriched with cations, which increases the interstitial fluid osmolarity. Several physicochemical and biomechanical stimuli are reported to influence chondrocyte metabolism and may be utilized for regenerative medical approaches. In this review article, we summarize the most relevant stimuli and describe how ion channels may contribute to cartilage homeostasis, with special emphasis on intracellular signaling pathways. We specifically focus on the role of calcium signaling as an essential mechanotransduction component and highlight the role of phosphatase signaling in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Jahr
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- The D-BOARD European Consortium for Biomarker Discovery, Surrey, UK
| | - Csaba Matta
- The D-BOARD European Consortium for Biomarker Discovery, Surrey, UK
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Duke of Kent Building, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH UK
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032 Hungary
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- The D-BOARD European Consortium for Biomarker Discovery, Surrey, UK
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Duke of Kent Building, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH UK
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre, Medical Research Council and Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH UK
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Fahd Medical Research Center (KFMRC), King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Das R, Timur U, Edip S, Haak E, Wruck C, Weinans H, Jahr H. TGF-β2 is involved in the preservation of the chondrocyte phenotype under hypoxic conditions. Ann Anat 2015; 198:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Centola M, Tonnarelli B, Hendriks J, van den Doel M, Feliciano S, Papadimitropoulos A, Piccinini E, Geurts J, Martin I, Barbero A. An improved cartilage digestion method for research and clinical applications. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2014; 21:394-403. [PMID: 25226356 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2014.0393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzymatic isolation of chondrocytes from a cartilage biopsy is the first step to establish in vitro models of chondrogenesis or to generate cell-based grafts for cartilage repair. Such process is based on manually operated procedures and typically results in yields lower than 20% of the total available cells. In this study, we hypothesized that, as compared to conventionally used protocols, the enzymatic digestion of human articular cartilage in the presence of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AscA2P) or of sodium chloride (NaCl), in combination with the use of a perfusion bioreactor system, leads to a higher and more reproducible yield of cell populations with high proliferation and chondrogenic capacity. The addition of AscA2P within the enzymatic digestion medium did not significantly increase the cell yield, but resulted in a significant decrease of the intradonor variability in cell yield (-17.8% ± 10.7%, p = 0.0247) and in a significant increase of the proliferation rate of the isolated chondrocytes (+19.0% ± 1.4%, p < 0.05) with respect to the control group. The addition of NaCl during cartilage digestion did not modulate cell yield. When the cartilage digestion was further performed under direct perfusion flow, beneficial synergistic effects were achieved, with an overall increase of 34.7% ± 6.8% (p < 0.001) in the cell yield and an average decrease of 57.8% ± 11.2% (p < 0.01) in the coefficient of variation with respect to the control group. Importantly, by implementing this strategy it was possible to retrieve clonal subpopulations more efficiently capable of undergoing chondrogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings bear relevance for the preparation of human chondrocytes for laboratory investigations, and in the perspective of efficient and streamlined manufacturing of cell/tissue grafts for articular cartilage repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Centola
- 1 Departments of Surgery and of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel , Basel, Switzerland
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Extracellular osmolarity regulates matrix homeostasis in the intervertebral disc and articular cartilage: evolving role of TonEBP. Matrix Biol 2014; 40:10-6. [PMID: 25172826 PMCID: PMC4390124 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2014.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is characterized by changes in proteoglycan status, loss of bound water molecules, decreased tissue osmotic pressure and a resulting mechanical failure of the disc. A similar spectrum of changes is evident in osteoarthritic articular cartilage. When healthy, resident cells in these skeletal tissues respond to applied mechanical loads by regulating their own osmotic state and the hydration of the extracellular matrix. The transcription factor Tonicity-Responsive Enhancer Binding Protein (TonEBP or NFAT5) is known to mediate the osmoadaptive response in these and other tissues. While the molecular basis of how osmotic loading controls matrix homeostasis is not completely understood, TonEBP regulates the expression of aggrecan and β1,3-glucoronosyltransferase in nucleus pulposus cells, in addition to targets that allow for survival under hypertonic stress. Moreover, in chondrocytes, TonEBP controls expression of several collagen subtypes and Sox9, a master regulator of aggrecan and collagen II expression. Thus, TonEBP-mediated regulation of the matrix composition allows disc cells and chondrocytes to modify the extracellular osmotic state itself. On the other hand, TonEBP in immune cells induces expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1, pro-inflammatory molecules closely linked to matrix catabolism and pathogenesis of both disc degeneration and osteoarthritis, warranting investigations of this aspect of TonEBP function in skeletal cells. In summary, the TonEBP system, through its effects on extracellular matrix and osmoregulatory genes can be viewed primarily as a protective or homeostatic response to physiological loading.
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Diaz-Romero J, Quintin A, Schoenholzer E, Pauli C, Despont A, Zumstein MA, Kohl S, Nesic D. S100A1 and S100B Expression Patterns Identify Differentiation Status of Human Articular Chondrocytes. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:1106-17. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Diaz-Romero
- Osteoarticular Research Group; Department of Clinical Research; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Aurelie Quintin
- Osteoarticular Research Group; Department of Clinical Research; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Eric Schoenholzer
- Osteoarticular Research Group; Department of Clinical Research; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Chantal Pauli
- Institute of Surgical Pathology; University Hospital Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Alain Despont
- Osteoarticular Research Group; Department of Clinical Research; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Matthias A. Zumstein
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology; Inselspital; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Sandro Kohl
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology; Inselspital; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Dobrila Nesic
- Osteoarticular Research Group; Department of Clinical Research; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
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Leijten JCH, Bos SD, Landman EBM, Georgi N, Jahr H, Meulenbelt I, Post JN, van Blitterswijk CA, Karperien M. GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 mRNA levels correlate with osteoarthritis and are regulated by osteoarthritis-associated factors. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R126. [PMID: 24286177 PMCID: PMC3978825 DOI: 10.1186/ar4306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Osteoarthritis is, at least in a subset of patients, associated with hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes. Recently, we identified the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) signaling antagonists Gremlin 1 (GREM1), frizzled-related protein (FRZB) and dickkopf 1 homolog (Xenopus laevis) (DKK1) as articular cartilage’s natural brakes of hypertrophic differentiation. In this study, we investigated whether factors implicated in osteoarthritis or regulation of chondrocyte hypertrophy influence GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 expression levels. Methods GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 mRNA levels were studied in articular cartilage from healthy preadolescents and healthy adults as well as in preserved and degrading osteoarthritic cartilage from the same osteoarthritic joint by quantitative PCR. Subsequently, we exposed human articular chondrocytes to WNT, BMP, IL-1β, Indian hedgehog, parathyroid hormone-related peptide, mechanical loading, different medium tonicities or distinct oxygen levels and investigated GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 expression levels using a time-course analysis. Results GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 mRNA expression were strongly decreased in osteoarthritis. Moreover, this downregulation is stronger in degrading cartilage compared with macroscopically preserved cartilage from the same osteoarthritic joint. WNT, BMP, IL-1β signaling and mechanical loading regulated GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 mRNA levels. Indian hedgehog, parathyroid hormone-related peptide and tonicity influenced the mRNA levels of at least one antagonist, while oxygen levels did not demonstrate any statistically significant effect. Interestingly, BMP and WNT signaling upregulated the expression of each other’s antagonists. Conclusions Together, the current study demonstrates an inverse correlation between osteoarthritis and GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 gene expression in cartilage and provides insight into the underlying transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, we show that BMP and WNT signaling are linked in a negative feedback loop, which might prove essential in articular cartilage homeostasis by balancing BMP and WNT activity.
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Hsp90 Inhibition Protects Against Biomechanically Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 65:2102-12. [DOI: 10.1002/art.38000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Caron MMJ, van der Windt AE, Emans PJ, van Rhijn LW, Jahr H, Welting TJM. Osmolarity determines the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation capacity of progenitor cells via nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5. Bone 2013; 53:94-102. [PMID: 23219947 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2012.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have shown that human articular chondrocytes in vitro are osmolarity-responsive and increase matrix synthesis under cartilage-specific physiological osmolarity. The effects of increased osmolarity on chondrogenesis of progenitor cells in vitro are largely unknown. We therefore aimed to elucidate whether hyperosmolarity facilitates their chondrogenic differentiation and whether Nfat5 is involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS ATDC5 cells and human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs) were differentiated in the chondrogenic lineage in control and increased osmolarity conditions. Chondrogenic outcome was measured by gene- and protein expression analysis. RNAi was used to determine the role of Nfat5 in chondrogenic differentiation under normal and increased osmolarity. RESULTS Increasing the osmolarity of differentiation medium with 100mOsm resulted in significantly increased chondrogenic marker expression (Col2a1, Col10a1, Acan, Sox9, Runx2 and GAGs) during chondrogenic differentiation of the two chondroprogenitors, ATDC5 and hBMSCs. Nfat5 knockdown under both control and increased osmolarity affected chondrogenic differentiation and suppressed the osmolarity-induced chondrogenic induction. Knockdown of Nfat5 in early differentiation significantly decreased early Sox9 expression, whereas knockdown of Sox9 in early differentiation did not affect early Nfat5 expression. CONCLUSIONS Increasing the osmolarity of chondrogenic culture media by 100mOsm significantly increased chondrogenic gene expression during the course of chondrogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. Nfat5 may be involved in regulating chondrogenic differentiation of these cells under both normal and increased osmolarities and might regulate chondrogenic differentiation through influencing early Sox9 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein M J Caron
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CAPHRI school for public health and primary care, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Leijten JC, Georgi N, Wu L, van Blitterswijk CA, Karperien M. Cell Sources for Articular Cartilage Repair Strategies: Shifting from Monocultures to Cocultures. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2013; 19:31-40. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2012.0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen C.H. Leijten
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Georgi
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ling Wu
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens A. van Blitterswijk
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Tissue Regeneration, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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van Buul GM, Villafuertes E, Bos PK, Waarsing JH, Kops N, Narcisi R, Weinans H, Verhaar JAN, Bernsen MR, van Osch GJVM. Mesenchymal stem cells secrete factors that inhibit inflammatory processes in short-term osteoarthritic synovium and cartilage explant culture. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2012; 20:1186-96. [PMID: 22771777 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 06/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for osteoarthritis (OA) therapies, although their mechanism of action remains unclear. MSCs have recently been discovered to secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. We studied the paracrine effects of MSCs on OA cartilage and synovial explants in vitro. DESIGN MSC-conditioned medium was prepared by stimulating primary human MSCs with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and (50ng/ml each). Human synovium and cartilage explants were cultured in MSC-conditioned medium or in control medium, containing the same amount of added TNFα and IFNγ but not incubated with MSCs. Explants were analyzed for gene expression and the production of nitric oxide (NO). The presence of the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B alpha (IκBa) was assessed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS Synovial explants exposed to MSC-conditioned medium showed decreased gene expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1 and MMP13, while suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1 was upregulated. In cartilage, expression of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) was upregulated, whereas a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)5 and collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1) were downregulated. MSC-conditioned medium reduced NO production in cartilage explants and the presence of IκBa was increased in synoviocytes and chondrocytes treated with MSC-conditioned medium. CONCLUSIONS In an inflammatory environment, MSCs secrete factors which cause multiple anti-inflammatory effects and influence matrix turnover in synovium and cartilage explants. Thereby, the presented data encourage further study of MSCs as a treatment for joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M van Buul
- Department of Orthopaedics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Caron MMJ, Emans PJ, Coolsen MME, Voss L, Surtel DAM, Cremers A, van Rhijn LW, Welting TJM. Redifferentiation of dedifferentiated human articular chondrocytes: comparison of 2D and 3D cultures. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2012; 20:1170-8. [PMID: 22796508 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2012.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Three-dimensional (3D) cultures are widely used to redifferentiate chondrocytes. However, the rationale behind the choice for 3D above two-dimensional (2D) cultures is poorly systematically investigated and mainly based on mRNA expression and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. The objective was to determine the differential redifferentiation characteristics of human articular chondrocytes (HACs) in monolayer, alginate beads and pellet culture by investigating mRNA expression, protein expression, GAG content and cell proliferation. DESIGN Dedifferentiated HACs from six individuals were redifferentiated in identical medium conditions for 7 days in monolayer, alginate beads or pellet culture. Read-out parameters were expression of chondrogenic and hypertrophic mRNAs and proteins, GAG content and cell proliferation. RESULTS 3D cultures specifically expressed chondrogenic mRNAs [collagen type II (COL2A1), SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9), aggrecan (ACAN)), whereas 2D cultures did not. Hypertrophic mRNAs (collagen type X (COL10A1), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), osteopontin (OPN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) were highly increased in 2D cultures and lower in 3D cultures. Collagen type I (COL1A1) mRNA expression was highest in 3D cultures. Protein expression supports most of the mRNA data, although an important discrepancy was found between mRNA and protein expression of COL2A1 and SOX9 in monolayer culture, stressing on the importance of protein expression analysis. GAG content was highest in 3D cultures, whereas chondrocyte proliferation was almost specific for 2D cultures. CONCLUSIONS For redifferentiation of dedifferentiated HACs, 3D cultures exhibit the most potent chondrogenic potential, whereas a hypertrophic phenotype is best achieved in 2D cultures. This is the first human study that systematically evaluates the differences between proliferation, GAG content, protein expression and mRNA expression of commonly used 2D and 3D chondrocyte culture techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M J Caron
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Brocker C, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V. The role of hyperosmotic stress in inflammation and disease. Biomol Concepts 2012; 3:345-364. [PMID: 22977648 PMCID: PMC3438915 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2012-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperosmotic stress is an often overlooked process that potentially contributes to a number of human diseases. Whereas renal hyperosmolarity is a well-studied phenomenon, recent research provides evidence that many non-renal tissues routinely experience hyperosmotic stress that may contribute significantly to disease initiation and progression. Moreover, a growing body of evidence implicates hyperosmotic stress as a potent inflammatory stimulus by triggering proinflammatory cytokine release and inflammation. Under physiological conditions, the urine concentrating mechanism within the inner medullary region of the mammalian kidney exposes cells to high extracellular osmolarity. As such, renal cells have developed many adaptive strategies to compensate for increased osmolarity. Hyperosmotic stress is linked to many maladies, including acute and chronic, as well as local and systemic, inflammatory disorders. Hyperosmolarity triggers cell shrinkage, oxidative stress, protein carbonylation, mitochondrial depolarization, DNA damage, and cell cycle arrest, thus rendering cells susceptible to apoptosis. However, many adaptive mechanisms exist to counter the deleterious effects of hyperosmotic stress, including cytoskeletal rearrangement and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes, transporters, and heat shock proteins. Osmolyte synthesis is also up-regulated and many of these compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation. The cytoprotective mechanisms and associated regulatory pathways that accompany the renal response to hyperosmolarity are found in many non-renal tissues, suggesting cells are commonly confronted with hyperosmotic conditions. Osmoadaptation allows cells to survive and function under potentially cytotoxic conditions. This review covers the pathological consequences of hyperosmotic stress in relation to disease and emphasizes the importance of considering hyperosmolarity in inflammation and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Brocker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David C. Thompson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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van der Windt AE, Haak E, Kops N, Verhaar JAN, Weinans H, Jahr H. Inhibiting calcineurin activity under physiologic tonicity elevates anabolic but suppresses catabolic chondrocyte markers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:1929-39. [DOI: 10.1002/art.34369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Haugh MG, Meyer EG, Thorpe SD, Vinardell T, Duffy GP, Kelly DJ. Temporal and Spatial Changes in Cartilage-Matrix-Specific Gene Expression in Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Response to Dynamic Compression. Tissue Eng Part A 2011; 17:3085-93. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2011.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G. Haugh
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eric G. Meyer
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen D. Thorpe
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tatiana Vinardell
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Garry P. Duffy
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel J. Kelly
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Jurgens WJFM, Lu Z, Zandieh-Doulabi B, Kuik DJ, Ritt MJPF, Helder MN. Hyperosmolarity and hypoxia induce chondrogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells in a collagen type 2 hydrogel. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2011; 6:570-8. [PMID: 21916017 DOI: 10.1002/term.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Apart from soluble growth factors, various other biophysicochemical cues are known to promote chondrogenesis. Under physiological conditions, cartilage in the joint comprises a hyperosmotic and hypoxic environment. Therefore, in this study, we examined the inductive effects of hyperosmotic and/or hypoxic conditions on adipose stem cells (ASCs) and compared them with conventional TGFβ1-induction. After encapsulation in collagen type II hydrogels and specific induction, ASCs were assessed for viability, proliferation, morphology and chondrogenic differentiation potential. Viability was similar under all conditions, with low proliferative activity. After 4 days, hypoxia and/or hyperosmolarity did not affect round cell morphology, while cells were mainly stretched in the TGFβ1-induced group. At 21 days, the TGFß1-treated group had aggregated into a cell nodule. Hyperosmolarity mimicked this aggregation to a lesser extent, whereas cells under hypoxia stretched out after 21 days, with a combined effect in the hypoxic/hyperosmotic group. Both individual and combined hyperosmotic and/or hypoxic conditions significantly upregulated SOX5, SOX9, COMP and Link-p gene expression compared with the non-induced group, and to similar levels as the TGFβ1-induced group. GAG synthesis in both hydrogel and medium was increased under hypoxic conditions, whereas hyperosmolarity decreased GAG formation in the hydrogels, but increased GAG formation in the medium. We conclude that in a joint mimicking the three-dimensional (3D) micro-environment, a combination of hyperosmolarity and hypoxia is able to induce chondrogenesis to the same extent as TGFβ1. This might lead to an interesting alternative when considering short-term triggering in a one-step surgical procedure for the treatment of cartilaginous defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter J F M Jurgens
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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siRNA-Mediated Inhibition of Na+ –K+–2Cl− Cotransporter (NKCC1) and Regulatory Volume Increase in the Chondrocyte Cell Line C-20/A4. J Membr Biol 2011; 243:25-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-011-9389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Oswald ES, Ahmed HS, Kramer SP, Bulinski JC, Ateshian GA, Hung CT. Effects of hypertonic (NaCl) two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture conditions on the properties of cartilage tissue engineered from an expanded mature bovine chondrocyte source. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2011; 17:1041-9. [PMID: 21797756 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2011.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically relevant mature cartilage cells (chondrocytes) present challenges for use in cartilage tissue engineering applications, given their low capacity for cell division and tissue production. Since the in situ environment of chondrocytes is hypertonic relative to standard culture medium conditions, in this study we tested the hypothesis that using culture medium of a hypertonic, more physiologic osmolarity during both two-dimensional (2D) expansion of mature bovine chondrocytes (MBCs) and their subsequent encapsulation culture in three-dimensional (3D) agarose hydrogel constructs produces improved engineered tissue construct mechanical and biochemical properties. Results demonstrate that 2D expansion of MBCs in hypertonic (NaCl) medium before encapsulation yielded improved construct mechanical properties. However, 3D encapsulation culture of cells in hypertonic (NaCl) medium yielded poorer construct mechanical properties. Osmolarity-related differences in construct biochemical content and organization may have contributed to differences in mechanical properties, as construct glycosaminoglycan content correlated moderately with construct mechanical properties, and construct collagen distribution varied between 3D osmotic culture groups. Results of this study suggest that application of hypertonic (NaCl) medium during 2D mature chondrocyte expansion, but not 3D encapsulated chondrocyte culture, may serve as a convenient and inexpensive method for improving mechanical properties of expanded cell-seeded constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Oswald
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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José-Edwards DS, Kerner P, Kugler JE, Deng W, Jiang D, Di Gregorio A. The identification of transcription factors expressed in the notochord of Ciona intestinalis adds new potential players to the brachyury gene regulatory network. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:1793-805. [PMID: 21594950 PMCID: PMC3685856 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The notochord is the distinctive characteristic of chordates; however, the knowledge of the complement of transcription factors governing the development of this structure is still incomplete. Here we present the expression patterns of seven transcription factor genes detected in the notochord of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis at various stages of embryonic development. Four of these transcription factors, Fos-a, NFAT5, AFF and Klf15, have not been directly associated with the notochord in previous studies, while the others, including Spalt-like-a, Lmx-like, and STAT5/6-b, display evolutionarily conserved expression in this structure as well as in other domains. We examined the hierarchical relationships between these genes and the transcription factor Brachyury, which is necessary for notochord development in all chordates. We found that Ciona Brachyury regulates the expression of most, although not all, of these genes. These results shed light on the genetic regulatory program underlying notochord formation in Ciona and possibly other chordates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana S. José-Edwards
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
| | - Pierre Kerner
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
| | - Jamie E. Kugler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
| | - Wei Deng
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, Thormøhlensgt. 55, N-5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Di Jiang
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, Thormøhlensgt. 55, N-5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Di Gregorio
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
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