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Nielsen RL, Monfeuga T, Kitchen RR, Egerod L, Leal LG, Schreyer ATH, Gade FS, Sun C, Helenius M, Simonsen L, Willert M, Tahrani AA, McVey Z, Gupta R. Data-driven identification of predictive risk biomarkers for subgroups of osteoarthritis using interpretable machine learning. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2817. [PMID: 38561399 PMCID: PMC10985086 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46663-4] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is increasing in prevalence and has a severe impact on patients' lives. However, our understanding of biomarkers driving OA risk remains limited. We developed a model predicting the five-year risk of OA diagnosis, integrating retrospective clinical, lifestyle and biomarker data from the UK Biobank (19,120 patients with OA, ROC-AUC: 0.72, 95%CI (0.71-0.73)). Higher age, BMI and prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs contributed most to increased OA risk prediction ahead of diagnosis. We identified 14 subgroups of OA risk profiles. These subgroups were validated in an independent set of patients evaluating the 11-year OA risk, with 88% of patients being uniquely assigned to one of the 14 subgroups. Individual OA risk profiles were characterised by personalised biomarkers. Omics integration demonstrated the predictive importance of key OA genes and pathways (e.g., GDF5 and TGF-β signalling) and OA-specific biomarkers (e.g., CRTAC1 and COL9A1). In summary, this work identifies opportunities for personalised OA prevention and insights into its underlying pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Line Egerod
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luis G Leal
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Carol Sun
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Zahra McVey
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Wang T, Li Z, Zhao S, Liu Y, Guo W, Alarcòn Rodrìguez R, Wu Y, Wei R. Characterizing hedgehog pathway features in senescence associated osteoarthritis through Integrative multi-omics and machine learning analysis. Front Genet 2024; 15:1255455. [PMID: 38444758 PMCID: PMC10912584 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1255455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of senescence and inflammation. Hedgehog's role in OA mechanisms is unclear. This study combines Bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq to identify Hedgehog-associated genes in OA, investigating their impact on the pathogenesis of OA. Materials and methods: Download and merge eight bulk-RNA seq datasets from GEO, also obtain a scRNA-seq dataset for validation and analysis. Analyze Hedgehog pathway activity in OA using bulk-RNA seq datasets. Use ten machine learning algorithms to identify important Hedgehog-associated genes, validate predictive models. Perform GSEA to investigate functional implications of identified Hedgehog-associated genes. Assess immune infiltration in OA using Cibersort and MCP-counter algorithms. Utilize ConsensusClusterPlus package to identify Hedgehog-related subgroups. Conduct WGCNA to identify key modules enriched based on Hedgehog-related subgroups. Characterization of genes by methylation and GWAS analysis. Evaluate Hedgehog pathway activity, expression of hub genes, pseudotime, and cell communication, in OA chondrocytes using scRNA-seq dataset. Validate Hedgehog-associated gene expression levels through Real-time PCR analysis. Results: The activity of the Hedgehog pathway is significantly enhanced in OA. Additionally, nine important Hedgehog-associated genes have been identified, and the predictive models built using these genes demonstrate strong predictive capabilities. GSEA analysis indicates a significant positive correlation between all seven important Hedgehog-associated genes and lysosomes. Consensus clustering reveals the presence of two hedgehog-related subgroups. In Cluster 1, Hedgehog pathway activity is significantly upregulated and associated with inflammatory pathways. WGCNA identifies that genes in the blue module are most significantly correlated with Cluster 1 and Cluster 2, as well as being involved in extracellular matrix and collagen-related pathways. Single-cell analysis confirms the significant upregulation of the Hedgehog pathway in OA, along with expression changes observed in 5 genes during putative temporal progression. Cell communication analysis suggests an association between low-scoring chondrocytes and macrophages. Conclusion: The Hedgehog pathway is significantly activated in OA and is associated with the extracellular matrix and collagen proteins. It plays a role in regulating immune cells and immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Joint, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhengrui Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijian Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital), Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenliang Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, China
| | | | - Yinteng Wu
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ruqiong Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Guo H, Lan M, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Chen W. [Piezo1 Mediates the Regulation of Substrate Stiffness on Primary Cilia in Chondrocytes]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:67-73. [PMID: 38322536 PMCID: PMC10839480 DOI: 10.12182/20240160502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Objective To investigate how substrate stiffness regulates the morphology of primary cilia in chondrocytes and to illustrate how Piezo1 mediates the morphology regulation of primary cilia by substrate stiffness. Methods Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) curing agent and the main agent (Dow Corning, Beijing, China) were mixed at the ratio of 1∶10 (stiff), 1∶50 (medium stiffness), and 1∶70 (soft), respectively, to prepare substrate films with the thickness of 1 mm at different levels of stiffness, including stiff substrate of (2.21±0.12) MPa, medium-stiffness substrate of (54.47±6.06) kPa, and soft substrate of (2.13±0.10) kPa. Chondrocytes were cultured with the substrates of three different levels of stiffness. Then, the cells were treated with Tubastatin A (Tub A) to inhibit histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), Piezo1 activator Yoda1, and inhibitor GsMTx4, respectively. The effects of HDAC6, Yoda1, and GsMTx4 on chondrocyte morphology and the length of primary cilia were analyzed through immunofluorescence staining. Results The stiff substrate increased the spread area of the chondrocytes. Immunofluorescence assays showed that the cytoskeleton and the nuclear area of the cells on the stiff substrate were significantly increased (P<0.05) and the primary cilia were significantly extended (P<0.05) compared with those on the medium-stiffness and soft substrates. However, the presence rate of primary cilia was not affected. The HDAC6 activity of chondrocytes increased with the decrease in substrate stiffness. When the activity of HDAC6 was inhibited, the cytoskeletal area, the nuclei area, and the primary cilium length were increased more significantly on the stiff substrate (P<0.05). Further testing showed that Piezo1 activator and inhibitor could regulate the activity of HDAC6 in chondrocytes, and that the length of primary cilia was significantly increased after treatment with the activator Yoda1 (P<0.05). On the other hand, the length of primary cilia was significantly shortened on the stiff substrate after treatment with the inhibitor GsMTx4 (P<0.05). Conclusion Both substrate stiffness and Piezo1 may affect the morphology of chondrocyte primary cilia by regulating HDAC6 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqing Guo
- ( 030024) College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Minhua Lan
- ( 030024) College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- ( 030024) College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- ( 030024) College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- ( 030024) College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- ( 030009) Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030009, China
| | - Quanyou Zhang
- ( 030024) College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- ( 030009) Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030009, China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- ( 030024) College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
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Feng J, Zhang Q, Pu F, Zhu Z, Lu K, Lu WW, Tong L, Yu H, Chen D. Signalling interaction between β-catenin and other signalling molecules during osteoarthritis development. Cell Prolif 2024:e13600. [PMID: 38199244 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent disorder of synovial joint affecting multiple joints. In the past decade, we have witnessed conceptual switch of OA pathogenesis from a 'wear and tear' disease to a disease affecting entire joint. Extensive studies have been conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms of OA using genetic mouse models and ex vivo joint tissues derived from individuals with OA. These studies revealed that multiple signalling pathways are involved in OA development, including the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling and its interaction with other signalling pathways, such as transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), bone morphogenic protein (BMP), Indian Hedgehog (Ihh), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and Notch. The identification of signalling interaction and underlying mechanisms are currently underway and the specific molecule(s) and key signalling pathway(s) playing a decisive role in OA development need to be evaluated. This review will focus on recent progresses in understanding of the critical role of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in OA pathogenesis and interaction of β-catenin with other pathways, such as TGF-β, BMP, Notch, Ihh, NF-κB, and FGF. Understanding of these novel insights into the interaction of β-catenin with other pathways and its integration into a complex gene regulatory network during OA development will help us identify the key signalling pathway of OA pathogenesis leading to the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for OA intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feifei Pu
- Department of Orthopedics, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenglin Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Lu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - William W Lu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Tong
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Di Chen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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Zhao XX, Xie WQ, Xiao WF, Li HZ, Naranmandakh S, Bruyere O, Reginster JY, Li YS. Perlecan: Roles in osteoarthritis and potential treating target. Life Sci 2022; 312:121190. [PMID: 36379311 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121190] [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: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, affecting hundreds of millions of people globally, which leads to a high cost of treatment and further medical care and an apparent decrease in patient prognosis. The recent view of OA pathogenesis is that increased vascularity, bone remodeling, and disordered turnover are influenced by multivariate risk factors, such as age, obesity, and overloading. The view also reveals the gap between the development of these processes and early stage risk factors. This review presents the latest research on OA-related signaling pathways and analyzes the potential roles of perlecan, a typical component of the well-known protective structure against osteoarthritic pericellular matrix (PCM). Based on the experimental results observed in end-stage OA models, we summarized and analyzed the role of perlecan in the development of OA. In normal cartilage, it plays a protective role by maintaining the integrin of PCM and sequesters growth factors. Second, perlecan in cartilage is required to not only activate vascular epithelium growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling of endothelial cells for vascular invasion and catabolic autophagy, but also for different signaling pathways for the catabolic and anabolic actions of chondrocytes. Finally, perlecan may participate in pain sensitization pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xuan Zhao
- Deparment of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Wen-Qing Xie
- Deparment of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Wen-Feng Xiao
- Deparment of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Heng-Zhen Li
- Deparment of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shinen Naranmandakh
- School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Sukhbaatar district, 14201 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Olivier Bruyere
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman B23, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Yves Reginster
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman B23, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Yu-Sheng Li
- Deparment of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.
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From mesenchymal niches to engineered in vitro model systems: Exploring and exploiting biomechanical regulation of vertebrate hedgehog signalling. Mater Today Bio 2022; 17:100502. [PMID: 36457847 PMCID: PMC9707069 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue patterning is the result of complex interactions between transcriptional programs and various mechanical cues that modulate cell behaviour and drive morphogenesis. Vertebrate Hedgehog signalling plays key roles in embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis, and is central to skeletal development and the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The expression of several components of the Hedgehog signalling pathway have been reported to be mechanically regulated in mesodermal tissue patterning and osteogenic differentiation in response to external stimulation. Since a number of bone developmental defects and skeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis, are directly linked to aberrant Hedgehog signalling, a better knowledge of the regulation of Hedgehog signalling in the mechanosensitive bone marrow-residing mesenchymal stromal cells will present novel avenues for modelling these diseases and uncover novel opportunities for extracellular matrix-targeted therapies. In this review, we present a brief overview of the key molecular players involved in Hedgehog signalling and the basic concepts of mechanobiology, with a focus on bone development and regeneration. We also highlight the correlation between the activation of the Hedgehog signalling pathway in response to mechanical cues and osteogenesis in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Finally, we propose different tissue engineering strategies to apply the expanding knowledge of 3D material-cell interactions in the modulation of Hedgehog signalling in vitro for fundamental and translational research applications.
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Su Y, Xing H, Kang J, Bai L, Zhang L. Role of the hedgehog signaling pathway in rheumatic diseases: An overview. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940455. [PMID: 36105801 PMCID: PMC9466598 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction pathway that plays an important regulatory role during embryonic development, cell proliferation, and differentiation of vertebrates, and it is often inhibited in adult tissues. Recent evidence has shown that Hh signaling also plays a key role in rheumatic diseases, as alterations in their number or function have been identified in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren’s Syndrome. As a result, emerging studies have focused on the blockade of this pathogenic axis as a promising therapeutic target in several autoimmune disorders; nevertheless, a greater understanding of its contribution still requires further investigation. This review aims to elucidate the most recent studies and literature data on the pathogenetic role of Hh signaling in rheumatic diseases.
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Wang Z, Le H, Wang Y, Liu H, Li Z, Yang X, Wang C, Ding J, Chen X. Instructive cartilage regeneration modalities with advanced therapeutic implantations under abnormal conditions. Bioact Mater 2022; 11:317-338. [PMID: 34977434 PMCID: PMC8671106 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of interdisciplinary biomedical engineering brings significant breakthroughs to the field of cartilage regeneration. However, cartilage defects are considerably more complicated in clinical conditions, especially when injuries occur at specific sites (e.g., osteochondral tissue, growth plate, and weight-bearing area) or under inflammatory microenvironments (e.g., osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). Therapeutic implantations, including advanced scaffolds, developed growth factors, and various cells alone or in combination currently used to treat cartilage lesions, address cartilage regeneration under abnormal conditions. This review summarizes the strategies for cartilage regeneration at particular sites and pathological microenvironment regulation and discusses the challenges and opportunities for clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghan Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstruct Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, PR China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Hanxiang Le
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Yanbing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - He Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Zuhao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstruct Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, PR China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, PR China
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Smith AE, Sigurbjörnsdóttir ES, Steingrímsson E, Sigurbjörnsdóttir S. Hedgehog signalling in bone and osteoarthritis: the role of Smoothened and cholesterol. FEBS J 2022. [PMID: 35305060 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog signalling is essential for development, crucial for normal anatomical arrangement and activated during tissue damage repair. Dysregulation of hedgehog signalling is associated with cancer, developmental disorders and other diseases including osteoarthritis (OA). The hedgehog gene was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, and the pathway is evolutionarily conserved in most animals. Although there are several hedgehog ligands with different protein expression patterns, they share a common plasma membrane receptor, Patched1 and hedgehog signalling pathway activation is transduced through the G-protein-coupled receptor-like protein Smoothened (SMO) and downstream effectors. Functional assays revealed that activation of SMO is dependent on sterol binding, and cholesterol was observed bound to SMO in crystallography experiments. In vertebrates, hedgehog signalling coordinates endochondral ossification and balances osteoblast and osteoclast activation to maintain homeostasis. A recently discovered mutation of SMO in humans (SMOR173C ) is predicted to alter cholesterol binding and is associated with a higher risk of hip OA. Functional studies in mice and human tissue analysis provide evidence that hedgehog signalling is pathologically activated in chondrocytes of osteoarthritic cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi Elise Smith
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Elín Sóley Sigurbjörnsdóttir
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Eiríkur Steingrímsson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sara Sigurbjörnsdóttir
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, BioMedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Regulation of FGF-2, FGF-18 and Transcription Factor Activity by Perlecan in the Maturational Development of Transitional Rudiment and Growth Plate Cartilages and in the Maintenance of Permanent Cartilage Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23041934. [PMID: 35216048 PMCID: PMC8872392 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to highlight the roles of perlecan in the regulation of the development of the rudiment developmental cartilages and growth plate cartilages, and also to show how perlecan maintains permanent articular cartilage homeostasis. Cartilage rudiments are transient developmental templates containing chondroprogenitor cells that undergo proliferation, matrix deposition, and hypertrophic differentiation. Growth plate cartilage also undergoes similar changes leading to endochondral bone formation, whereas permanent cartilage is maintained as an articular structure and does not undergo maturational changes. Pericellular and extracellular perlecan-HS chains interact with growth factors, morphogens, structural matrix glycoproteins, proteases, and inhibitors to promote matrix stabilization and cellular proliferation, ECM remodelling, and tissue expansion. Perlecan has mechanotransductive roles in cartilage that modulate chondrocyte responses in weight-bearing environments. Nuclear perlecan may modulate chromatin structure and transcription factor access to DNA and gene regulation. Snail-1, a mesenchymal marker and transcription factor, signals through FGFR-3 to promote chondrogenesis and maintain Acan and type II collagen levels in articular cartilage, but prevents further tissue expansion. Pre-hypertrophic growth plate chondrocytes also express high Snail-1 levels, leading to cessation of Acan and CoI2A1 synthesis and appearance of type X collagen. Perlecan differentially regulates FGF-2 and FGF-18 to maintain articular cartilage homeostasis, rudiment and growth plate cartilage growth, and maturational changes including mineralization, contributing to skeletal growth.
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Mechanosignalling in cartilage: an emerging target for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 18:67-84. [PMID: 34934171 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00724-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli have fundamental roles in articular cartilage during health and disease. Chondrocytes respond to the physical properties of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) and the mechanical forces exerted on them during joint loading. In osteoarthritis (OA), catabolic processes degrade the functional ECM and the composition and viscoelastic properties of the ECM produced by chondrocytes are altered. The abnormal loading environment created by these alterations propagates cell dysfunction and inflammation. Chondrocytes sense their physical environment via an array of mechanosensitive receptors and channels that activate a complex network of downstream signalling pathways to regulate several cell processes central to OA pathology. Advances in understanding the complex roles of specific mechanosignalling mechanisms in healthy and OA cartilage have highlighted molecular processes that can be therapeutically targeted to interrupt pathological feedback loops. The potential for combining these mechanosignalling targets with the rapidly expanding field of smart mechanoresponsive biomaterials and delivery systems is an emerging paradigm in OA treatment. The continued advances in this field have the potential to enable restoration of healthy mechanical microenvironments and signalling through the development of precision therapeutics, mechanoregulated biomaterials and drug systems in the near future.
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Mellis D, Staines KA, Peluso S, Georgiou IC, Dora N, Kubiak M, van’t Hof R, Grillo M, Farquharson C, Kinsella E, Thornburn A, Ralston SH, Salter DM, Riobo-Del Galdo NA, Hill RE, Ditzel M. Ubiquitin-protein ligase Ubr5 cooperates with hedgehog signalling to promote skeletal tissue homeostasis. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009275. [PMID: 33819267 PMCID: PMC8057592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian Hedgehog (HH) signalling pathway plays an essential role in tissue homeostasis and its deregulation is linked to rheumatological disorders. UBR5 is the mammalian homologue of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase Hyd, a negative regulator of the Hh-pathway in Drosophila. To investigate a possible role of UBR5 in regulation of the musculoskeletal system through modulation of mammalian HH signaling, we created a mouse model for specific loss of Ubr5 function in limb bud mesenchyme. Our findings revealed a role for UBR5 in maintaining cartilage homeostasis and suppressing metaplasia. Ubr5 loss of function resulted in progressive and dramatic articular cartilage degradation, enlarged, abnormally shaped sesamoid bones and extensive heterotopic tissue metaplasia linked to calcification of tendons and ossification of synovium. Genetic suppression of smoothened (Smo), a key mediator of HH signalling, dramatically enhanced the Ubr5 mutant phenotype. Analysis of HH signalling in both mouse and cell model systems revealed that loss of Ubr5 stimulated canonical HH-signalling while also increasing PKA activity. In addition, human osteoarthritic samples revealed similar correlations between UBR5 expression, canonical HH signalling and PKA activity markers. Our studies identified a crucial function for the Ubr5 gene in the maintenance of skeletal tissue homeostasis and an unexpected mode of regulation of the HH signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mellis
- Edinburgh CRUK Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine A. Staines
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Peluso
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna Ch. Georgiou
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Dora
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Malgorzata Kubiak
- Edinburgh CRUK Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rob van’t Hof
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michela Grillo
- Edinburgh CRUK Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Farquharson
- Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Kinsella
- Edinburgh CRUK Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Thornburn
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart H. Ralston
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Donald M. Salter
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia A. Riobo-Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. Hill
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Ditzel
- Edinburgh CRUK Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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