BMP-4 induction of arrest and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells via p21 CIP1 and p27 KIP1 regulation

Inferring causal cell types of human diseases and risk variants from candidate regulatory elements

The heritability of human diseases is extremely enriched in candidate regulatory elements (cRE) from disease-relevant cell types. Critical next steps are to infer which and how many cell types are truly causal for a disease (after accounting for co-regulation across cell types), and to understand how individual variants impact disease risk through single or multiple causal cell types. Here, we propose CT-FM and CT-FM-SNP, two methods that leverage cell-type-specific cREs to fine-map causal cell types for a trait and for its candidate causal variants, respectively. We applied CT-FM to 63 GWAS summary statistics (average N = 417K) using nearly one thousand cRE annotations, primarily coming from ENCODE4. CT-FM inferred 81 causal cell types with corresponding SNP-annotations explaining a high fraction of trait SNP-heritability (~2/3 of the SNP-heritability explained by existing cREs), identified 16 traits with multiple causal cell types, highlighted cell-disease relationships consistent with known biology, and uncovered previously unexplored cellular mechanisms in psychiatric and immune-related diseases. Finally, we applied CT-FM-SNP to 39 UK Biobank traits and predicted high confidence causal cell types for 2,798 candidate causal non-coding SNPs. Our results suggest that most SNPs impact a phenotype through a single cell type, and that pleiotropic SNPs target different cell types depending on the phenotype context. Altogether, CT-FM and CT-FM-SNP shed light on how genetic variants act collectively and individually at the cellular level to impact disease risk.

Gulp1 regulates chondrocyte growth arrest and differentiation via the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathway

Chondrocyte differentiation is crucial for cartilage formation. However, the complex processes and mechanisms coordinating chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation remain incompletely understood. Here, we report a novel function of the adaptor protein Gulp1 in chondrocyte differentiation. Gulp1 expression is upregulated during chondrogenic differentiation. Gulp1 knockdown in chondrogenic ATDC5 cells reduces the expression of chondrogenic and hypertrophic marker genes during differentiation. Furthermore, Gulp1 knockdown impairs cell growth arrest during chondrocyte differentiation and reduces the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. The activation of the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathway, which is associated with p21 expression in chondrocytes, is impaired in Gulp1 knockdown cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Gulp1 contributes to cell growth arrest and chondrocyte differentiation by modulating the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathway.

SFRP2 Overexpression Induces an Osteoblast-like Phenotype in Prostate Cancer Cells

Prostate cancer bone metastasis is still one of the most fatal cancer diagnoses for men. Survival of the circulating prostate tumor cells and their adaptation strategy to survive in the bone niche is the key point to determining metastasis in early cancer stages. The promoter of SFRP2 gene, encoding a WNT signaling modulator, is hypermethylated in many cancer types including prostate cancer. Moreover, SFRP2 can positively regulate osteogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Here, we showed SFRP2 overexpression in the prostate cancer cell line PC3 induces an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), increases the attachment, and modifies the transcriptome towards an osteoblast-like phenotype (osteomimicry) in a collagen 1-dependent manner. Our data reflect a novel molecular mechanism concerning how metastasizing prostate cancer cells might increase their chance to survive within bone tissue.

Caspase-8 Deficient Osteoblastic Cells Display Alterations in Non-Apoptotic Pathways

Caspase-8 is the key component of the receptor-mediated (extrinsic) apoptotic pathway. Immunological localization of active caspase-8 showed its presence in osteoblasts, including non-apoptotic ones. Further in vivo exploration of caspase-8 functions in the bone is hindered by the fact that the caspase-8 knock-out is lethal prenatally. Examinations were thus performed using individual cell populations in vitro. In this study, caspase-8 was eliminated by the CRISPR/cas9 technology in MC3T3-E1 cells, the most common in vitro model of osteoblastic populations. The aim of the work was to specify the consequences of caspase-8 deficiency on non-apoptotic pathways. The impact on the osteogenic gene expression of the osteoblastic cells along with alterations in proliferation, caspase cascades and rapamycin induced autophagy response were evaluated. Osteogenic differentiation of caspase-8 deficient cells was inhibited as these cells displayed a decreased level of mineralization and lower activity of alkaline phosphatase. Among affected osteogenic genes, based on the PCR Array, major changes were observed for Ctsk, as down-regulated, and Gdf10, as up-regulated. Other significantly down-regulated genes included those coding osteocalcin, bone morphogenetic proteins (-3, -4 and -7), collagens (-1a1, -14a1) or Phex. The formation of autophagosomes was not altered in rapamycin-treated caspase-8 deficient cells, but expression of some autophagy-related genes, including Tnfsf10, Cxcr4, Dapk1 and Igf1, was significantly downregulated. These data provide new insight into the effects of caspase-8 on non-apoptotic osteogenic pathways.

TGF-β signaling: A recap of SMAD-independent and SMAD-dependent pathways

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a proinflammatory cytokine known to control a diverse array of pathological and physiological conditions during normal development and tumorigenesis. TGF-β-mediated physiological effects are heterogeneous and vary among different types of cells and environmental conditions. TGF-β serves as an antiproliferative agent and inhibits tumor development during primary stages of tumor progression; however, during the later stages, it encourages tumor development and mediates metastatic progression and chemoresistance. The fundamental elements of TGF-β signaling have been divulged more than a decade ago; however, the process by which the signals are relayed from cell surface to nucleus is very complex with additional layers added in tumor cell niches. Although the intricate understanding of TGF-β-mediated signaling pathways and their regulation are still evolving, we tried to make an attempt to summarize the TGF-β-mediated SMAD-dependent andSMAD-independent pathways. This manuscript emphasizes the functions of TGF-β as a metastatic promoter and tumor suppressor during the later and initial phases of tumor progression respectively.

The enzymatic hydrolysates from deer sinew promote MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis by regulating multiple functional genes

Background

Deer Sinew serves as a medicinal food, and has been used for treating skeletal diseases, especially bone diseases in a long history. Thus, it could become an alternative option for the prevention and therapeutic remedy of bone-related diseases. In our previous study, we established an optimal extraction process of the enzymatic hydrolysates from Chinese Sika deer sinews (DSEH), and we demonstrated that DSEH significantly promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells (an osteoblast-like cell line) with a certain dose-effect relationship. However, the precise molecular mechanism of deer sinew in regulating bone strength is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of DSEH on MC3T3-E1 cells proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis.

Methods

Preparation and quality control were performed as previously described. The effect of DSEH at different administrated concentrations on cell proliferation was measured using both CCK-8 and MTT assays, and the capacity of DSEH on extracellular matrix synthesis was detected by Alizarin red staining and quantification. The gene expression pattern change of MC3T3-E1 cells under the treatment of DSEH was investigated by RNA-seq analysis accompanied with validation methods.

Results

We demonstrated that DSEH promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis by regulating multiple functional genes. DSEH significantly increased the expression levels of genes that promoted cell proliferation such as Gstp1, Timp1, Serpine1, Cyr61, Crlf1, Thbs1, Ctgf, P4ha2, Sod3 and Nqo1. However, DSEH significantly decreased the expression levels of genes that inhibited cell proliferation such as Mt1, Cdc20, Gas1, Nrp2, Cmtm3, Dlk2, Sema3a, Rbm25 and Hspb6. Furthermore, DSEH mildly increased the expression levels of osteoblast gene markers.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that DSEH facilitate MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis to consolidate bone formation and stability, but prevent MC3T3-E1 cells from oxidative stress-induced damage, apoptosis and further differentiation. These findings deepened the current understanding of DSEH on regulating bone development, and provided theoretical support for the discovery of optional prevention and treatment for bone-related diseases.

The differentiation effect of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) on human amniotic epithelial stem cells to express ectodermal lineage markers

Stem cells are a promising tool for treatment of a variety of degenerative diseases. Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAECs) have desirable and unique characteristics that make them a proper candidate for cell therapy. In this study, we have investigated the effects of BMP-4 (bone morphogenetic protein-4) and its inhibition on differentiation of AECs into ectodermal lineages. Analysis of AEC-derived ectodermal lineages (neurons and keratinocytes) was performed by using flow cytometry technique for Map2 and β-tubulin (as neuron markers), Olig2 and MBP (as oligodendrocyte markers), and K14 and K10 (as keratinocyte markers). The results of this study illustrated that noggin (as BMP antagonist), BMP4, and both BMP4 and heparin (together or separately) increased neural and keratinocyte marker expression, respectively. The expression of markers MAP2, olig2, and K14 in hAECs has been significantly decreased 21 days after exposure to differentiation medium (without growth factors) compared with isolation day, which supports the hypothesis that AECs can be dedifferentiated into pluripotent cells. Moreover, activation and inhibition of BMP signaling have no effects on viability of hAECs. The results of this study showed that BMP signaling and its inhibition are the key factors for ectodermal lineage differentiation of amnion-derived stem cells.

EGFR/FOXO3a/BIM signaling pathway determines chemosensitivity of BMP4-differentiated glioma stem cells to temozolomide

Accumulating evidence suggests that glioma stem cells (GSCs), which are rare cells characterized by pluripotency and self-renewal ability, are responsible for glioblastoma (GBM) propagation, recurrence and resistance to therapies. Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) induce GSC differentiation, which leads to elimination of GSCs and sensitization of glioma to chemotherapeutics. Alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are detected in more than half of GBMs; however, the role of EGFR in the chemoresistance of GSCs remains unknown. Here, we examined whether EGFR signaling affects BMP4-induced differentiation of GSCs and their response to the alkylating drug temozolomide (TMZ). We show that BMP4 triggers the SMAD signaling cascade in GSCs independent of the EGFR level. BMP4 downregulated the levels of pluripotency markers (SOX2 and OLIG2) with a concomitant induction of an astrocytic marker (GFAP) and a neuronal marker (β-Tubulin III). However, GSCs with different EGFR levels responded differently to treatments. BMP4-induced differentiation did not enhance sensitivity to TMZ in EGFR^low GSCs, in contrast to EGFR^high GSCs, which underwent apoptosis. We then identified differences in cell cycle regulation. In EGFR^low cells, BMP4-triggered G1 cell cycle arrest which was not detected in EGFR^high cells. RNA-seq profiles further highlighted transcriptomic alterations and distinct processes characterizing EGFR-dependent responses in the course of BMP4-induced differentiation. We found that the control of BIM (the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein) by the AKT/FOXO3a axis only operated in BMP4-differentiated EGFR^high cells upon TMZ treatment.

The properties of individual glioma stem cells (GSCs) may influence the success of chemotherapy in tackling aggressive brain cancer. GSCs promote tumor growth and chemotherapy resistance in glioblastoma tumors. One potential treatment approach uses bone morphogenetic proteins to induce GSCs to differentiate into less harmful cells. Once the GSC population has dwindled, chemoresistance reduces in many but not all cases. Jakub Mieczkowski, Bozena Kaminska and co-workers at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology in Warsaw, Poland, conducted experiments on patient-derived glioblastoma cell cultures. They found that samples with high expression levels of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein in GSCs showed heightened sensitivity to the chemotherapy drug temozolomide after differentiation. Conversely, low levels of EGFR resulted in chemoresistance being maintained after differentiation, which may explain the failure of chemotherapy in some patients.

Cyclin E and Cdk1 regulate the termination of germline transit-amplification process in Drosophila testis

An extension of the G1 is correlated with stem cell differentiation. The role of cell cycle regulation during the subsequent transit amplification (TA) divisions is, however, unclear. Here, we report for the first time that in the Drosophila male germline lineage, the transit amplification divisions accelerate after the second TA division. The cell cycle phases, marked by Cyclin E and Cyclin B, are progressively altered during the TA. Antagonistic functions of the bag-of-marbles and the Transforming-Growth-Factor-β signaling regulate the cell division rates after the second TA division and the extent of the Cyclin E phase during the fourth TA division. Furthermore, loss of Cyclin E during the fourth TA cycle retards the cell division and induces premature meiosis in some cases. A similar reduction of Cdk1 activity during this stage arrests the penultimate division and subsequent differentiation, whereas enhancement of the Cdk1 activity prolongs the TA by one extra round. Altogether, the results suggest that modification of the cell cycle structure and the rates of cell division after the second TA division determine the extent of amplification. Also, the regulation of the Cyclin E and CDK1 functions during the penultimate TA division determines the induction of meiosis and subsequent differentiation.

Implication of the p53-Related miR-34c, -125b, and -203 in the Osteoblastic Differentiation and the Malignant Transformation of Bone Sarcomas

The formation of the skeleton occurs throughout the lives of vertebrates and is achieved through the balanced activities of two kinds of specialized bone cells: the bone-forming osteoblasts and the bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Impairment in the remodeling processes dramatically hampers the proper healing of fractures and can also result in malignant bone diseases such as osteosarcoma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding single-strand RNAs implicated in the control of various cellular activities such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Their post-transcriptional regulatory role confers on them inhibitory functions toward specific target mRNAs. As miRNAs are involved in the differentiation program of precursor cells, it is now well established that this class of molecules also influences bone formation by affecting osteoblastic differentiation and the fate of osteoblasts. In response to various cell signals, the tumor-suppressor protein p53 activates a huge range of genes, whose miRNAs promote genomic-integrity maintenance, cell-cycle arrest, cell senescence, and apoptosis. Here, we review the role of three p53-related miRNAs, miR-34c, -125b, and -203, in the bone-remodeling context and, in particular, in osteoblastic differentiation. The second aim of this study is to deal with the potential implication of these miRNAs in osteosarcoma development and progression.

Novel markers of human ovarian granulosa cell differentiation toward osteoblast lineage: A microarray approach

Under physiological conditions, human ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), are responsible for a number of processes associated with folliculogenesis and oogenesis. The primary functions of GCs in the individual phases of follicle growth are: Hormone production in response to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), induction of ovarian follicle atresia through specific molecular markers and production of nexus cellular connections for communication with the oocyte. In recent years, interest in obtaining stem cells from particular tissues, including the ovary, has increased. Special attention has been paid to the novel properties of GCs during long‑term in vitro culture. It has been demonstrated that the usually recycled material in the form of follicular fluid can be a source of cells with stem‑like properties. The study group consisted of patients enrolled in the in vitro fertilization procedure. Total RNA was isolated from GCs at 4 time points (after 1, 7, 15 and 30 days of culture) and was used for microarray expression analysis (Affymetrix® Human HgU 219 Array). The expression of 22,480 transcripts was examined. The selection of significantly altered genes was based on a P‑value <0.05 and expression higher than two‑fold. The leucine rich repeat containing 17, collagen type I α1 chain, bone morphogenetic protein 4, twist family bHLH transcription factor 1, insulin like growth factor binding protein 5, GLI family zinc finger 2 and collagen triple helix repeat containing genes exhibited the highest changes in expression. Reverse‑transcription‑quantitative PCR was performed to validate the results obtained in the analysis of expression microarrays. The direction of expression changes was validated in the majority of cases. The presented results indicated that GCs have the potential of cells that can differentiate towards osteoblasts in long‑term in vitro culture conditions. Increased expression of genes associated with the osteogenesis process suggests a potential for uninduced change of GC properties towards the osteoblast phenotype. The present study, therefore, suggests that GCs may become an excellent starting material in obtaining stable osteoblast cultures. GCs differentiated towards osteoblasts may be used in regenerative and reconstructive medicine in the future.

Specificity, versatility, and control of TGF-β family signaling

Encoded in mammalian cells by 33 genes, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of secreted, homodimeric and heterodimeric proteins controls the differentiation of most, if not all, cell lineages and many aspects of cell and tissue physiology in multicellular eukaryotes. Deregulation of TGF-β family signaling leads to developmental anomalies and disease, whereas enhanced TGF-β signaling contributes to cancer and fibrosis. Here, we review the fundamentals of the signaling mechanisms that are initiated upon TGF-β ligand binding to its cell surface receptors and the dependence of the signaling responses on input from and cooperation with other signaling pathways. We discuss how cells exquisitely control the functional presentation and activation of heteromeric receptor complexes of transmembrane, dual-specificity kinases and, thus, define their context-dependent responsiveness to ligands. We also introduce the mechanisms through which proteins called Smads act as intracellular effectors of ligand-induced gene expression responses and show that the specificity and impressive versatility of Smad signaling depend on cross-talk from other pathways. Last, we discuss how non-Smad signaling mechanisms, initiated by distinct ligand-activated receptor complexes, complement Smad signaling and thus contribute to cellular responses.

Glucose dependent miR-451a expression contributes to parathyroid hormone mediated osteoblast differentiation

Parathyroid hormone (PTH; amino acid 1-34, known as teriparatide) has reported promoting differentiation and glucose uptake in osteoblasts. However, how PTH regulates glucose metabolism to facilitate osteoblast differentiation is not understood. Here, we report that PTH promotes glucose dependent miR-451a expression which stimulates osteoblast differentiation. In addition to glucose uptake, PTH suppresses AMPK phosphorylation via PI3K-mTOR-AKT axis thereby preventing phosphorylation and inactivation of octamer-binding transcription factor 1 (OCT-1) which has been reported to act on the promoter region of miR-451a. Modulation of AMPK activity controls miR-451a levels in differentiating osteoblasts. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of PI3K-mTOR-AKT axis suppressed miR-451a via increased AMPK activity. We report that this glucose regulated miRNA is an anabolic target and transfection of miR-451a mimic induces osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro. These actions were mediated through the suppression of Odd-skipped related 1 (Osr1) and activation of Runx2 transcription. When injected in vivo, the miR-451a mimic significantly increased osteoblastogenesis, mineralization, reversed ovariectomy induced bone loss and improved bone strength. Together, these findings suggest that enhanced osteoblast differentiation associated with bone formation in case of PTH therapy is also a consequence of elevated miR-451a levels via glucose regulation. Consequently, this miRNA has the potential to be a therapeutic target for conditions of bone loss.

Transcriptomic profiling of tantalum metal implant osseointegration in osteopenic patients

OBJECTIVES

The long-term success of dental implants is established by literature. Although clinically well defined, the complex genetic pathways underlying osseointegration have not yet been fully elucidated. Furthermore, patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis are considered to present as higher risk for implant failure. Porous tantalum trabecular metal (PTTM), an open-cell porous biomaterial, is suggested to present enhanced biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression patterns of a panel of genes closely associated with osteogenesis and wound healing in osteopenic patients receiving either traditional titanium (Ti) or PTTM cylinders to assess the pathway of genes activation in the early phases of osseointegration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Implant cylinders made of Ti and PTTM were placed in osteopenic volunteers. At 2- and 4 weeks of healing, one Ti and one PTTM cylinder were removed from each subject for RT-PCR analysis using osteogenesis PCR array.

RESULTS

Compared to Ti, PTTM-associated bone displayed upregulation of bone matrix proteins, BMP/TGF tisuperfamily, soluble ligand and integrin receptors, growth factors, and collagen genes at one or both time points. Histologically, PTTM implants displayed more robust osteogenesis deposition and maturity when compared to Ti implants from the same patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that PTTM properties could induce an earlier activation of genes associated with osteogenesis in osteopenic patients suggesting that PTTM implants may attenuate the relative risk of placing dental implants in this population.

Cytokine sensitivity screening highlights BMP4 pathway signaling as a therapeutic opportunity in ER+ breast cancer

Despite the success of approved systemic therapies for estrogen receptor α (ER)-positive breast cancer, drug resistance remains common. We hypothesized that secreted factors from the human tumor microenvironment could modulate drug resistance. We previously screened a library of 297 recombinant-secreted microenvironmental proteins for the ability to confer resistance to the anti-estrogen fulvestrant in 2 ER⁺ breast cancer cell lines. Herein, we considered whether factors that enhanced drug sensitivity could be repurposed as therapeutics and provide leads for drug development. Screening data revealed bone morphogenic protein (BMP)4 as a factor that inhibited cell growth and synergized with approved anti-estrogens and cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6_i). BMP4-mediated growth inhibition was dependent on type I receptor activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)3-dependent phosphorylation (P) of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD/P-SMAD)1 and 5, which could be reversed by BMP receptor inhibitors and ALK3 knockdown. The primary effect of BMP4 on cell fate was cell-cycle arrest, in which RNA sequencing, immunoblot analysis, and RNA interference revealed to be dependent on p21^WAF1/Cip1 upregulation. BMP4 also enhanced sensitivity to approved inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and CDK4/6 via ALK3-mediated P-SMAD1/5 and p21 upregulation in anti-estrogen-resistant cells. Patients bearing primary ER⁺ breast tumors, exhibiting a transcriptomic signature of BMP4 signaling, had improved disease outcome following adjuvant treatment with anti-estrogen therapy, independently of age, tumor grade, and tumor stage. Furthermore, a transcriptomic signature of BMP4 signaling was predictive of an improved biologic response to the CDK4/6_i palbociclib, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor in primary tumors. These findings highlight BMP4 and its downstream pathway activation as a therapeutic opportunity in ER⁺ breast cancer.-Shee, K., Jiang, A., Varn, F. S., Liu, S., Traphagen, N. A., Owens, P., Ma, C. X., Hoog, J., Cheng, C., Golub, T. R., Straussman, R., Miller, T. W. Cytokine sensitivity screening highlights BMP4 pathway signaling as a therapeutic opportunity in ER⁺ breast cancer.

Global MicroRNA Profiling in Human Bone Marrow Skeletal-Stromal or Mesenchymal-Stem Cells Identified Candidates for Bone Regeneration

Bone remodeling and regeneration are highly regulated multistep processes involving posttranscriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we performed a global profiling of differentially expressed miRNAs in bone-marrow-derived skeletal cells (BMSCs; also known as stromal or mesenchymal stem cells) during in vitro osteoblast differentiation. We functionally validated the regulatory effects of several miRNAs on osteoblast differentiation and identified 15 miRNAs, most significantly miR-222 and miR-423, as regulators of osteoblastogenesis. In addition, we tested the possible targeting of miRNAs for enhancing bone tissue regeneration. Scaffolds functionalized with miRNA nano-carriers enhanced osteoblastogenesis in 3D culture and retained this ability at least 2 weeks after storage. Additionally, anti-miR-222 enhanced in vivo ectopic bone formation through targeting the cell-cycle inhibitor CDKN1B (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B). A number of additional miRNAs exerted additive osteoinductive effects on BMSC differentiation, suggesting that pools of miRNAs delivered locally from an implanted scaffold can provide a promising approach for enhanced bone regeneration.

Genome‑wide analysis and prediction of functional long noncoding RNAs in osteoblast differentiation under simulated microgravity

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been regarded as important regulators in numerous biological processes during cell development. However, the holistic lncRNA expression pattern and potential functions during osteoblast differentiation under simulated microgravity remain unknown. In the present study, a high throughput microarray assay was performed to detect lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles during MC3TC-E1 pre-osteoblast cell osteo-differentiation under simulated microgravity. The expression of 857 lncRNAs and 2,264 mRNAs was significantly altered when MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to simulated microgravity. A relatively consistent distribution pattern on the chromosome and a co-expression network were observed between the differentially-expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. Genomic context analysis further identified 132 differentially-expressed lncRNAs and nearby coding gene pairs. Subsequently, 3 lncRNAs were screened out for their possible function in osteoblast differentiation, based on their co-expression association and potential cis-acting regulatory pattern with the deregulated mRNAs. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of and a foundation for future studies into lncRNA function in mechanical signal-mediated osteoblast differentiation.

Enhanced bone repair induced by human adipose-derived stem cells on osteogenic extracellular matrix ornamented small intestinal submucosa

AIM

Our aim was to design an osteogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) coated bioscaffold and to apply it to critical bone defect repair with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).

MATERIALS & METHODS

Morphology of scaffolds was scanned by scanning electron microscope. Cell adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs on ECM-small intestinal submucosa (SIS) were evaluated by immunofluorescences staining, cell counting kit-8 and real-time qPCR, respectively. A mouse calvarial defect model was used to assess effects on bone regeneration in vivo.

RESULTS

Abundant ECM was coated on SIS, which facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation of ADSCs. ECM-SIS induced osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs even without osteogenic inductive factors. Bone regeneration in vivo was enhanced by ECM-SIS + ADSCs via BMP/SMAD pathway.

CONCLUSION

This work suggested a biofabricated SIS scaffold coated with osteogenic ECM-facilitated bone regeneration with ADSCs synergistically.

Functional Diversity of Ciliary Proteins in Bone Development and Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The primary cilium is a non-motile microtubule-based organelle that senses a diverse range of extracellular signals. While recent studies highlight the importance of ciliary-dependent developmental signals, including Hedgehog, Wnt, and platelet-derived growth factor, it is not well understood whether and how bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, a key regulator of skeletogenesis, is involved in cilia-related bone developmental aspects and in the etiology of skeletal disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Increasing evidence suggests that osteoblast- or osteocyte-specific deletion of ciliary proteins leads to diverse skeletal malformations, reinforcing the idea that primary cilia are indispensable for regulating bone development and maintenance. Furthermore, it became evident that ciliary proteins not only contribute to ciliogenesis but also orchestrate cellular trafficking. This review summarizes the current understanding of ciliary proteins in bone development and discusses the potential role of BMP signaling in primary cilia, enabling us to unravel the potential pathogenesis of skeletal ciliopathies.

Non-Smad Signaling Pathways of the TGF-β Family

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and structurally related factors use several intracellular signaling pathways in addition to Smad signaling to regulate a wide array of cellular functions. These non-Smad signaling pathways are activated directly by ligand-occupied receptors to reinforce, attenuate, or otherwise modulate downstream cellular responses. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the mechanisms by which non-Smad signaling pathways are directly activated in response to ligand binding, how activation of these pathways impinges on Smads and non-Smad targets, and how final cellular responses are affected in response to these noncanonical signaling modes.

Non-Smad Signaling Pathways of the TGF-β Family

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and structurally related factors use several intracellular signaling pathways in addition to Smad signaling to regulate a wide array of cellular functions. These non-Smad signaling pathways are activated directly by ligand-occupied receptors to reinforce, attenuate, or otherwise modulate downstream cellular responses. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the mechanisms by which non-Smad signaling pathways are directly activated in response to ligand binding, how activation of these pathways impinges on Smads and non-Smad targets, and how final cellular responses are affected in response to these noncanonical signaling modes.

Role of Osteogenic Growth Peptide (OGP) and OGP(10-14) in Bone Regeneration: A Review

Bone regeneration is a process that involves several molecular mediators, such as growth factors, which directly affect the proliferation, migration and differentiation of bone-related cells. The osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) and its C-terminal pentapeptide OGP(10–14) have been shown to stimulate the proliferation, differentiation, alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization of osteoblastic lineage cells. However, the exact molecular mechanisms that promote osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation are not completely understood. This review presents the main chemical characteristics of OGP and/or OGP(10–14), and also discusses the potential molecular pathways induced by these growth factors to promote proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Furthermore, since these peptides have been extensively investigated for bone tissue engineering, the clinical applications of these peptides for bone regeneration are discussed.

Antagonism of the Met5-enkephalin-opioid growth factor receptor-signaling axis promotes MSC to differentiate into osteoblasts

Chronic opioid therapy is associated with bone loss. This led us to hypothesize that the opioid antagonists, that include naloxone, would stimulate bone formation by regulating MSC differentiation. The opioid growth factor receptor (OGFR) is a non-canonical opioid receptor that binds naloxone with high affinity whereas the native opioid growth factor, met5-enkephalin (met5), binds both the OGFR and the canonical delta opioid receptor (OPRD). Naloxone and an shRNA OGFR lentivirus were employed to disrupt the OGFR-signaling axis in cultured MSC. In parallel, naloxone was administered to bone marrow using a mouse unicortical defect model. OPRD, OGFR, and the met5-ligand were highly expressed in MSC and osteoblasts. A pulse-dose of naloxone increased mineral formation in MSC cultures in contrast to MSC treated with continuous naloxone or OGFR deficient MSC. Importantly, SMAD1 and SMAD8/9 expression increased after a pulse dose of naloxone whereas SMAD1, SMAD7, and ID1 were increased in the OGFR deficient MSC. Inhibited OGFR signaling decreased proliferation and increased p21 expression. The addition of naloxone to the unicortical defect resulted in increased bone formation within the defect. Our data suggest that novel mechanism through which signaling through the OGFR regulates osteogenesis via negative regulation of SMAD1 and p21. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1195-1205, 2016.

Notch signaling indirectly promotes chondrocyte hypertrophy via regulation of BMP signaling and cell cycle arrest

Cell cycle regulation is critical for chondrocyte differentiation and hypertrophy. Recently we identified the Notch signaling pathway as an important regulator of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation during mouse cartilage development. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we assessed the role for Notch signaling regulation of the cell cycle during chondrocyte differentiation. Real-time RT-PCR data showed that over-expression of the Notch Intracellular Domain (NICD) significantly induced the expression of p57, a cell cycle inhibitor, in chondrocytes. Flow cytometric analyses further confirmed that over-expression of NICD in chondrocytes enhances the G0/G1 cell cycle transition and cell cycle arrest. In contrast, treatment of chondrocytes with the Notch inhibitor, DAPT, decreased both endogenous and BMP2-induced SMAD 1/5/8 phosphorylation and knockdown of SMAD 1/5/8 impaired NICD-induced chondrocyte differentiation and p57 expression. Co-immunoprecipitation using p-SMAD 1/5/8 and NICD antibodies further showed a strong interaction of these proteins during chondrocyte maturation. Finally, RT-PCR and Western blot results revealed a significant reduction in the expression of the SMAD-related phosphatase, PPM1A, following NICD over-expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Notch signaling induces cell cycle arrest and thereby initiates chondrocyte hypertrophy via BMP/SMAD-mediated up-regulation of p57.

Microgravity Reduces the Differentiation and Regenerative Potential of Embryonic Stem Cells

Mechanical unloading in microgravity is thought to induce tissue degeneration by various mechanisms, including inhibition of regenerative stem cell differentiation. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of microgravity on early lineage commitment of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) using the embryoid body (EB) model of tissue differentiation. We found that exposure to microgravity for 15 days inhibits mESC differentiation and expression of terminal germ layer lineage markers in EBs. Additionally, microgravity-unloaded EBs retained stem cell self-renewal markers, suggesting that mechanical loading at Earth's gravity is required for normal differentiation of mESCs. Finally, cells recovered from microgravity-unloaded EBs and then cultured at Earth's gravity showed greater stemness, differentiating more readily into contractile cardiomyocyte colonies. These results indicate that mechanical unloading of stem cells in microgravity inhibits their differentiation and preserves stemness, possibly providing a cellular mechanistic basis for the inhibition of tissue regeneration in space and in disuse conditions on earth.

Curcumin induces glioma stem-like cell formation

In recent times, dozens of articles have been rushing to report the excellent performance of curcumin in inhibiting the proliferation of glioma cells and in inducing apoptosis and autophagy. However, in this study, we found that curcumin could not only effectively inhibit the proliferation of glioma cells but also induce glioma cells to be stem-like, which showed that it caused some glioma cells to form spheres with CD133 and Nestin positive markers. Further research on its underlying mechanism showed that curcumin suppressed transition of the cells from G1 to S phase and enhanced the expression of Sox4, Sox2, and Oct4, which were essential to retain the stemness properties of glioma-initiating cells. In conclusion, we believe these findings can complement our knowledge on curcumin and arouse our attention to use curcumin for further research on glioma treatment.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 kip1 regulates radial stem cell quiescence and neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus

Members of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-inhibitory protein (CIP)/kinase-inhibitory protein (KIP) family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors regulate proliferation and cell cycle exit of mammalian cells. In the adult brain, the CIP/KIP protein p27(kip1) has been related to the regulation of intermediate progenitor cells located in neurogenic niches. Here, we uncover a novel function of p27(kip1) in the adult hippocampus as a dual regulator of stem cell quiescence and of cell-cycle exit of immature neurons. In vivo, p27(kip1) is detected in radial stem cells expressing SOX2 and in newborn neurons of the dentate gyrus. In vitro, the Cdkn1b gene encoding p27(kip1) is transcriptionally upregulated by quiescence signals such as BMP4. The nuclear accumulation of p27(kip1) protein in adult hippocampal stem cells encompasses the BMP4-induced quiescent state and its overexpression is able to block proliferation. p27(kip1) is also expressed in immature neurons upon differentiation of adult hippocampal stem cell cultures. Loss of p27(kip1) leads to an increase in proliferation and neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus, which results from both a decrease in the percentage of radial stem cells that are quiescent and a delay in cell cycle exit of immature neurons. Analysis of animals carrying a disruption in the cyclin-CDK interaction domain of p27(kip1) indicates that the CDK inhibitory function of the protein is necessary to control the activity of radial stem cells. Thus, we report that p27(kip1) acts as a central player of the molecular program that keeps adult hippocampal stem cells out of the cell cycle.

Dysregulation of Mitochondrial Functions and Osteogenic Differentiation in Cisd2-Deficient Murine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Wolfram syndrome 2 (WFS2) is a premature aging syndrome caused by an irreversible mitochondria-mediated disorder. Cisd2, which regulates mitochondrial electron transport, has been recently identified as the causative gene of WFS2. The mouse Cisd2 knockout (KO) (Cisd2(-/-)) recapitulates most of the clinical manifestations of WFS2, including growth retardation, osteopenia, and lordokyphosis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying osteopenia in WFS2 and Cisd2 KO mice remain unknown. In this study, we collected embryonic fibroblasts from Cisd2-deficient embryos and reprogrammed them into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) via retroviral transduction with Oct4/Sox2/Klf4/c-Myc. Cisd2-deficient mouse iPSCs (miPSCs) exhibited structural abnormalities in their mitochondria and an impaired proliferative capability. The global gene expression profiles of Cisd2(+/+), Cisd2(+/-), and Cisd2(-/-) miPSCs revealed that Cisd2 functions as a regulator of both mitochondrial electron transport and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is critical for cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Notably, Cisd2(-/-) miPSCs exhibited impaired Wnt/β-catenin signaling, with the downregulation of downstream genes, such as Tcf1, Fosl1, and Jun and the osteogenic regulator Runx2. Several differentiation markers for tridermal lineages were globally impaired in Cisd2(-/-) miPSCs. Alizarin red S staining and flow cytometry analysis further revealed that Cisd2(-/-) miPSCs failed to undergo osteogenic differentiation. Taken together, our results, as determined using an miPSC-based platform, have demonstrated that Cisd2 regulates mitochondrial function, proliferation, intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, and Wnt pathway signaling. Cisd2 deficiency impairs the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and thereby contributes to the pathogeneses of osteopenia and lordokyphosis in WFS2 patients.

Influence of bone morphogenetic protein type IA receptor conditional knockout in lens on expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 in lens

AIM

To investigate the influence of bone morphogenetic protein type IA receptor [BMPR-IA (ALK3)] conditional knockout in lens on expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in lens during the development of the vertebrate eye.

METHODS

Cre-positive mice were mated with Cre-negative mice to generate 50% Cre-positive (conditional knockout, CKO) 4 embryos, 8 eyes and 50% Cre-negative offspring (wild type, WT) 4 embryos, 8 eyes. The embryos were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned to a thickness of 4 µm. Removal of paraffin wax and dehydrating for sections, and then the procedure of in situ hybridization was processed, BMP4 MK1784-m (BOSTER) was used, and observed the expression of BMP4 in the lens in experimental group and control group. We selected SPSS11.0 software for statistical analysis, P<0.05 showed that the difference was statistically significant.

RESULTS

Four embryos of each genotype were examined, totally we had 8 embryos, 16 eyes. We got the uniform outcomes in all the embryos. We found ALK3 was required during lens growing, but was not essential for the formation of lens. We observed that the expression of Bmp4 in the lens was significantly reduced in all 8 ALK3 CKO lens, BMP4 expression was normal in all the 8 WT lens, P<0.01. This phenomenon became increasingly visible in accordance with embryo development. The most apparent alteration was present at stage E15.5.

CONCLUSION

ALK3 is essential for lens growth. The influence of ALK3 on the expression of BMP4 is present during the development of mice lens.

The association between BMP4 gene polymorphism and its serum level with the incidence of LVH in hypertensive patients

Background

Bone morphogenic proteins 4 (BMP4) is associated with cardiac remodeling under different conditions. However, the role of BMP4 and its gene polymorphism in the incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive patients remains unknown.

Methods

A total of 1265 patients diagnosed with essential hypertension (EH) were recruited. Patients were assigned to LVH+ (n = 420) and LVH- (n = 845) groups. serum BMP4 level was measured and two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) polymorphisms, 6007C > T and -5826G > A of BMP4 gene were genotyped. We also inhibited the BMP4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA). The effect of BMP4 on the hypertrophic response in Human Cardiomyocytes AC16 cells was studied.

Results

We found that the 6007C > T polymorphism of the BMP4 gene and the serum BMP4 level were significantly associated with the risk to develop LVH. With TT as reference, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the 6007CC genotype carriers had a higher susceptibility to LVH incidence (adjusted OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.63-4.31, adjusted P < 0.001). Our in vitro study shows that the BMP4 inhibition in cardiomyocyte by si-RNA technique significantly decreased the Ang II induced cardiomyocyte size and protein content per cell, indicating the importance of BMP4 in the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data suggest that both the 6007C > T of the BMP4 gene and the serum BMP4 level may be used as potential marker for LVH incidence among the EH patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-014-0368-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Key role of the expression of bone morphogenetic proteins in increasing the osteogenic activity of osteoblast-like cells exposed to shock waves and seeded on bioactive glass-ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

In this work, the role of shock wave-induced increase of bone morphogenetic proteins in modulating the osteogenic properties of osteoblast-like cells seeded on a bioactive scaffold was investigated using gremlin as a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist. Bone-like glass-ceramic scaffolds, based on a silicate experimental bioactive glass developed at the Politecnico di Torino, were produced by the sponge replication method and used as porous substrates for cell culture. Human MG-63 cells, exposed to shock waves and seeded on the scaffolds, were treated with gremlin every two days and analysed after 20 days for the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers. Shock waves have been shown to induce osteogenic activity mediated by increased expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, type I collagen, BMP-4 and BMP-7. Cells exposed to shock waves plus gremlin showed increased growth in comparison with cells treated with shock waves alone and, conversely, mRNA contents of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were significantly lower. Therefore, the shock wave-mediated increased expression of bone morphogenetic protein in MG-63 cells seeded on the scaffolds is essential in improving osteogenic activity; blocking bone morphogenetic protein via gremlin completely prevents the increase of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. The results confirmed that the combination of glass-ceramic scaffolds and shock waves exposure could be used to significantly improve osteogenesis opening new perspectives for bone regenerative medicine.

BMP-4 genetic variants and protein expression are associated with platinum-based chemotherapy response and prognosis in NSCLC

To explore the role of genetic polymorphisms of bone morphogenic proteins 4 (BMP-4) in the response to platinum-based chemotherapy and the clinical outcome in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 938 patients with stage III (A+B) or IV NSCLC were enrolled in this study. We found that the variant genotypes of 6007C > T polymorphisms significantly associated with the chemotherapy response. The 6007CC genotype carriers had a higher chance to be responder to chemotherapy (adjusted odd ratio = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.83–4.18; adjusted < 0.001). The 6007C > T polymorphisms and BMP-4 expression also affect the prognosis of NSCLC. Patients with high BMP-4 expression had a significantly higher chance to be resistant to chemotherapy than those with low BMP-4 expression (OR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.23–6.44; P = 0.01). The hazard ratio (HR) for 6007TT was 2.37 times higher than 6007CC (P = 0.003). In summary, the 6007C > T polymorphism of BMP-4 gene and BMP-4 tissue expression may be used as potential predictor for the chemotherapy response and prognosis of advanced NSCLC.

CD99 drives terminal differentiation of osteosarcoma cells by acting as a spatial regulator of ERK 1/2

Differentiation therapy is an attractive treatment for osteosarcoma (OS). CD99 is a cell surface molecule expressed in mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts that is maintained during osteoblast differentiation while lost in OS. Herein, we show that whenever OS cells regain CD99, they become prone to reactivate the terminal differentiation program. In differentiating conditions, CD99-transfected OS cells express osteocyte markers, halt proliferation, and largely die by apoptosis, resembling the fate of mature osteoblasts. CD99 induces ERK activation, increasing its membrane-bound/cytoplasmic form rather than affecting its nuclear localization. Through cytoplasmic ERK, CD99 promotes activity of the main osteogenic transcriptional factors AP1 and RUNX2, which in turn enhance osteocalcin and p21(WAF1/CIP1) , leading to G0 /G1 arrest. These data underscore the alternative positions of active ERK into distinct subcellular compartments as key events for determining OS fate.

BMP4 inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells and induces an MMP-dependent migratory phenotype in MDA-MB-231 cells in 3D environment

Background

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) belongs to the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of proteins. BMPs regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and motility, and have also been reported to be involved in cancer pathogenesis. We have previously shown that BMP4 reduces breast cancer cell proliferation through G1 cell cycle arrest and simultaneously induces migration in a subset of these cell lines. Here we examined the effects of BMP4 in a more physiological environment, in a 3D culture system.

Methods

We used two different 3D culture systems; Matrigel, a basement membrane extract from mouse sarcoma cells, and a synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) gel. AlamarBlue reagent was used for cell proliferation measurements and immunofluorescence was used to determine cell polarity. Expression of cell cycle regulators was examined by Western blot and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression by qRT-PCR.

Results

The MCF-10A normal breast epithelial cells formed round acini with correct apicobasal localization of α6 integrin in Matrigel whereas irregular structures were seen in PEG gel. The two 3D matrices also supported dissimilar morphology for the breast cancer cells. In PEG gel, BMP4 inhibited the growth of MCF-10A and the three breast cancer cell lines examined, thus closely resembling the 2D culture conditions, but in Matrigel, no growth inhibition was observed in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361 cells. Furthermore, BMP4 induced the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 both in 2D and 3D culture, thereby partly explaining the growth arrest. Interestingly, MDA-MB-231 cells formed large branching, stellate structures in response to BMP4 treatment in Matrigel, suggestive of increased cell migration or invasion. This effect was reversed by Batimastat, a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, and subsequent analyses showed BMP4 to induce the expression of MMP3 and MMP14, that are thus likely to be responsible for the stellate phenotype.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results show that Matrigel provides a more physiological environment for breast epithelial cells than PEG gel. Moreover, BMP4 partly recapitulates in 3D culture the growth suppressive abilities previously seen in 2D culture and induces an MMP-dependent migratory phenotype in MDA-MB-231 cells.

BMP signaling in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and bone formation

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-β superfamily and have diverse functions during development and organogenesis. BMPs play a major role in skeletal development and bone formation, and disruptions in BMP signaling cause a variety of skeletal and extraskeletal anomalies. Several knockout models have provided insight into the mechanisms responsible for these phenotypes. Proper bone formation requires the differentiation of osteoblasts from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) precursors, a process mediated in part by BMP signaling. Multiple BMPs, including BMP2, BMP6, BMP7 and BMP9, promote osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. BMP9 is one of the most osteogenic BMPs yet is a poorly characterized member of the BMP family. Several studies demonstrate that the mechanisms controlling BMP9-mediated osteogenesis differ from other osteogenic BMPs, but little is known about these specific mechanisms. Several pathways critical to BMP9-mediated osteogenesis are also important in the differentiation of other cell lineages, including adipocytes and chondrocytes. BMP9 has also demonstrated translational promise in spinal fusion and bone fracture repair. This review will summarize our current knowledge of BMP-mediated osteogenesis, with a focus on BMP9, by presenting recently completed work which may help us to further elucidate these pathways.

Microgravity induces pelvic bone loss through osteoclastic activity, osteocytic osteolysis, and osteoblastic cell cycle inhibition by CDKN1a/p21

Bone is a dynamically remodeled tissue that requires gravity-mediated mechanical stimulation for maintenance of mineral content and structure. Homeostasis in bone occurs through a balance in the activities and signaling of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes, as well as proliferation and differentiation of their stem cell progenitors. Microgravity and unloading are known to cause osteoclast-mediated bone resorption; however, we hypothesize that osteocytic osteolysis, and cell cycle arrest during osteogenesis may also contribute to bone loss in space. To test this possibility, we exposed 16-week-old female C57BL/6J mice (n = 8) to microgravity for 15-days on the STS-131 space shuttle mission. Analysis of the pelvis by µCT shows decreases in bone volume fraction (BV/TV) of 6.29%, and bone thickness of 11.91%. TRAP-positive osteoclast-covered trabecular bone surfaces also increased in microgravity by 170% (p = 0.004), indicating osteoclastic bone degeneration. High-resolution X-ray nanoCT studies revealed signs of lacunar osteolysis, including increases in cross-sectional area (+17%, p = 0.022), perimeter (+14%, p = 0.008), and canalicular diameter (+6%, p = 0.037). Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1, 3, and 10 in bone, as measured by RT-qPCR, was also up-regulated in microgravity (+12.94, +2.98 and +16.85 fold respectively, p<0.01), with MMP10 localized to osteocytes, and consistent with induction of osteocytic osteolysis. Furthermore, expression of CDKN1a/p21 in bone increased 3.31 fold (p<0.01), and was localized to osteoblasts, possibly inhibiting the cell cycle during tissue regeneration as well as conferring apoptosis resistance to these cells. Finally the apoptosis inducer Trp53 was down-regulated by −1.54 fold (p<0.01), possibly associated with the quiescent survival-promoting function of CDKN1a/p21. In conclusion, our findings identify the pelvic and femoral region of the mouse skeleton as an active site of rapid bone loss in microgravity, and indicate that this loss is not limited to osteoclastic degradation. Therefore, this study offers new evidence for microgravity-induced osteocytic osteolysis, and CDKN1a/p21-mediated osteogenic cell cycle arrest.

Addition of bone morphogenetic protein type 2 to ascorbate and β-glycerophosphate supplementation did not enhance osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells

Bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (BMP-2) is a potent local factor, which promotes bone formation and has been used as an osteogenic supplement for mesenchymal stem cells.

BMP9 signaling in stem cell differentiation and osteogenesis

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-β superfamily and play a critical role in skeletal development, bone formation and stem cell differentiation. Disruptions in BMP signaling result in a variety of skeletal and extraskeletal anomalies. BMP9 is a poorly characterized member of the BMP family and is among the most osteogenic BMPs, promoting osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) both in vitro and in vivo. Recent findings from various in vivo and molecular studies strongly suggest that the mechanisms governing BMP9-mediated osteoinduction differ from other osteogenic BMPs. Many signaling pathways with diverse functions have been found to play a role in BMP9-mediated osteogenesis. Several of these pathways are also critical in the differentiation of other cell lineages, including adipocytes and chondrocytes. While BMP9 is known to be a potent osteogenic factor, it also influences several other pathways including cancer development, angiogenesis and myogenesis. Although BMP9 has been demonstrated as one of the most osteogenic BMPs, relatively little is known about the specific mechanisms responsible for these effects. BMP9 has demonstrated efficacy in promoting spinal fusion and bony non-union repair in animal models, demonstrating great translational promise. This review aims to summarize our current knowledge of BMP9-mediated osteogenesis by presenting recently completed work which may help us to further elucidate these pathways.

Smads, p38 and ERK1/2 are involved in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells

Although previous studies have demonstrated that BMP9 is highly capable of inducing osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, the molecular mechanism involved remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we showed that BMP9 simultaneously promotes the activation of Smad1/5/8, p38 and ERK1/2 in C3H10T1/2 cells. Knockdown of Smad4 with RNA interference reduced nuclear translocation of Smad1/5/8, and disrupted BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation was blocked by p38 inhibitor SB203580, whereas enhanced by ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. SB203580 decreased BMP9-activated Smads singling, and yet PD98059 stimulated Smads singling in C3H10T1/2 cells. The effects of inhibitor were reproduced with adenovirus expressing siRNA targeted p38 and ERK1/2, respectively. Taken together, our findings revealed that Smads, p38 and ERK1/2 are involved in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. Also, it is noteworthy that p38 and ERK1/2 may play opposing regulatory roles in mediating BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

miR-335 promotes cell proliferation by directly targeting Rb1 in meningiomas

Meningiomas, one of the most common benign brain tumors in humans, arise from arachnoid cells in the brain meninges. Our investigations have revealed that miR-335 is a typical microRNA overexpressed in meningiomas in humans. Characterization of the effects of miR-335 overexpression in meningiomas demonstrated that elevated levels of miR-335 increased cell growth and inhibited cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in vitro; in addition, reduction of the miR-335 levels had the opposite effect on tumor growth and progression. Further, previous studies have shown that the mechanism of effect of miR-335 on the proliferation of meningioma cells is associated with alterations in the expression of human retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1). Our results indicate that miR-335 plays an essential role in the proliferation of meningioma cells by directly targeting the Rb1 signaling pathway. Thus, our results highlight a novel molecular interaction between miR-335 and Rb1, and miR-335 may represent a potential novel therapeutic agent to target the proliferation of meningioma cells.

A balance of FGF and BMP signals regulates cell cycle exit and Equarin expression in lens cells

The roles of BMP and FGF during the transition of proliferating lens epithelial cells to differentiated primary lens fiber cells are examined. The results show that proliferation, cell cycle exit, and early differentiation of primary lens fiber cells are regulated by counterbalancing BMP and FGF signals.

In embryonic and adult lenses, a balance of cell proliferation, cell cycle exit, and differentiation is necessary to maintain physical function. The molecular mechanisms regulating the transition of proliferating lens epithelial cells to differentiated primary lens fiber cells are poorly characterized. To investigate this question, we used gain- and loss-of-function analyses to modulate fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and/or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals in chick lens/retina explants. Here we show that FGF activity plays a key role for proliferation independent of BMP signals. Moreover, a balance of FGF and BMP signals regulates cell cycle exit and the expression of Ccdc80 (also called Equarin), which is expressed at sites where differentiation of lens fiber cells occurs. BMP activity promotes cell cycle exit and induces Equarin expression in an FGF-dependent manner. In contrast, FGF activity is required but not sufficient to induce cell cycle exit or Equarin expression. Furthermore, our results show that in the absence of BMP activity, lens cells have increased cell cycle length or are arrested in the cell cycle, which leads to decreased cell cycle exit. Taken together, these findings suggest that proliferation, cell cycle exit, and early differentiation of primary lens fiber cells are regulated by counterbalancing BMP and FGF signals.

Force-specific activation of Smad1/5 regulates vascular endothelial cell cycle progression in response to disturbed flow

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are constantly exposed to blood flow-induced shear stress, but the mechanism of force-specific activation of their signaling to modulate cellular function remains unclear. We have demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR)-specific Smad1/5 can be force-specifically activated by oscillatory shear stress (OSS) in ECs to cause cell cycle progression. Smad1/5 is highly activated in ECs of atherosclerotic lesions in diseased human coronary arteries from patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing heart transplantation and from apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Application of OSS (0.5 ± 4 dyn/cm(2)) causes the sustained activation of Smad1/5 in ECs through activations of mammalian target of rapamycin and p70S6 kinase, leading to up-regulation of cyclin A and down-regulations of p21(CIP1) and p27(KIP1) and, hence, EC cycle progression. En face examination of rat aortas reveals high levels of phospho-Smad1/5 in ECs of the inner, but not the outer, curvature of aortic arch, nor the straight segment of thoracic aorta [corrected]. Immunohistochemical and en face examinations of the experimentally stenosed abdominal aorta in rats show high levels of phospho-Smad1/5 in ECs at poststenotic sites, where OSS occurs. These OSS activations of EC Smad1/5 in vitro and in vivo are not inhibited by the BMP-specific antagonist Noggin and, hence, are independent of BMP ligand. Transfecting ECs with Smad1/5-specific small interfering RNAs inhibits the OSS-induced EC cycle progression. Our findings demonstrate the force-specificity of the activation of Smad1/5 and its contribution to cell cycle progression in ECs induced by disturbed flow.

Gossypin induces G2/M arrest in human malignant glioma U251 cells by the activation of Chk1/Cdc25C pathway

Gossypin is a flavone that was originally isolated from Hibiscus vitifolius and has traditionally been used for the treatment of diabetes, jaundice, and inflammation. Recently, gossypin was found to have potent anticancer properties; however, its effect on human gliomas still remain unknown. To investigate the potential anticancer effects of gossypin on malignant gliomas and analyze the associated molecular mechanisms, we treated human glioma U251 cells with gossypin. Our study showed that the treatment of U251 cells with gossypin inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner and was observed to be minimally toxic to normal human astrocytes. Gossypin's effect on cell cycle distribution was observed, and we found that it induced G2/M-phase arrest in U251 cells. An analysis of cell-cycle regulatory proteins indicated that the arresting effect of gossypin on the cell cycle at G2/M phase was involved in the phosphorylation of cell division cycle 25C (Cdc25C) tyrosine phosphatase via the activation of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1). These findings indicate that gossypin is a potential treatment of gliomas because of gossypin's potential to regulate the proliferation of U251 cells via the cell-cycle regulatory proteins Chk1 and Cdc25C.