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Jiang W, Glaeser JD, Kaneda G, Sheyn J, Wechsler JT, Stephan S, Salehi K, Chan JL, Tawackoli W, Avalos P, Johnson C, Castaneda C, Kanim LEA, Tanasansomboon T, Burda JE, Shelest O, Yameen H, Perry TG, Kropf M, Cuellar JM, Seliktar D, Bae HW, Stone LS, Sheyn D. Intervertebral disc human nucleus pulposus cells associated with back pain trigger neurite outgrowth in vitro and pain behaviors in rats. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg7020. [PMID: 38055799 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg7020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is often associated with the degeneration of human intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, the pain-inducing mechanism in degenerating discs remains to be elucidated. Here, we identified a subtype of locally residing human nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), generated by certain conditions in degenerating discs, that was associated with the onset of discogenic back pain. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of human tissues showed a strong correlation between a specific cell subtype and the pain condition associated with the human degenerated disc, suggesting that they are pain-triggering. The application of IVD degeneration-associated exogenous stimuli to healthy NPCs in vitro recreated a pain-associated phenotype. These stimulated NPCs activated functional human iPSC-derived sensory neuron responses in an in vitro organ-chip model. Injection of stimulated NPCs into the healthy rat IVD induced local inflammatory responses and increased cold sensitivity and mechanical hypersensitivity. Our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized pain-inducing mechanism mediated by NPCs in degenerating IVDs. These findings could aid in the development of NPC-targeted therapeutic strategies for the clinically unmet need to attenuate discogenic LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensen Jiang
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Juliane D Glaeser
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Giselle Kaneda
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jacob T Wechsler
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Stephen Stephan
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Khosrowdad Salehi
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Julie L Chan
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Wafa Tawackoli
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Pablo Avalos
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Christopher Johnson
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Chloe Castaneda
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Linda E A Kanim
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Teerachat Tanasansomboon
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Center of Excellence in Biomechanics and Innovative Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joshua E Burda
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Oksana Shelest
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Haneen Yameen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israeli Institute of Technology Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Tiffany G Perry
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Michael Kropf
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jason M Cuellar
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Dror Seliktar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israeli Institute of Technology Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Hyun W Bae
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Laura S Stone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israeli Institute of Technology Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Dmitriy Sheyn
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Vernengo A, Bumann H, Kluser N, Soubrier A, Šećerović A, Gewiess J, Jansen JU, Neidlinger-Wilke C, Wilke HJ, Grad S. Chemonucleolysis combined with dynamic loading for inducing degeneration in bovine caudal intervertebral discs. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1178938. [PMID: 37711456 PMCID: PMC10499327 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1178938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemonucleolysis has become an established method of producing whole organ culture models of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, the field needs more side-by-side comparisons of the degenerative effects of the major enzymes used in chemonucleolysis towards gaining a greater understanding of how these organ culture models mimic the wide spectrum of characteristics observed in human degeneration. In the current work we induced chemonucleolysis in bovine coccygeal IVDs with 100 µL of papain (65 U/mL), chondroitinase ABC (chABC, 5 U/mL), or collagenase II (col'ase, 0.5 U/mL). Each enzyme was applied in a concentration projected to produce moderate levels of degeneration. After 7 days of culture with daily dynamic physiological loading (0.02-0.2 MPa, 0.2 Hz, 2 h), the cellular, biochemical and histological properties of the IVDs were evaluated in comparison to a PBS-injected control. Papain and collagenase, but not chABC, produced macroscopic voids in the tissues. Compared to day 0 intact IVDs, papain induced the greatest magnitude glycosaminoglycan (GAG) loss compared to chABC and col'ase. Papain also induced the greatest height loss (3%), compared to 0.7%, 1.2% and 0.4% for chABC, col'ase, and PBS, respectively. Cell viability in the region adjacent to papain and PBS-injection remained at nearly 100% over the 7-day culture period, whereas it was reduced to 60%-70% by chABC and col'ase. Generally, enzyme treatment tended to downregulate gene expression for major ECM markers, type I collagen (COL1), type II collagen (COL2), and aggrecan (ACAN) in the tissue adjacent to injection. However, chABC treatment induced an increase in COL2 gene expression, which was significant compared to the papain treated group. In general, papain and col'ase treatment tended to recapitulate aspects of advanced IVD degeneration, whereas chABC treatment captured aspects of early-stage degeneration. Chemonucleolysis of whole bovine IVDs is a useful tool providing researchers with a robust spectrum of degenerative changes and can be utilized for examination of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jan Gewiess
- AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Jan Ulrich Jansen
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Joachim Wilke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sibylle Grad
- AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Murphy K, Lufkin T, Kraus P. Development and Degeneration of the Intervertebral Disc-Insights from Across Species. Vet Sci 2023; 10:540. [PMID: 37756062 PMCID: PMC10534844 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Back pain caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has a major socio-economic impact in humans, yet historically has received minimal attention in species other than humans, mice and dogs. However, a general growing interest in this unique organ prompted the expansion of IVD research in rats, rabbits, cats, horses, monkeys, and cows, further illuminating the complex nature of the organ in both healthy and degenerative states. Application of recent biotechnological advancements, including single cell RNA sequencing and complex data analysis methods has begun to explain the shifting inflammatory signaling, variation in cellular subpopulations, differential gene expression, mechanical loading, and metabolic stresses which contribute to age and stress related degeneration of the IVD. This increase in IVD research across species introduces a need for chronicling IVD advancements and tissue biomarkers both within and between species. Here we provide a comprehensive review of recent single cell RNA sequencing data alongside existing case reports and histo/morphological data to highlight the cellular complexity and metabolic challenges of this unique organ that is of structural importance for all vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Lufkin
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA;
| | - Petra Kraus
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA;
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4
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Li X, Liu Y, Li L, Huo R, Ghezelbash F, Ma Z, Bao G, Liu S, Yang Z, Weber MH, Li-Jessen NYK, Haglund L, Li J. Tissue-mimetic hybrid bioadhesives for intervertebral disc repair. Mater Horiz 2023; 10:1705-1718. [PMID: 36857679 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01242a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and herniation often necessitate surgical interventions including a discectomy with or without a nucleotomy, which results in a loss of the normal nucleus pulposus (NP) and a defect in the annulus fibrosus (AF). Due to the limited regenerative capacity of the IVD tissue, the annular tear may remain a persistent defect and result in recurrent herniation post-surgery. Bioadhesives are promising alternatives but show limited adhesion performance, low regenerative capacity, and inability to prevent re-herniation. Here, we report hybrid bioadhesives that combine an injectable glue and a tough sealant to simultaneously repair and regenerate IVD post-nucleotomy. The glue fills the NP cavity while the sealant seals the AF defect. Strong adhesion occurs with the IVD tissues and survives extreme disc loading. Furthermore, the glue can match native NP mechanically, and support the viability and matrix deposition of encapsulated cells, serving as a suitable cell delivery vehicle to promote NP regeneration. Besides, biomechanical tests with bovine IVD motion segments demonstrate the capacity of the hybrid bioadhesives to restore the biomechanics of bovine discs under cyclic loading and to prevent permanent herniation under extreme loading. This work highlights the synergy of bioadhesive and tissue-engineering approaches. Future works are expected to further improve the tissue specificity of bioadhesives and prove their efficacy for tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Li Li
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Room C10.148.2, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
| | - Farshid Ghezelbash
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Zhenwei Ma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
| | - Guangyu Bao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
| | - Michael H Weber
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Room C10.148.2, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - Nicole Y K Li-Jessen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1G1, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Lisbet Haglund
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Room C10.148.2, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - Jianyu Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Room C10.148.2, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada.
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5
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McKinley JP, Montes AR, Wang MN, Kamath AR, Jimenez G, Lim J, Marathe SA, Mofrad MRK, O’Connell GD. Design of a flexing organ-chip to model in situ loading of the intervertebral disc. Biomicrofluidics 2022; 16:054111. [PMID: 36330201 PMCID: PMC9625834 DOI: 10.1063/5.0103141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The leading cause of disability of all ages worldwide is severe lower back pain. To address this untreated epidemic, further investigation is needed into the leading cause of back pain, intervertebral disc degeneration. In particular, microphysiological systems modeling critical tissues in a degenerative disc, like the annulus fibrosus (AF), are needed to investigate the effects of complex multiaxial strains on AF cells. By replicating these mechanobiological effects unique to the AF that are not yet understood, we can advance therapies for early-stage degeneration at the cellular level. To this end, we designed, fabricated, and collected proof-of-concept data for a novel microphysiological device called the flexing annulus-on-a-chip (AoC). We used computational models and experimental measurements to characterize the device's ability to mimic complex physiologically relevant strains. As a result, these strains proved to be controllable, multi-directional, and uniformly distributed with magnitudes ranging from - 10 % to 12% in the axial, radial, and circumferential directions, which differ greatly from applied strains possible in uniaxial devices. Furthermore, after withstanding accelerated life testing (66 K cycles of 10% strain) and maintaining 2000 bovine AF cells without loading for more than three weeks the AoC proved capable of long-term cell culture. Additionally, after strain (3.5% strain for 75 cycles at 0.5 Hz) was applied to a monolayer of AF cells in the AoC, a population remained adhered to the channel with spread morphology. The AoC can also be tailored for other annular structures in the body such as cardiovascular vessels, lymphatic vessels, and the cervix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P. McKinley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Andre R. Montes
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Maple N. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Anuya R. Kamath
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Gissell Jimenez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Jianhua Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Siddharth A. Marathe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Mohammad R. K. Mofrad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Grace D. O’Connell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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6
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Panebianco CJ, Rao S, Hom WW, Meyers JH, Lim TY, Laudier DM, Hecht AC, Weir MD, Weiser JR, Iatridis JC. Genipin-crosslinked fibrin seeded with oxidized alginate microbeads as a novel composite biomaterial strategy for intervertebral disc cell therapy. Biomaterials 2022; 287:121641. [PMID: 35759923 PMCID: PMC9758274 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Discectomy procedures alleviate disability caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, but do not repair herniation-induced annulus fibrosus (AF) defects. Cell therapy shows promise for IVD repair, yet cell delivery biomaterials capable of sealing AF defects and restoring biomechanical function have poor biological performance. To balance the biomechanical and biological demands of IVD cell delivery biomaterials, we engineered an injectable composite biomaterial using cell-laden, degradable oxidized alginate (OxAlg) microbeads (MBs) to deliver AF cells within high-modulus genipin-crosslinked fibrin (FibGen) hydrogels (FibGen + MB composites). Conceptually, the high-modulus FibGen would immediately stabilize injured IVDs, while OxAlg MBs would protect and release cells required for long-term healing. We first showed that AF cells microencapsulated in OxAlg MBs maintained high viability and, upon release, displayed phenotypic AF cell morphology and gene expression. Next, we created cell-laden FibGen + MB composites and demonstrated that OxAlg MBs functionalized with RGD peptides (MB-RGD) minimized AF cell apoptosis and retained phenotypic gene expression. Further, we showed that cell-laden FibGen + MB composites are biomechanically stable and promote extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in long-term in vitro culture. Lastly, we evaluated cell-laden FibGen + MB-RGD composites in a long-term bovine caudal IVD organ culture bioreactor and found that composites had low herniation risk, provided superior biomechanical and biological repair to discectomy controls, and retained anabolic cells within the IVD injury space. This novel injectable composite hydrogel strategy shows promise as an IVD cell delivery sealant with potentially broad applications for its capacity to balance biomechanical and biological performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Panebianco
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjna Rao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York, NY, USA
| | - Warren W Hom
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James H Meyers
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany Y Lim
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Damien M Laudier
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew C Hecht
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael D Weir
- Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer R Weiser
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York, NY, USA
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Jiang W, Glaeser JD, Salehi K, Kaneda G, Mathkar P, Wagner A, Ho R, Sheyn D. Single-cell atlas unveils cellular heterogeneity and novel markers in human neonatal and adult intervertebral discs. iScience 2022; 25:104504. [PMID: 35754733 PMCID: PMC9213722 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin, composition, distribution, and function of cells in the human intervertebral disc (IVD) have not been fully understood. Here, cell atlases of both human neonatal and adult IVDs have been generated and further assessed by gene ontology pathway enrichment, pseudo-time trajectory, histology, and immunofluorescence. Comparison of cell atlases revealed the presence of two subpopulations of notochordal cells (NCs) and their associated markers in both the neonatal and adult IVDs. Developmental trajectories predicted 7 different cell states that describe the developmental process from neonatal to adult cells in IVD and analyzed the NC’s role in the IVD development. A high heterogeneity and gradual transition of annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) in the neonatal IVD was detected and their potential relevance in IVD development assessed. Collectively, comparing single-cell atlases between neonatal and adult IVDs delineates the landscape of IVD cell biology and may help discover novel therapeutic targets for IVD degeneration. Compared scRNA-seq between human neonatal and adult IVD Identified two notochordal cell populations in adults and their novel markers Notochordal cells preserved their identity and functions into adulthood Unveiled heterogeneity of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells in human IVD
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensen Jiang
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Juliane D. Glaeser
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Khosrowdad Salehi
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Giselle Kaneda
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Pranav Mathkar
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Anton Wagner
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ritchie Ho
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Center for Neural Sciences and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Dmitriy Sheyn
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Corresponding author
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8
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Kibble MJ, Domingos M, Hoyland JA, Richardson SM. Importance of Matrix Cues on Intervertebral Disc Development, Degeneration, and Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6915. [PMID: 35805921 PMCID: PMC9266338 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is frequently caused by degeneration of the intervertebral discs. The discs’ development, homeostasis, and degeneration are driven by a complex series of biochemical and physical extracellular matrix cues produced by and transmitted to native cells. Thus, understanding the roles of different cues is essential for designing effective cellular and regenerative therapies. Omics technologies have helped identify many new matrix cues; however, comparatively few matrix molecules have thus far been incorporated into tissue engineered models. These include collagen type I and type II, laminins, glycosaminoglycans, and their biomimetic analogues. Modern biofabrication techniques, such as 3D bioprinting, are also enabling the spatial patterning of matrix molecules and growth factors to direct regional effects. These techniques should now be applied to biochemically, physically, and structurally relevant disc models incorporating disc and stem cells to investigate the drivers of healthy cell phenotype and differentiation. Such research will inform the development of efficacious regenerative therapies and improved clinical outcomes.
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9
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Tavakoli J, Tipper JL. Detailed mechanical characterization of the transition zone: New insight into the integration between the annulus and nucleus of the intervertebral disc. Acta Biomater 2022; 143:87-99. [PMID: 35259517 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Nucleus Pulposus (NP) and Annulus Fibrous (AF) are two primary regions of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The interface between the AF and NP, where the gradual transition in structure and type of fibers are observed, is known as the Transition Zone (TZ). Recent structural studies have shown that the TZ contains organized fibers that appear to connect the NP to the AF. However, the mechanical characteristics of the TZ are yet to be explored. The current study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of the TZ at the anterolateral (AL) and posterolateral (PL) regions in both radial and circumferential directions of loading using ovine IVDs (N = 28). Young's and toe moduli, maximum stress, failure strain, strain at maximum stress, and toughness were calculated mechanical parameters. The findings from this study revealed that the mechanical properties of the TZ, including young's modulus (p = 0.001), failure strain (p < 0.001), strain at maximum stress (p = 0.002), toughness (p = 0.027), and toe modulus (p = 0.005), were significantly lower for the PL compared to the AL region. Maximum stress was not significantly different between the PL and AL regions (p = 0.164). We found that maximum stress (p = 0.002), failure strain (p < 0.001), and toughness (p = 0.001) were significantly different in different loading directions. No significant differences for modulus (young's; p = 0.169 and toe; p = 0.352) and strain at maximum stress (p = 0.727) were found between the radial and circumferential loading directions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: To date there has not been a study that has investigated the mechanical characterization of the annulus (AF)-nucleus (NP) interface (transition zone; TZ) in the intervertebral disc (IVD), nor is it known whether the posterolateral (PL) and anterolateral (AL) regions of the TZ exhibit different mechanical properties. Accordingly, the TZ mechanical properties have been rarely used in the development of computational IVD models and relevant tissue-engineered scaffolds. The current research reported the mechanical properties of the TZ region and revealed that its mechanical properties were significantly lower for the PL compared to the AL region. These new findings enhance our knowledge about the nature of AF-NP integration and may help to develop more realistic tissue-engineered or computational IVD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Tavakoli
- Centre for Health Technologies, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Joanne L Tipper
- Centre for Health Technologies, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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10
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Cherif H, Mannarino M, Pacis AS, Ragoussis J, Rabau O, Ouellet JA, Haglund L. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis of Cells from Degenerating and Non-Degenerating Intervertebral Discs from the Same Individual Reveals New Biomarkers for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3993. [PMID: 35409356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we used single-cell transcriptomic analysis to identify new specific biomarkers for nucleus pulposus (NP) and inner annulus fibrosis (iAF) cells, and to define cell populations within non-degenerating (nD) and degenerating (D) human intervertebral discs (IVD) of the same individual. Cluster analysis based on differential gene expression delineated 14 cell clusters. Gene expression profiles at single-cell resolution revealed the potential functional differences linked to degeneration, and among NP and iAF subpopulations. GO and KEGG analyses discovered molecular functions, biological processes, and transcription factors linked to cell type and degeneration state. We propose two lists of biomarkers, one as specific cell type, including C2orf40, MGP, MSMP, CD44, EIF1, LGALS1, RGCC, EPYC, HILPDA, ACAN, MT1F, CHI3L1, ID1, ID3 and TMED2. The second list proposes predictive IVD degeneration genes, including MT1G, SPP1, HMGA1, FN1, FBXO2, SPARC, VIM, CTGF, MGST1, TAF1D, CAPS, SPTSSB, S100A1, CHI3L2, PLA2G2A, TNRSF11B, FGFBP2, MGP, SLPI, DCN, MT-ND2, MTCYB, ADIRF, FRZB, CLEC3A, UPP1, S100A2, PRG4, COL2A1, SOD2 and MT2A. Protein and mRNA expression of MGST1, vimentin, SOD2 and SYF2 (p29) genes validated our scRNA-seq findings. Our data provide new insights into disc cells phenotypes and biomarkers of IVD degeneration that could improve diagnostic and therapeutic options.
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11
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Hickman TT, Rathan-Kumar S, Peck SH. Development, Pathogenesis, and Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc: Current and Future Insights Spanning Traditional to Omics Methods. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:841831. [PMID: 35359439 PMCID: PMC8963184 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.841831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the fibrocartilaginous joint located between each vertebral body that confers flexibility and weight bearing capabilities to the spine. The IVD plays an important role in absorbing shock and stress applied to the spine, which helps to protect not only the vertebral bones, but also the brain and the rest of the central nervous system. Degeneration of the IVD is correlated with back pain, which can be debilitating and severely affects quality of life. Indeed, back pain results in substantial socioeconomic losses and healthcare costs globally each year, with about 85% of the world population experiencing back pain at some point in their lifetimes. Currently, therapeutic strategies for treating IVD degeneration are limited, and as such, there is great interest in advancing treatments for back pain. Ideally, treatments for back pain would restore native structure and thereby function to the degenerated IVD. However, the complex developmental origin and tissue composition of the IVD along with the avascular nature of the mature disc makes regeneration of the IVD a uniquely challenging task. Investigators across the field of IVD research have been working to elucidate the mechanisms behind the formation of this multifaceted structure, which may identify new therapeutic targets and inform development of novel regenerative strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge base on IVD development, degeneration, and regenerative strategies taken from traditional genetic approaches and omics studies and discusses the future landscape of investigations in IVD research and advancement of clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara T. Hickman
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Sudiksha Rathan-Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Sun H. Peck
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Sun H. Peck,
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12
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Zhou LP, Zhang RJ, Jia CY, Kang L, Zhang ZG, Zhang HQ, Wang JQ, Zhang B, Shen CL. Ferroptosis: A potential target for the intervention of intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1042060. [PMID: 36339421 PMCID: PMC9630850 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1042060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death marked by phospholipid peroxidation, is regulated by complex cellular metabolic pathways including lipid metabolism, iron balance, redox homeostasis, and mitochondrial activity. Initial research regarding the mechanism of ferroptosis mainly focused on the solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signal pathway. Recently, novel mechanisms of ferroptosis, independent of GPX4, have been discovered. Numerous pathologies associated with extensive lipid peroxidation, such as drug-resistant cancers, ischemic organ injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases, are driven by ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a new therapeutic target for the intervention of IVDD. The role of ferroptosis in the modulation of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a significant topic of interest. This is a novel research topic, and research on the mechanisms of IVDD and ferroptosis is ongoing. Herein, we aim to review and discuss the literature to explore the mechanisms of ferroptosis, the relationship between IVDD and ferroptosis, and the regulatory networks in the cells of the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate to provide references for future basic research and clinical translation for IVDD treatment.
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13
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KRAUS P, SAMANTA A, LUFKIN S, LUFKIN T. Stem cells in intervertebral disc regeneration-more talk than action? BIOCELL 2021; 46:893-898. [PMID: 34966192 PMCID: PMC8713956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pain and lifestyle changes are common consequences of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and affect a large part of the aging population. The stemness of cells is exploited in the field of regenerative medicine as key to treat degenerative diseases. Transplanted cells however often face delivery and survival challenges, especially in tissues with a naturally harsh microniche environment such as the intervertebral disc. Recent interest in the secretome of stem cells, especially cargo protected from microniche-related decay as frequently present in degenerating tissues, provides new means of rejuvenating ailing cells and tissues. Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles with purposeful cargo gained particular interest in conveying stem cell related attributes of rejuvenation, which will be discussed here in the context of IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra KRAUS
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA, Address correspondence to: Petra Kraus,
| | - Ankita SAMANTA
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
| | - Sina LUFKIN
- The Clarkson School, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
| | - Thomas LUFKIN
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
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Borem R, Madeline A, Theos C, Vela R, Garon A, Gill S, Mercuri J. Angle-ply scaffold supports annulus fibrosus matrix expression and remodeling by mesenchymal stromal and annulus fibrosus cells. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2021; 110:1056-1068. [PMID: 34843173 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The angle-ply multilaminate structure of the annulus fibrosus is not reestablished following discectomy which leads to reherniation of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Biomimetic scaffolds developed to repair these defects should be evaluated for their ability to support tissue regeneration by endogenous and exogenous cells. Herein a collagen-based, angle-ply multilaminate patch designed to repair the outer annulus fibrosus was assessed for its ability to support mesenchymal stromal and annulus fibrosus cell viability, elongation, alignment, extracellular matrix gene expression, and scaffold remodeling. Results demonstrated that the cells remained viable, elongated, and aligned along the collagen fiber preferred direction of the scaffold, upregulated genes associated with annulus fibrosus matrix and produced collagen on the scaffold yielding biaxial mechanical properties that resembled native annulus fibrosus tissue. In conclusion, these scaffolds have demonstrated their potential to promote a living repair of defects in the annulus fibrosus and thus may be used to prevent recurrent IVD herniations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Borem
- The Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Allison Madeline
- The Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chris Theos
- The Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ricardo Vela
- The Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alex Garon
- The Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sanjitpal Gill
- The Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Group of the Carolinas-Pelham, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Greer, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jeremy Mercuri
- The Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,Frank H. Stelling and C. Dayton Riddle Orthopaedic Education and Research Laboratory, Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
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15
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Panebianco CJ, Dave A, Charytonowicz D, Sebra R, Iatridis JC. Single-cell RNA-sequencing atlas of bovine caudal intervertebral discs: Discovery of heterogeneous cell populations with distinct roles in homeostasis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21919. [PMID: 34591994 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101149r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Back and neck pain are significant healthcare burdens that are commonly associated with pathologies of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The poor understanding of the cellular heterogeneity within the IVD makes it difficult to develop regenerative IVD therapies. To address this gap, we developed an atlas of bovine (Bos taurus) caudal IVDs using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). Unsupervised clustering resolved 15 unique clusters, which we grouped into the following annotated partitions: nucleus pulposus (NP), outer annulus fibrosus (oAF), inner AF (iAF), notochord, muscle, endothelial, and immune cells. Analyzing the pooled gene expression profiles of the NP, oAF, and iAF partitions allowed us to identify novel markers for NP (CP, S100B, H2AC18, SNORC, CRELD2, PDIA4, DNAJC3, CHCHD7, and RCN2), oAF (IGFBP6, CTSK, LGALS1, and CCN3), and iAF (MGP, COMP, SPP1, GSN, SOD2, DCN, FN1, TIMP3, WDR73, and GAL) cells. Network analysis on subpopulations of NP and oAF cells determined that clusters NP1, NP2, NP4, and oAF1 displayed gene expression profiles consistent with cell survival, suggesting these clusters may uniquely support viability under the physiological stresses of the IVD. Clusters NP3, NP5, oAF2, and oAF3 expressed various extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated genes, suggesting their role in maintaining IVD structure. Lastly, transcriptional entropy and pseudotime analyses found that clusters NP3 and NP1 had the most stem-like gene expression signatures of the NP partition, implying these clusters may contain IVD progenitor cells. Overall, results highlight cell type diversity within the IVD, and these novel cell phenotypes may enhance our understanding of IVD development, homeostasis, degeneration, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Panebianco
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Arpit Dave
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Charytonowicz
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert Sebra
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomics Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Sema4, a Mount Sinai venture, Stamford, Connecticut, USA
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Calió M, Gantenbein B, Egli M, Poveda L, Ille F. The Cellular Composition of Bovine Coccygeal Intervertebral Discs: A Comprehensive Single-Cell RNAseq Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4917. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and its medical consequences is still one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. To support potential regenerative treatments for degenerated IVDs, we sought to deconvolute the cell composition of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the annulus fibrosus (AF) of bovine intervertebral discs. Bovine calf tails have been extensively used in intervertebral disc research as a readily available source of NP and AF material from healthy and young IVDs. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) coupled to bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to unravel the cell populations in these two structures and analyze developmental changes across the rostrocaudal axis. By integrating the scRNAseq data with the bulk RNAseq data to stabilize the clustering results of our study, we identified 27 NP structure/tissue specific genes and 24 AF structure/tissue specific genes. From our scRNAseq results, we could deconvolute the heterogeneous cell populations in both the NP and the AF. In the NP, we detected a notochordal-like cell cluster and a progenitor stem cell cluster. In the AF, we detected a stem cell-like cluster, a cluster with a predominantly fibroblast-like phenotype and a potential endothelial progenitor cluster. Taken together, our results illustrate the cell phenotypic complexity of the AF and NP in the young bovine IVDs.
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17
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Calió M, Gantenbein B, Egli M, Poveda L, Ille F. The Cellular Composition of Bovine Coccygeal Intervertebral Discs: A Comprehensive Single-Cell RNAseq Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094917. [PMID: 34066404 PMCID: PMC8124861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and its medical consequences is still one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. To support potential regenerative treatments for degenerated IVDs, we sought to deconvolute the cell composition of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the annulus fibrosus (AF) of bovine intervertebral discs. Bovine calf tails have been extensively used in intervertebral disc research as a readily available source of NP and AF material from healthy and young IVDs. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) coupled to bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to unravel the cell populations in these two structures and analyze developmental changes across the rostrocaudal axis. By integrating the scRNAseq data with the bulk RNAseq data to stabilize the clustering results of our study, we identified 27 NP structure/tissue specific genes and 24 AF structure/tissue specific genes. From our scRNAseq results, we could deconvolute the heterogeneous cell populations in both the NP and the AF. In the NP, we detected a notochordal-like cell cluster and a progenitor stem cell cluster. In the AF, we detected a stem cell-like cluster, a cluster with a predominantly fibroblast-like phenotype and a potential endothelial progenitor cluster. Taken together, our results illustrate the cell phenotypic complexity of the AF and NP in the young bovine IVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Calió
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology (TOM), Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (M.C.); (B.G.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Space Biology Group, Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Engineering and Architecture, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6052 Hergiswil, Switzerland;
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology (TOM), Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (M.C.); (B.G.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Egli
- Space Biology Group, Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Engineering and Architecture, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6052 Hergiswil, Switzerland;
| | - Lucy Poveda
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Fabian Ille
- Space Biology Group, Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Engineering and Architecture, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6052 Hergiswil, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-41-349-36-15
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18
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Wang J, Huang Y, Huang L, Shi K, Wang J, Zhu C, Li L, Zhang L, Feng G, Liu L, Song Y. Novel biomarkers of intervertebral disc cells and evidence of stem cells in the intervertebral disc. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2021; 29:389-401. [PMID: 33338640 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rat intervertebral disc (IVD) is one of the most commonly used and cost-effective alternative models for human IVD. Many IVD related clinical studies need to be pre-tested on rat IVDs. However, studies on the heterogeneous cell clusters of the rat IVD are inadequate, and a further understanding of the marker genes and cell phenotypes of healthy mature IVD cells is essential. METHODS In this study, we used the 10X Genomics technology to analyze the single-cell transcriptome of purified wild-type rat IVDs. RESULTS We identified potentially new gene markers of IVDs via single-cell sequencing. Based on the unsupervised cluster analysis of 13,578 single-cell transcripts, 3 known IVD cell types were identified. We provided a complete single-cell gene expression map of the IVD. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence images of rat disc sections confirmed the new marker genes of all cell types. One group of heterologous cell groups expressed multi-functional stem cell (MSC)-specific genes, indicating the stem cell potential of IVD cells. CONCLUSION We provided the phenotype and marker genes of IVD cells at the single-cell level, reconfirmed existing data, and proposed new marker genes, including MSC marker genes. By identifying more accurate target cells and genes, our results pave the way for further study of the response of individual disc cells to disease states and provide the basis for future disc regeneration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Y Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - L Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - K Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - J Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - C Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - L Li
- Department of Science and Technology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - L Zhang
- Analytical and Testing Center, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - G Feng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - L Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Y Song
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Peredo AP, Gullbrand SE, Mauck RL, Smith HE. A challenging playing field: Identifying the endogenous impediments to annulus fibrosus repair. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1133. [PMID: 33778407 PMCID: PMC7984000 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniations, caused by annulus fibrosus (AF) tears that enable disc tissue extrusion beyond the disc space, are very prevalent, especially among adults in the third to fifth decade of life. Symptomatic herniations, in which the extruded tissue compresses surrounding nerves, are characterized by back pain, numbness, and tingling and can cause extreme physical disability. Patients whose symptoms persist after nonoperative intervention may undergo surgical removal of the herniated tissue via microdiscectomy surgery. The AF, however, which has a poor endogenous healing ability, is left unrepaired increasing the risk for re-herniation and pre-disposing the IVD to degenerative disc disease. The lack of understanding of the mechanisms involved in native AF repair limits the design of repair systems that overcome the impediments to successful AF restoration. Moreover, the complexity of the AF structure and the challenging anatomy of the repair environment represents a significant challenge for the design of new repair devices. While progress has been made towards the development of an effective AF repair technique, these methods have yet to demonstrate long-term repair and recovery of IVD biomechanics. In this review, the limitations of endogenous AF healing are discussed and key cellular events and factors involved are highlighted to identify potential therapeutic targets that can be integrated into AF repair methods. Clinical repair strategies and their limitations are described to further guide the design of repair approaches that effectively restore native tissue structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Peredo
- Department of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Applied Science, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryPerelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterCorporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sarah E. Gullbrand
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryPerelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterCorporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Robert L. Mauck
- Department of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Applied Science, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryPerelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterCorporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Harvey E. Smith
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryPerelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterCorporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Yang JJ, Lin YY, Chao KH, Wang JL. Gelatin-Poly (γ-Glutamic Acid) Hydrogel as a Potential Adhesive for Repair of Intervertebral Disc Annulus Fibrosus: Evaluation of Cytocompatibility and Degradability. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2021; 46:E243-9. [PMID: 33475276 DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000003767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An in vitro experimental study testing a Gelatin-poly (γ-glutamic acid) hydrogel for disc repair. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cytocompatibility and degradability of the above mentioned hydrogel for intervertebral disc annular fibrosis (AF) repair. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA No repair strategies for correcting annular defects in lumbar discectomy have been clinically well recognized. Exogenous supplementation of regenerative materials to fill defects is a minimally invasive way to restore compromised mechanical properties. The injected materials, most commonly gelatin-based materials with cross-linking agents, serve as sealants and as a scaffold for incorporating biomaterials for augmentation. However, cytotoxicity of hydrogel crosslinking agents is of concern in developing viable materials. METHODS This in vitro experimental study evaluated a newly developed gelatin-based hydrogel for intervertebral disc AF repair. Mechanical strength was augmented by γ-PGA, and 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) was used for material crosslinking. Isolated bovine tail intervertebral discs (IVDs) were used to test the hydrogel, and hydrogel surface monolayer AF cell culture was used to investigate efficacy in hydrogel constructs of different EDC concentrations. Cell metabolic activity was evaluated with Alamar blue assay, cell viability assay with live/dead stain, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and double strain DNA were quantified to evaluate proliferation of implanted cells and synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. RESULTS EDC concentrations from 10 to 40 mM resulted in significant decreases in AF cell proliferation without obvious influence on cell viability. Higher EDC concentrations resulted in decreased percentage of Alamar blue reduction and GAG and DNA concentration, but did not affect GAG/DNA and live-dead ratios. Degradation tests revealed that higher EDC concentrations decreased the hydrogel degradation rate. CONCLUSION The developed gelatin-poly (γ-PGA) hydrogel with 20 mM EDC concentration provides an effective gap-filling biomaterial with good cytocompatibility, suggesting substantial promise for use as a sealant for small AF defects.Level of Evidence: N/A.
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21
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van den Akker GGH, Cremers A, Surtel DAM, Voncken W, Welting TJM. Isolation of Nucleus Pulposus and Annulus Fibrosus Cells from the Intervertebral Disc. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2221:41-52. [PMID: 32979197 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0989-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cells isolated from the intervertebral disc are often used for in vitro experimentation. Correctly separating the intervertebral disc tissue in annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus is particularly challenging when working with surplus material from surgery or specimens from donors with an advanced age. Moreover, lineage controls are only sparsely reported to verify tissue of origin. Here we describe an approach to intervertebral disc cell isolation from human and bovine origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guus G H van den Akker
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Andy Cremers
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Donatus A M Surtel
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Voncken
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim J M Welting
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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22
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Tam V, Chen P, Yee A, Solis N, Klein T, Kudelko M, Sharma R, Chan WC, Overall CM, Haglund L, Sham PC, Cheah KSE, Chan D. DIPPER, a spatiotemporal proteomics atlas of human intervertebral discs for exploring ageing and degeneration dynamics. eLife 2020; 9:64940. [PMID: 33382035 PMCID: PMC7857729 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal proteome of the intervertebral disc (IVD) underpins its integrity and function. We present DIPPER, a deep and comprehensive IVD proteomic resource comprising 94 genome-wide profiles from 17 individuals. To begin with, protein modules defining key directional trends spanning the lateral and anteroposterior axes were derived from high-resolution spatial proteomes of intact young cadaveric lumbar IVDs. They revealed novel region-specific profiles of regulatory activities and displayed potential paths of deconstruction in the level- and location-matched aged cadaveric discs. Machine learning methods predicted a ‘hydration matrisome’ that connects extracellular matrix with MRI intensity. Importantly, the static proteome used as point-references can be integrated with dynamic proteome (SILAC/degradome) and transcriptome data from multiple clinical samples, enhancing robustness and clinical relevance. The data, findings, and methodology, available on a web interface (http://www.sbms.hku.hk/dclab/DIPPER/), will be valuable references in the field of IVD biology and proteomic analytics. The backbone of vertebrate animals consists of a series of bones called vertebrae that are joined together by disc-like structures that allow the back to move and distribute forces to protect it during daily activities. It is common for these intervertebral discs to degenerate with age, resulting in back pain and severely reducing quality of life. The mechanical features of intervertebral discs are the result of their proteins. These include extracellular matrix proteins, which form the external scaffolding that binds cells together in a tissue, and signaling proteins, which allow cells to communicate. However, how the levels of different proteins in each region of the disc vary with time has not been fully examined. To establish how protein composition changes with age, Tam, Chen et al. quantified the protein levels and gene activity (which leads to protein production) of intervertebral discs from young and old deceased individuals. They found that the position of different mixtures of proteins in the intervertebral disc changes with age, and that young people have high levels of extracellular matrix proteins and signaling proteins. Levels of these proteins decreased as people got older, as did the amount of proteins produced. To determine which region of the intervertebral disc different proteins were in, Tam, Chen et al. also performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the samples to correlate image intensity (which represents water content) with the corresponding protein signature. The data obtained provides a high-quality map of how the location of different proteins changes with age, and is available online under the name DIPPER. This database is an informative resource for research into skeletal biology, and it will likely advance the understanding of intervertebral disc degeneration in humans and animals, potentially leading to the development of new treatment strategies for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences,, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen of Research Institute and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, China
| | - Peikai Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences,, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Anita Yee
- School of Biomedical Sciences,, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Nestor Solis
- Centre for Blood Research, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Theo Klein
- Centre for Blood Research, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mateusz Kudelko
- School of Biomedical Sciences,, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wilson Cw Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences,, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen of Research Institute and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Surgery and Traumatology, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Christopher M Overall
- Centre for Blood Research, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lisbet Haglund
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Pak C Sham
- Centre for PanorOmic Sciences (CPOS), The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences,, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen of Research Institute and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, China
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23
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Fernandes LM, Khan NM, Trochez CM, Duan M, Diaz-Hernandez ME, Presciutti SM, Gibson G, Drissi H. Single-cell RNA-seq identifies unique transcriptional landscapes of human nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15263. [PMID: 32943704 PMCID: PMC7499307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) disease (IDD) is a complex, multifactorial disease. While various aspects of IDD progression have been reported, the underlying molecular pathways and transcriptional networks that govern the maintenance of healthy nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) have not been fully elucidated. We defined the transcriptome map of healthy human IVD by performing single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) in primary AF and NP cells isolated from non-degenerated lumbar disc. Our systematic and comprehensive analyses revealed distinct genetic architecture of human NP and AF compartments and identified 2,196 differentially expressed genes. Gene enrichment analysis showed that SFRP1, BIRC5, CYTL1, ESM1 and CCNB2 genes were highly expressed in the AF cells; whereas, COL2A1, DSC3, COL9A3, COL11A1, and ANGPTL7 were mostly expressed in the NP cells. Further, functional annotation clustering analysis revealed the enrichment of receptor signaling pathways genes in AF cells, while NP cells showed high expression of genes related to the protein synthesis machinery. Subsequent interaction network analysis revealed a structured network of extracellular matrix genes in NP compartments. Our regulatory network analysis identified FOXM1 and KDM4E as signature transcription factor of AF and NP respectively, which might be involved in the regulation of core genes of AF and NP transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo M Fernandes
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30033, USA.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Nazir M Khan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30033, USA.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Camila M Trochez
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Meixue Duan
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martha E Diaz-Hernandez
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30033, USA.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Steven M Presciutti
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30033, USA.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Greg Gibson
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hicham Drissi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30033, USA. .,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA.
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Li K, Varden L, Henderson A, Lufkin T, Kraus P. Simultaneous detection of multiple mRNAs and proteins in bovine IVD cells and tissue with single cell resolution. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 43:13-24. [PMID: 32902710 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02997-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interactions of cells with their neighbors and influences by the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) is reflected in a cells transcriptome and proteome. In tissues comprised of heterogeneous cell populations or cells depending on ECM signalling cues such as those of the intervertebral disc (IVD), this information is obscured or lost when cells are pooled for the commonly used transcript analysis by quantitative PCR or RNA sequencing. Instead, these cells require means to analyse RNA transcript and protein distribution at a single cell or subcellular level to identify different cell types and functions, without removing them from their surrounding signalling cues. RESULTS We developed a simple, sequential protocol combining RNA is situ hybridisation (RISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the simultaneous analysis of multiple transcripts alongside proteins. This allows one to characterize heterogeneous cell populations at the single cell level in the natural cell environment and signalling context, both in vivo and in vitro. This protocol is demonstrated on cells of the bovine IVD, for transcripts and proteins involved in mechanotransduction, stemness and cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS A simple, sequential protocol combining RISH and IHC is presented that allows for simultaneous information on RNA transcripts and proteins to characterize cells within a heterogeneous cell population and complex signalling environments such as those of the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangning Li
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Lara Varden
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | | | - Thomas Lufkin
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Petra Kraus
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA.
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25
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Veras MA, Lim YJ, Kuljanin M, Lajoie GA, Urquhart BL, Séguin CA. Protocol for parallel proteomic and metabolomic analysis of mouse intervertebral disc tissues. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1099. [PMID: 33015574 PMCID: PMC7524214 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The comprehensiveness of data collected by "omics" modalities has demonstrated the ability to drastically transform our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of chronic, complex diseases such as musculoskeletal pathologies, how biomarkers are identified, and how therapeutic targets are developed. Standardization of protocols will enable comparisons between findings reported by multiple research groups and move the application of these technologies forward. Herein, we describe a protocol for parallel proteomic and metabolomic analysis of mouse intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues, building from the combined expertise of our collaborative team. This protocol covers dissection of murine IVD tissues, sample isolation, and data analysis for both proteomics and metabolomics applications. The protocol presented below was optimized to maximize the utility of a mouse model for "omics" applications, accounting for the challenges associated with the small starting quantity of sample due to small tissue size as well as the extracellular matrix-rich nature of the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Veras
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
- Bone and Joint Institute The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - Yong J Lim
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - Miljan Kuljanin
- Department of Cell Biology Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Gilles A Lajoie
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - Bradley L Urquhart
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - Cheryle A Séguin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
- Bone and Joint Institute The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
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26
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Panebianco C, DiStefano T, Mui B, Hom W, Iatridis J. Crosslinker concentration controls TGFβ-3 release and annulus fibrosus cell apoptosis in genipin-crosslinked fibrin hydrogels. Eur Cell Mater 2020; 39:211-226. [PMID: 32396210 PMCID: PMC7372750 DOI: 10.22203/ecm.v039a14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Back pain is a leading cause of global disability associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) pathologies. Discectomy alleviates disabling pain caused by IVD herniation without repairing annulus fibrosus (AF) defects, which can cause accelerated degeneration and recurrent pain. Biological therapies show promise for IVD repair but developing high-modulus biomaterials capable of providing biomechanical stabilisation and delivering biologics remains an unmet challenge. The present study identified critical factors and developed an optimal formulation to enhance the delivery of AF cells and transforming growth beta-3 (TGFβ-3) in genipin-crosslinked fibrin (FibGen) hydrogels. Part 1 showed that AF cells encapsulated in TGFβ-3-supplemented high-modulus FibGen synthesised little extracellular matrix (ECM) but could release TGFβ-3 at physiologically relevant levels. Part 2 showed that AF cells underwent apoptosis when encapsulated in FibGen, even after reducing fibrin concentration from 70 to 5 mg/mL. Mechanistic experiments, modifying genipin concentration and integrin binding site presence demonstrated that genipin crosslinking caused AF cell apoptosis by inhibiting cell-biomaterial binding. Adding integrin binding sites with fibronectin partially rescued apoptosis, indicating genipin also caused acute cytotoxicity. Part 3 showed that FibGen formulations with 1 mg/mL genipin had enhanced ECM synthesis when supplemented with fibronectin and TGFβ-3. In conclusion, FibGen could be used for delivering biologically active compounds and AF cells, provided that formulations supplied additional sites for cell-biomaterial binding and genipin concentrations were low. Results also highlighted a need for developing strategies that protect cells against acute crosslinker cytotoxicity to overcome challenges of engineering high-modulus cell carriers for musculoskeletal tissues that experience high mechanical demands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - J.C. Iatridis
- Address for correspondence: James C. Iatridis, PhD, 1468 Madison Avenue-Annenberg Building, floor 20, Room A20-086, New York, 10029 NY, USA., Telephone number: +1 2122411517
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27
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Chu G, Zhang W, Zhou P, Yuan Z, Zhu C, Wang H, Li J, Zhou F, Yang Q, Yang H, Li B. Substrate Topography Regulates Differentiation of Annulus Fibrosus-Derived Stem Cells via CAV1-YAP-Mediated Mechanotransduction. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:862-871. [PMID: 33715372 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Regeneration of annulus fibrosus (AF) through tissue engineering techniques shows promise as a treatment for patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD). Yet, it remains challenging because of the intrinsic heterogeneity of AF tissue and shortage of in-depth knowledge of its structure-function correlation. In the current study, we fabricated fibrous poly(ether carbonate urethane)urea (PECUU) scaffolds with various fiber sizes to mimic the microstructural feature of native AF and aimed to regulate the differentiation of AF-derived stem cells (AFSCs) by controlling the topographical cues of the scaffold. We found that the morphology of AFSCs varied significantly on scaffolds with various fiber sizes. Meanwhile, the expression of the phenotypic marker genes of outer AF was up-regulated on scaffolds with large fibers. Meanwhile, enhanced expression of the phenotypic marker genes of inner AF was seen on scaffolds with small fibers. Such topography-dependent gene expression in AFSCs approximated the biochemical profile of AF tissue in various zones. Moreover, cell spreading and nucleus translocation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) were facilitated with increased fiber size. Formation and maturation of focal adhesions of AFSCs were also promoted. We also found that Caveolin-1 (CAV1) positively modulated the mechano-responses of YAP in response to substrate topography. In conclusion, depending on the activation of the CAV1-YAP mechanotransduction axis, tuning the fiber size of scaffolds can effectively induce changes in cell shape, adhesions, and extracellular matrix expression. This work may therefore provide new insights in the design of novel materials toward AF tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genglei Chu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Pinghui Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Zhangqin Yuan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Caihong Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Jiaying Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300211, China.,China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China.,China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
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Zhou P, Chu G, Yuan Z, Wang H, Zhang W, Mao Y, Zhu X, Chen W, Yang H, Li B. Regulation of differentiation of annulus fibrosus-derived stem cells using heterogeneous electrospun fibrous scaffolds. J Orthop Translat 2020; 26:171-180. [PMID: 33437636 PMCID: PMC7773966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tissue engineering of the annulus fibrosus (AF) shows promise as a treatment for patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD). However, it remains challenging due to the intrinsic heterogeneity of AF tissue. Fabrication of scaffolds recapitulating the specific cellular, componential, and microstructural features of AF, therefore, is critical to successful AF tissue regeneration. Methods Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fibrous scaffolds with various fiber diameters and orientation were prepared to mimic the microstructural characteristics of AF tissue using electrospinning technique. AF-derived stem cells (AFSCs) were cultured on the PLLA fibrous scaffolds for 7 days. Results The morphology of AFSCs significantly varied when cultured on the scaffolds with various fiber diameters and orientation. AFSCs were nearly round on scaffolds with small fibers. However, they became spindle-shaped on scaffolds with large fibers. Meanwhile, upregulated expression of collagen-I gene happened in cells cultured on scaffolds with large fibers, while enhanced expression of collagen-II and aggrecan genes was seen on scaffolds with small fibers. The production of related proteins also showed similar trends. Further, culturing AFSCs on a heterogeneous scaffold by overlaying membranes with different fiber sizes led to the formation of a hierarchical structure approximating native AF tissue. Conclusion Findings from this study demonstrate that fibrous scaffolds with different fiber sizes effectively promoted the differentiation of AFSCs into specific cells similar to the types of cells at various AF zones. It also provides a valuable reference for regulation of cell differentiation and fabrication of engineered tissues with complex hierarchical structures using the physical cues of scaffolds. The translational potential of this article Effective AF repair is an essential need for treating degenerative disc disease. Tissue engineering is a promising approach to achieving tissue regeneration and restoring normal functions of tissues. By mimicking the key structural features of native AF tissue, including fiber size and alignment, this study deciphered the effect of scaffold materials on the cell differentiation and extracellular matrix deposition, which provides a solid basis for designing new strategies toward more effective AF repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinghui Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Genglei Chu
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhangqin Yuan
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingji Mao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xuesong Zhu
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiguo Chen
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Li
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Abstract
Purpose/Aim: The intervertebral disc (IVD) is composed of cell types whose subtle phenotypic differences allow for the formation of distinct tissues. The role of the nucleus pulposus (NP) in the initiation and progression of IVD degeneration is well established; however, the genes and pathways associated with NP degeneration are poorly characterized.Materials and Methods: Using a genetic strategy for IVD lineage-specific fluorescent reporter expression to isolate cells, gene expression and bioinformatic analysis was conducted on the murine NP at 2.5, 6, and 21 months-of-age and the annulus fibrosus (AF) at 2.5 and 6 months-of-age. A subset of differentially regulated genes was validated by qRT-PCR.Results: Transcriptome analysis identified distinct profiles of NP and AF gene expression that were remarkably consistent at 2.5 and 6 months-of-age. Prg4, Cilp, Ibsp and Comp were increased >50-fold in the AF relative to NP. The most highly enriched NP genes included Dsc3 and Cdh6, members of the cadherin superfamily, and microRNAs mir218-1 and mir490. Changes in the NP between 2.5 and 6 months-of-age were associated with up-regulation of molecular functions linked to laminin and Bmp receptor binding (including up-regulation of Bmp5 & 7), with the most up-regulated genes being Mir703, Shh, and Sfrp5. NP degeneration was associated with molecular functions linked to alpha-actinin binding (including up-regulation of Ttn & Myot) and cytoskeletal protein binding, with the overall most up-regulated genes being Rnu3a, Snora2b and Mir669h.Conclusions: This study provided insight into the phenotypes of NP and AF cells, and identified candidate pathways that may regulate degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Veras
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Matthew R McCann
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Neil A Tenn
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Cheryle A Séguin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Borem R, Madeline A, Bowman M, Gill S, Tokish J, Mercuri J. Differential Effector Response of Amnion- and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Inflammation; Implications for Intradiscal Therapy. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:2445-2456. [PMID: 31287173 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a progressive condition marked by tissue destruction and inflammation. The therapeutic effector functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) makes them an attractive therapy for patients with IVDD. While several sources of MSCs exist, the optimal choice for use in the inflamed IVD remains a significant question. Adipose (AD)- and amnion (AM)-derived MSCs have several advantages compared with other sources, however, no study has directly compared the impact of IVDD inflammation on their effector functions. Human MSCs were cultured in media with or without supplementation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α at concentrations reportedly produced by IVDD cells. MSC proliferation and production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were quantified following 24 and 48 h of culture. Additionally, the osteogenic and chondrogenic potential of AD- and AM-MSCs was characterized via histology and biochemical analysis following 28 days of culture. In inflammatory culture, AM-MSCs produced significantly more anti-inflammatory IL-10 (14.47 ± 2.39 pg/ml; p = 0.004) and larger chondrogenic pellets (5.67 ± 0.26 mm2 ; p = 0.04) with greater percent area staining positively for glycosaminoglycan (82.03 ± 3.26%; p < 0.001) compared with AD-MSCs (0.00 ± 0.00 pg/ml; 2.76 ± 0.18 mm2 ; 34.75 ± 2.49%; respectively). Conversely, AD-MSCs proliferated more resulting in higher cell numbers (221,000 ± 8,021 cells; p = 0.048) and produced higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines prostaglandin E2 (1,118.30 ± 115.56 pg/ml; p = 0.030) and IL-1β (185.40 ± 7.63 pg/ml; p = 0.010) compared with AM-MSCs (109,667 ± 5,696 cells; 1,291.40 ± 78.47 pg/ml; 144.10 ± 4.57 pg/ml; respectively). AD-MSCs produced more mineralized extracellular matrix (3.34 ± 0.05 relative absorbance units [RAU]; p < 0.001) compared with AM-MSCs (1.08 ± 0.06 RAU). Under identical inflammatory conditions, a different effector response was observed with AM-MSCs producing more anti-inflammatories and demonstrating enhanced chondrogenesis compared with AD-MSCs, which produced more pro-inflammatory cytokines and demonstrated enhanced osteogenesis. These findings may begin to help inform researchers which MSC source may be optimal for IVD regeneration. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2445-2456, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Borem
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
| | - Allison Madeline
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
| | - Mackenzie Bowman
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
| | - Sanjitpal Gill
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Group of the Carolinas-Pelham, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Greer, South Carolina, 29651
| | - John Tokish
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, 85054
| | - Jeremy Mercuri
- Department of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Orthopaedic Tissue Regeneration & Orthobiologics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
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Bezci SE, Werbner B, Zhou M, Malollari KG, Dorlhiac G, Carraro C, Streets A, O'Connell GD. Radial variation in biochemical composition of the bovine caudal intervertebral disc. JOR Spine 2019; 2:e1065. [PMID: 31572982 PMCID: PMC6764789 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine caudal discs have been widely used in spine research due to their increased availability, large size, and mechanical and biochemical properties that are comparable to healthy human discs. However, despite their extensive use, the radial variations in bovine disc composition have not yet been rigorously quantified with high spatial resolution. Previous studies were limited to qualitative analyses or provided limited spatial resolution in biochemical properties. Thus, the main objective of this study was to provide quantitative measurements of biochemical composition with higher spatial resolution than previous studies that employed traditional biochemical techniques. Specifically, traditional biochemical analyses were used to measure water, sulfated glycosaminoglycan, collagen, and DNA contents. Gravimetric water content was compared to data obtained through Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, spatial distribution of lipids in the disc's collagen network was visualized and quantified, for the first time, using multi-modal second harmonic generation (SHG) and Coherent anti-Stokes Raman (CARS) microscopy. Some heterogeneity was observed in the nucleus pulposus, where the water content and water-to-protein ratio of the inner nucleus were greater than the outer nucleus. In contrast, the bovine annulus fibrosus exhibited a more heterogeneous distribution of biochemical properties. Comparable results between orthohydroxyproline assay and SHG imaging highlight the potential benefit of using SHG microscopy as a less destructive method for measuring collagen content, particularly when relative changes are of interest. CARS images showed that lipid deposits were distributed equally throughout the disc and appeared either as individual droplets or as clusters of small droplets. In conclusion, this study provided a more comprehensive assessment of spatial variations in biochemical composition of the bovine caudal disc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semih E. Bezci
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
| | - Benjamin Werbner
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
| | - Minhao Zhou
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
| | | | - Gabriel Dorlhiac
- Berkeley Biophysics ProgramUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
| | - Carlo Carraro
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
| | - Aaron Streets
- Berkeley Biophysics ProgramUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
- Chan‐Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Grace D. O'Connell
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
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Chu G, Yuan Z, Zhu C, Zhou P, Wang H, Zhang W, Cai Y, Zhu X, Yang H, Li B. Substrate stiffness- and topography-dependent differentiation of annulus fibrosus-derived stem cells is regulated by Yes-associated protein. Acta Biomater 2019; 92:254-264. [PMID: 31078765 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue engineering has attracted increasing attention as a promising therapy for degenerative disc disease (DDD). However, regeneration of AF still faces many challenges due to the tremendous complexity of this tissue and lack of in-depth understanding of the structure-function relationship at cellular level within AF is highly required. In light of the fact that AF is composed of various types of cells and has gradient mechanical, topographical and biochemical features along the radial direction. In this study, we aimed to achieve directed differentiation of AF-derived stem cells (AFSCs) by mimicking the mechanical and topographical features of native AF tissue. AFSCs were cultured on four types of electrospun poly(ether carbonate urethane)urea (PECUU) scaffolds with various stiffness and fiber size (soft, small size; stiff, small size; soft, large size and stiff, large size). The results show that with constant fiber size, the expression level of the outer AF (oAF) phenotypic marker genes in AFSCs increased with the scaffold stiffness, while that of inner AF (iAF) phenotypic marker genes showed an opposite trend. When scaffold stiffness was fixed, the expression of oAF phenotypic marker genes in AFSCs increased with fiber size. While the expression of iAF phenotypic marker genes decreased. Such substrate stiffness- and topography-dependent changes of AFSCs was in accordance with the genetic and biochemical distribution of AF tissue from the inner to outer regions. Further, we found that the Yes-associated protein (YAP) was translocated to the nucleus in AFSCs cultured with increasing stiffness and fiber size of scaffolds, yet it remained mostly phosphorylated and cytosolic in cells on soft scaffolds with small fiber size. Inhibition of YAP down-regulated the expression of tendon/ligament-related genes, whereas expression of the cartilage-related genes was upregulated. The results illustrate that matrix stiffness is a potent regulator of AFSC differentiation. Moreover, we reveal that fiber size of scaffolds induced changes in cell adhesions and determined cell shape, spreading area, and extracellular matrix expression. In all, both mechanical property and topography features of scaffolds regulate AFSC differentiation, possibly through a YAP-dependent mechanotransduction mechanism. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Physical cues such as mechanical properties, topographical and geometrical features were shown to profoundly impact the growth and differentiation of cultured stem cells. Previously, we have found that the differentiation of annulus fibrosus-derived stem cells (AFSCs) could be regulated by the stiffness of scaffold. In this study, we fabricated four types of poly(ether carbonate urethane)urea (PECUU) scaffolds with controlled stiffness and fiber size to explore the potential of induced differentiation of AFSCs. We found that AFSCs are able to present different gene expression patterns simply as a result of the stiffness and fiber size of scaffold material. This work has, for the first time, demonstrated that larger-sized and higher-stiffness substrates increase the amount of vinculin assembly and activate YAP signaling in pre-differentiated AFSCs. The present study affords an in-depth comprehension of materiobiology, and be helpful for explain the mechanism of YAP mechanosensing in AF in response to biophysical effects of materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genglei Chu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhangqin Yuan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Caihong Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pinghui Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Cai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuesong Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Li K, Kapper D, Mondal S, Lufkin T, Kraus P. Quantitative Single-Cell Transcript Assessment of Biomarkers Supports Cellular Heterogeneity in the Bovine IVD. Vet Sci 2019; 6:E42. [PMID: 31083612 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe and chronic low back pain is often associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. While imposing a considerable socio-economic burden worldwide, IVD degeneration is also severely impacting on the quality of life of affected individuals. Cell-based regenerative medicine approaches have moved into clinical trials, yet IVD cell identities in the mature disc remain to be fully elucidated and tissue heterogeneity exists, requiring a better characterization of IVD cells. The bovine coccygeal IVD is an accepted research model to study IVD mechano-biology and disc homeostasis. Recently, we identified novel IVD biomarkers in the outer annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) of the mature bovine coccygeal IVD through RNA in situ hybridization (AP-RISH) and z-proportion test. Here we follow up on Lam1, Thy1, Gli1, Gli3, Noto, Ptprc, Scx, Sox2 and Zscan10 with fluorescent RNA in situ hybridization (FL-RISH) and confocal microscopy. This permits sub-cellular transcript localization and the addition of quantitative single-cell derived values of mRNA expression levels to our previous analysis. Lastly, we used a Gaussian mixture modeling approach for the exploratory analysis of IVD cells. This work complements our earlier cell population proportion-based study, confirms the previously proposed biomarkers and indicates even further heterogeneity of cells in the outer AF and NP of a mature IVD.
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Abstract
Development of the axial skeleton is a complex, stepwise process that relies on intricate signaling and coordinated cellular differentiation. Disruptions to this process can result in a myriad of skeletal malformations that range in severity. The notochord and the sclerotome are embryonic tissues that give rise to the major components of the intervertebral discs and the vertebral bodies of the spinal column. Through a number of mouse models and characterization of congenital abnormalities in human patients, various growth factors, transcription factors, and other signaling proteins have been demonstrated to have critical roles in the development of the axial skeleton. Balance between opposing growth factors as well as other environmental cues allows for cell fate specification and divergence of tissue types during development. Furthermore, characterization of progenitor cells for specific cell lineages has furthered the understanding of specific spatiotemporal cues that cells need in order to initiate and complete development of distinct tissues. Identifying specific marker genes that can distinguish between the various embryonic and mature cell types is also of importance. Clinically, understanding developmental clues can aid in the generation of therapeutics for musculoskeletal disease through the process of developmental engineering. Studies into potential stem cell therapies are based on knowledge of the normal processes that occur in the embryo, which can then be applied to stepwise tissue engineering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosa Serra
- Department of Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
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Li K, Kapper D, Youngs B, Kocsis V, Mondal S, Kraus P, Lufkin T. Potential biomarkers of the mature intervertebral disc identified at the single cell level. J Anat 2018; 234:16-32. [PMID: 30450595 PMCID: PMC6284444 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and trauma is a major socio-economic burden and the focus of cell-based regenerative medicine approaches. Despite numerous ongoing clinical trials attempting to replace ailing IVD cells with mesenchymal stem cells, a solid understanding of the identity and nature of cells in a healthy mature IVD is still in need of refinement. Although anatomically simple, the IVD is comprised of heterogeneous cell populations. Therefore, methods involving cell pooling for RNA profiling could be misleading. Here, by using RNA in situ hybridization and z proportion test, we have identified potential novel biomarkers through single cell assessment. We quantified the proportion of RNA transcribing cells for 50 genetic loci in the outer annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) in coccygeal bovine discs isolated from tails of four skeletally mature animals. Our data reconfirm existing data and suggest 10 novel markers such as Lam1 and Thy1 in the outer AF and Gli1, Gli3, Noto, Scx, Ptprc, Sox2, Zscan10 and LOC101904175 in the NP, including pluripotency markers, that indicate stemness potential of IVD cells. These markers could be added to existing biomarker panels for cell type characterization. Furthermore, our data once more demonstrate heterogeneity in cells of the AF and NP, indicating the need for single cell assessment by methods such as RNA in situ hybridization. Our work refines the molecular identity of outer AF and NP cells, which can benefit future regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangning Li
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Devin Kapper
- Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Brittany Youngs
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Kocsis
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Sumona Mondal
- Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Petra Kraus
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Lufkin
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intervertebral discs (IVD) are derived from embryonic notochord and sclerotome. The nucleus pulposus is derived from notochord while other connective tissues of the spine are derived from sclerotome. This manuscript will review the past 5 years of research into IVD development. RECENT FINDINGS Over the past several years, advances in understanding the step-wise process that govern development of the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus have been made. Generation of tissues from induced or embryonic stem cells into nucleus pulposus and paraxial mesoderm derived tissues has been accomplished in vitro using pathways identified in normal development. A balance between BMP and TGF-β signaling as well as transcription factors including Pax1/Pax9, Mkx and Nkx3.2 appear to be very important for cell fate decisions generating tissues of the IVD. SUMMARY Understanding how the IVD develops will provide the foundation for future repair, regeneration, and tissue engineering strategies for IVD disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ga I Ban
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Schubert AK, Smink JJ, Pumberger M, Putzier M, Sittinger M, Ringe J. Standardisation of basal medium for reproducible culture of human annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells. J Orthop Surg Res 2018; 13:209. [PMID: 30134986 PMCID: PMC6106880 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-018-0914-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The lifetime prevalence of degenerative disc disease is dramatically high. Numerous investigations on disc degeneration have been performed on cells from annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc (IVD) in cell culture experiments utilising a broad variety of basal culture media. Although the basal media differ in nutrient formulation, it is not known whether the choice of the basal media itself has an impact on the cell’s behaviour in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the most common media used for monolayer expansion of AF and NP cells to set standards for disc cell culture. Methods Human AF and NP cells were isolated from cervical discs. Cells were expanded in monolayer until passage P2 using six different common culture media containing alpha-Minimal Essential Medium (alpha-MEM), Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) or Ham’s F-12 medium (Ham’s F-12) as single medium or in a mixture of two media (alpha/F-12, DMEM/alpha, DMEM/F-12). Cell morphology, cell growth, glycosaminoglycan production and quantitative gene expression of cartilage- and IVD-related markers aggrecan, collagen type II, forkhead box F1 and keratin 18 were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed with two-way ANOVA testing and Bonferroni compensation. Results AF and NP cells were expandable in all tested media. Both cell types showed similar cell morphology and characteristics of dedifferentiation known for cultured disc cells independently from the media. However, proceeding culture in Ham’s F-12 impeded cell growth of both AF and NP cells. Furthermore, the keratin 18 gene expression profile of NP cells was changed in alpha-MEM and Ham’s F-12. Conclusion The impact of the different media itself on disc cell’s behaviour in vitro was low. However, AF and NP cells were only robust, when DMEM was used as single medium or in a mixture (DMEM/alpha, DMEM/F-12). Therefore, we recommend using these media as standard medium for disc cell culture. Our findings are valuable for the harmonisation of preclinical study results and thereby push the development of cell therapies for clinical treatment of disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Schubert
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, Südstraße 2, 13353, Berlin, Germany. .,CO.DON AG, Teltow, Germany.
| | | | - Matthias Pumberger
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Putzier
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Sittinger
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, Südstraße 2, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jochen Ringe
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, Südstraße 2, 13353, Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
Mechanical loading of the intervertebral disc (IVD) initiates cell-mediated remodeling events that contribute to disc degeneration. Cells of the IVD, nucleus pulposus (NP) and anulus fibrosus (AF), will exhibit various responses to different mechanical stimuli which appear to be highly dependent on loading type, magnitude, duration, and anatomic zone of cell origin. Cells of the NP, the innermost region of the disc, exhibit an anabolic response to low-moderate magnitudes of static compression, osmotic pressure, or hydrostatic pressure, while higher magnitudes promote a catabolic response marked by increased protease expression and activity. Cells of the outer AF are responsive to physical forces in a manner that depends on frequency and magnitude, as are cells of the NP, though they experience different forces, deformations, pressure, and osmotic pressure in vivo. Much remains to be understood of the mechanotransduction pathways that regulate IVD cell responses to loading, including responses to specific stimuli and also differences among cell types. There is evidence that cytoskeletal remodeling and receptor-mediated signaling are important mechanotransduction events that can regulate downstream effects like gene expression and posttranslational biosynthesis, all of which may influence phenotype and bioactivity. These and other mechanotransduction events will be regulated by known and to-be-discovered cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, and depend on composition of extracellular matrix ligands for cell interaction, matrix stiffness, and the phenotype of the cells themselves. Here, we present a review of the current knowledge of the role of mechanical stimuli and the impact upon the cellular response to loading and changes that occur with aging and degeneration of the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey V Fearing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Paula A Hernandez
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lori A Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nadeen O Chahine
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Schubert AK, Smink JJ, Arp M, Ringe J, Hegewald AA, Sittinger M. Quality Assessment of Surgical Disc Samples Discriminates Human Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus on Tissue and Molecular Level. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061761. [PMID: 29899321 PMCID: PMC6032144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A discrimination of the highly specialised annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in the mature human intervertebral disc (IVD) is thus far still not possible in a reliable way. The aim of this study was to identify molecular markers that distinguish AF and NP cells in human disc tissue using microarray analysis as a screening tool. AF and NP samples were obtained from 28 cervical discs. First, all samples underwent quality sorting using two novel scoring systems for small-sized disc tissue samples including macroscopic, haptic and histological evaluation. Subsequently, samples with clear disc characteristics of either AF or NP that were free from impurities of foreign tissue (IVD score) and with low signs of disc degeneration on cellular level (DD score) were selected for GeneChip analysis (HGU1332P). The 11 AF and 9 NP samples showed distinctly different genome-wide transcriptomes. The majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) could be specifically assigned to the AF, whereas no DEG was exclusively expressed in the NP. Nevertheless, we identified 11 novel marker genes that clearly distinguished AF and NP, as confirmed by quantitative gene expression analysis. The novel established scoring systems and molecular markers showed the identity of AF and NP in disc starting material and are thus of great importance in the quality assurance of cell-based therapeutics in regenerative treatment of disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Schubert
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
- CO.DON AG, 14513 Teltow, Germany.
| | | | - Mirko Arp
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Jochen Ringe
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Aldemar A Hegewald
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
- Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, Helios Baltic Sea Hospital Damp, 24351 Damp, Germany.
| | - Michael Sittinger
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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Sloan SR, Lintz M, Hussain I, Hartl R, Bonassar LJ. Biologic Annulus Fibrosus Repair: A Review of Preclinical In Vivo Investigations. Tissue Eng Part B Rev 2018; 24:179-190. [PMID: 29105592 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2017.0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lower back pain, the leading cause of workplace absences and disability, is often attributed to intervertebral disc degeneration, in which nucleus pulposus (NP) herniates through lesions in the annulus fibrosus (AF) and impinges on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. Surgeons remove extruded NP via discectomy when indicated by local/radicular pain supported by radiographic evidence; however, current interventions do not alter the underlying disease or seal the AF. The reported rates of recurrent herniation or pain following discectomy cases range from 5% to 25%, which has pushed spine research in recent years toward annular repair and closure strategies. Synthetic implants designed to mechanically seal the AF have been subject to large animal and clinical trials, with limited success in preventing recurrent herniation. Like gold standard interventions, purely mechanical devices fail to promote tissue integration, long-term healing, or restore native biomechanical function to the spine. Biological repair strategies utilizing principles of tissue engineering have demonstrated success in overcoming the inadequacies of current interventions and mechanical implants, yet, none has reached clinical or proof-of-concept trials in humans. In this review, we will discuss annular repair strategies promoting biological healing that have been implemented in small and large animal models in vivo, and ways to enhance the efficacy of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Sloan
- 1 Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | - Marianne Lintz
- 1 Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | - Ibrahim Hussain
- 2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center , New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Roger Hartl
- 2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center , New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Lawrence J Bonassar
- 1 Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York.,3 Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
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Ehlicke F, Köster N, Salzig D, Czermak P. Non-invasive Raman Spectroscopy and Quantitative Real-Time PCR Distinguish Among Undifferentiated Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Redifferentiated Nucleus Pulposus Cells and Chondrocytes In Vitro. Open Biomed Eng J 2017; 11:72-84. [PMID: 28868091 PMCID: PMC5564017 DOI: 10.2174/1874120701711010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The most common cause of lower back pain is the pathological degeneration of the nucleus pulposus (NP). Promising NP regeneration strategies involving human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) would require specific markers to confirm successful differentiation into the NP lineage and to distinguish the articular cartilage (AC). Objective: We sought specific NP mRNA markers that are upregulated in native NP cells but not in dedifferentiated NP cells, undifferentiated hMSCs or chondrocytes. We also considered the suitability of non-invasive Raman spectroscopy to distinguish among these classes of cells. Method: We used quantitative real-time PCR and Raman spectroscopy to analyse undifferentiated hMSCs in monolayers and embedded in hydrogels, and compared the results with dedifferentiated and redifferentiated human NP and AC cells. Results: The redifferentiation of NP cells induced the expression of annexin A3 (ANXA3), collagen type II (COL2) and proteoglycan mRNAs, whereas the redifferentiation of AC cells only induced proteoglycan expression. Redifferentiated NP cells expressed higher levels of ANXA3, COL2, paired box 1 (PAX1) and OCT4 mRNA than redifferentiated AC cells. Redifferentiated NP cells and undifferentiated hMSC-TERT cells expressed similar amount of OCT4 mRNA, indicating that only ANXA3, COL2 and PAX1 are promising markers for redifferentiated NP cells. Raman spectra clearly differed among the three cell types and highlighted their differentiation status. Conclusion: We recommend ANXA3, COL2 and PAX1 as markers to determine the success of hMSC-based differentiation to regenerate NP cells. Raman spectroscopy can be used to determine cell type and differentiation status especially in the context of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ehlicke
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstr 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany.,Department Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Roentgenring 11, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Natascha Köster
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstr 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Denise Salzig
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstr 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Czermak
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstr 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.,Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Ludwigstr. 23, 35390 Giessen, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Project Group Bioresources, Winchesterstr. 3, 35394 Giessen, Germany
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