Regulation of osteogenesis via miR-101-3p in mesenchymal stem cells by human gingival fibroblasts

Fibroblasts inhibit osteogenesis by regulating nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in mesenchymal stem cells and secreting DKK1

BACKGROUND

Fibrous scars frequently form at the sites of bone nonunion when attempts to repair bone fractures have failed. However, the detailed mechanism by which fibroblasts, which are the main components of fibrous scars, impede osteogenesis remains largely unknown.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that fibroblasts compete with osteogenesis in both human bone nonunion tissues and BMP2-induced ectopic osteogenesis in a mouse model. Fibroblasts could inhibit the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via direct and indirect cell competition. During this process, fibroblasts modulated the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs. Knocking down YAP could inhibit osteoblast differentiation of MSCs, while overexpression of nuclear-localized YAP-5SA could reverse the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation of MSCs caused by fibroblasts. Furthermore, fibroblasts secreted DKK1, which further inhibited the formation of calcium nodules during the late stage of osteogenesis but did not affect the early stage of osteogenesis. Thus, fibroblasts could inhibit osteogenesis by regulating YAP localization in MSCs and secreting DKK1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research revealed that fibroblasts could modulate the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs, thereby inhibiting their osteoblast differentiation. Fibroblasts could also secrete DKK1, which inhibited calcium nodule formation at the late stage of osteogenesis.

Low-Intensity Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Accelerates Osteogenic Transformation of Human Dermal Fibroblasts by Enhancing Cell Pluripotency

Autologous human fibroblasts have the potential to differentiate into the osteogenic lineage under specific conditions and can be utilized for bone regeneration. However, their efficiency is currently unsatisfactory. Recently, low-intensity nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) stimulation has been demonstrated to enhance cell pluripotency by activating epigenetic regulatory pathways. In this study, human dermal fibroblasts were exposed to different intensities of nsPEF to assess whether these exposures resulted in changes in proliferation rate, calcium salt deposition, and expression of differentiation-related markers in different experimental groups. The results showed a significant increase in cell proliferation, pluripotency, bone marker expression, and osteogenic differentiation efficiency when stimulating cells with 5 kV/cm of nsPEF. However, cell proliferation and differentiation significantly decreased at 25 kV/cm. Additionally, the proliferation and efficiency of osteogenic differentiation were reduced when the nsPEF intensity was increased to 50 kV/cm. Treatment with a 5 kV/cm of nsPEF led to increased and concentrated expression of Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) in the nucleus. These observations suggest that human dermal fibroblasts possess a heightened potential to differentiate into osteogenic cells when activated with nsPEF at 5 kV/cm. Consequently, the nsPEF strengthening strategy shows promise for fibroblast-based tissue-engineered bone repair research.

Synergistic Effect of QNZ, an Inhibitor of NF-κB Signaling, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 on Osteogenic Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Fibroblast-Induced Yes-Associated Protein Activation

Biomaterials carrying recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) have been developed to enhance bone regeneration in the treatment of bone defects. However, various reports have shown that in the bone repair microenvironment, fibroblasts can inhibit BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Thus, factors that can target fibroblasts and improve BMP2-mediated osteogenesis should be explored. In this project, we focused on whether or not an inhibitor of the NF-κB signaling pathway, QNZ (EVP4593), could play a synergistic role with BMP2 in osteogenesis by regulating the activity of fibroblasts. The roles of QNZ in regulating the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts were examined. In addition, the effect of QNZ combined with BMP2 on the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the detailed mechanisms by which QNZ improved BMP2-mediated osteogenesis through the modulation of fibroblasts were analyzed and revealed. Interestingly, we found that QNZ inhibited the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. Thus, QNZ could relieve the inhibitory effects of fibroblasts on the homing and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, biomaterials carrying both QNZ and BMP2 showed better osteoinductivity than did those carrying BMP2 alone both in vitro and in vivo. It was found that the mechanism of QNZ involved reactivating YAP activity in mesenchymal stem cells, which was inhibited by fibroblasts. Taken together, our results suggest that QNZ may be a candidate factor for assisting BMP2 in inducing osteogenesis. The combined application of QNZ and BMP2 in biomaterials may be promising for the treatment of bone defects in the future.

Recent Clinical Treatment and Basic Research on the Alveolar Bone

The periodontal ligament is located between the bone (alveolar bone) and the cementum of the tooth, and it is connected by tough fibers called Sharpey’s fibers. To maintain healthy teeth, the foundation supporting the teeth must be healthy. Periodontal diseases, also known as tooth loss, cause the alveolar bone to dissolve. The alveolar bone, similar to the bones in other body parts, is repeatedly resorbed by osteoclasts and renewed by osteogenic cells. This means that an old bone is constantly being resorbed and replaced by a new bone. In periodontal diseases, the alveolar bone around the teeth is absorbed, and as the disease progresses, the alveolar bone shrinks gradually. In most cases, the resorbed alveolar bone does not return to its original form even after periodontal disease is cured. Gum covers the tooth surface so that it matches the shape of the resorbed alveolar bone, exposing more of the tooth surface than before, making the teeth look longer, leaving gaps between the teeth, and in some cases causing teeth to sting. Previously, the only treatment for periodontal diseases was to stop the disease from progressing further before the teeth fell out, and restoration to the original condition was almost impossible. However, a treatment method that can help in the regeneration of the supporting tissues of the teeth destroyed by periodontal diseases and the restoration of the teeth to their original healthy state as much as possible is introduced. Recently, with improvements in implant material properties, implant therapy has become an indispensable treatment method in dentistry and an important prosthetic option. Treatment methods and techniques, which are mainly based on experience, have gradually accumulated scientific evidence, and the number of indications for treatment has increased. The development of bone augmentation methods has contributed remarkably to the expansion of indications, and this has been made possible by various advances in materials science. The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) cell technology for regenerating periodontal tissues, including alveolar bone, is expected to be applied in the treatment of diseases, such as tooth loss and periodontitis. This review focuses on the alveolar bone and describes clinical practice, techniques, and the latest basic research.

Regulation of osteogenesis in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via histone deacetylase 1 and 2 co-cultured with human gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the regulatory mechanism of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) differentiation mediated by humoral factors derived from human periodontal ligament (HPL) cells and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). We analyzed histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression and activity involved in BM-MSC differentiation and determined their regulatory effects in co-cultures of BM-MSCs with HPL cells or HGFs.

BACKGROUND

BM-MSCs can differentiate into various cell types and can, thus, be used in periodontal regenerative therapy. However, the mechanism underlying their differentiation remains unclear. Transplanted BM-MSCs are affected by periodontal cells via direct contact or secretion of humoral factors. Therefore, their activity is regulated by humoral factors derived from HPL cells or HGFs.

METHODS

BM-MSCs were indirectly co-cultured with HPL cells or HGFs under osteogenic or growth conditions and then analyzed for osteogenesis, HDAC1 and HDAC2 expression and activity, and histone H3 acetylation. BM-MSCs were treated with trichostatin A, or their HDAC1 or HDAC2 expression was silenced or overexpressed during osteogenesis. Subsequently, they were evaluated for osteogenesis or the effects of HDAC activity.

RESULTS

BM-MSCs co-cultured with HPL cells or HGFs showed suppressed osteogenesis, HDAC1 and HDAC2 expression, and HDAC phosphorylation; however, histone H3 acetylation was enhanced. Trichostatin A treatment remarkably suppressed osteogenesis, decreasing HDAC expression and enhancing histone H3 acetylation. HDAC1 and HDAC2 silencing negatively regulated osteogenesis in BM-MSCs to the same extent as that achieved by indirect co-culture with HPL cells or HGFs. Conversely, their overexpression positively regulated osteogenesis in BM-MSCs.

CONCLUSION

The suppressive effects of HPL cells and HGFs on BM-MSC osteogenesis were regulated by HDAC expression and histone H3 acetylation to a greater extent than that mediated by HDAC activity. Therefore, regulation of HDAC expression has prospects in clinical applications for effective periodontal regeneration, mainly, bone regeneration.

Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Breast Milk: MicroRNA Contents and Potential Epigenetic Effects

Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of age receive adequate nutrients, achieving optimal immune protection and growth. In addition to the known nutritional components of human breast milk (HBM), i.e., water, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it is also a rich source of microRNAs, which impact epigenetic mechanisms. This comprehensive work presents an up-to-date overview of the immunomodulatory constituents of HBM, highlighting its content of circulating microRNAs. The epigenetic effects of HBM are discussed, especially those regulated by miRNAs. HBM contains more than 1400 microRNAs. The majority of these microRNAs originate from the lactating gland and are based on the remodeling of cells in the gland during breastfeeding. These miRNAs can affect epigenetic patterns by several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA regulation, which could ultimately result in alterations in gene expressions. Therefore, the unique microRNA profile of HBM, including exosomal microRNAs, is implicated in the regulation of the genes responsible for a variety of immunological and physiological functions, such as FTO, INS, IGF1, NRF2, GLUT1 and FOXP3 genes. Hence, studying the HBM miRNA composition is important for improving the nutritional approaches for pregnancy and infant's early life and preventing diseases that could occur in the future. Interestingly, the composition of miRNAs in HBM is affected by multiple factors, including diet, environmental and genetic factors.

MiR-539-3p inhibited chondrogenic differentiation in human adipose stem cells by targeting Sox9

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as the attractive candidates for cell therapy for cartilage repair in clinical therapy of osteoarthritis (OA). MiR-539-3p was reported to differentially express during chondrogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells (ASCs) by miRNA microarrays. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of miR-539-3p on chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs.

Methods

Human ASCs (hASCs) were obtained from liposuction and transfected with miR-539-3p mimic or inhibitor. Then, the cells were cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).

Results

Our results found that miR-539-3p was gradually down-regulated during chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs. MiR-539-3p overexpression inhibited TGF-β1-induced chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs, as supported by reducing the gene and protein expression of chondrogenic differentiation markers type II collagen alpha 1 (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), and type II collagen. In contrast, miR-539-3p inhibitor significantly promoted the chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs. Dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that Sox9 was a direct target gene of miR-539-3p. The expression of SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9) was up-regulated progressively over time during chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs. Additionally, Sox9 overexpression notably reversed chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs inhibited by miR-539-3p mimic, as demonstrated by the decreased expression of COL2A1, ACAN, and type II collagen.

Conclusions

Altogether, miR-539-3p inhibited chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs by targeting Sox9. MiR-539-3p may have significant clinical applications for use as a targeted therapy of OA.

Characteristics and regulation of mesenchymal stem cell plasticity by the microenvironment — specific factors involved in the regulation of MSC plasticity

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), multipotent stromal cells, have attracted extensive attention in the field of regenerative medicine and cell therapy due to the capacity of self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, and immune regulation. MSCs have different cellular effects in different diseases, and even have markedly different curative effects with different tissue sources, indicating the plasticity of MSCs. The phenotypes, secreted factors, and proliferative, migratory, differentiating, and immunomodulatory effects of MSCs depend on certain mediators present in their microenvironment. Understanding microenvironmental factors and their internal mechanisms in MSC responses may help in subsequent prediction and improvement of clinical benefits. This review highlighted the recent advances in MSC plasticity in the physiological and pathological microenvironment and multiple microenvironmental factors regulating MSC plasticity. It also highlighted some progress in the underlying molecular mechanisms of MSC remodeling in the microenvironment. It might provide references for the improvement in vitro culture of MSCs, clinical application, and in vivo induction.

Contribution of miRNAs and lncRNAs in osteogenesis and related disorders

Non-coding RNAs have been found to regulate several developmental processes among them is osteogenesis. Although these transcripts have several distinct classes, two classes i.e. microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs have attained more attention. These transcripts regulate intramembranous as well as endochondral ossification processes. The effects of microRNAs on osteogenesis are mostly mediated through modulation of Wnt/β-catenin and TGFβ/BMP pathways. Long non-coding RNAs can directly affect expression of these pathways or osteogenic transcription factors. Moreover, they can serve as a molecular sponge for miRNAs. MALAT1/miR-30, MALAt1/miR-214, LEF1-AS1/miR-24-3p, MCF2L-AS1/miR-33a, MSC-AS1/miR-140-5p and KCNQ1OT1/miR-214 are examples of such kind of interaction between lncRNAs and miRNAs in the context of osteogenesis. In the current paper, we explain these two classes of non-coding RNAs in the osteogenesis and related disorders.

Cytokines regulate stemness of mesenchymal stem cells via miR-628-5p during periodontal regeneration

BACKGROUND

Cytokines play key roles in stimulating periodontal regeneration; however, their exact mechanisms of action remain unclear. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that have self-renewal abilities and can differentiate into periodontal tissues such as bone, cementum, and periodontal ligaments following transplantation, like periodontal progenitor cells. Here, we used MSCs to identify the regulatory genes induced by periodontal regenerative cytokines.

METHODS

Human MSCs (hMSCs) were cultured under conditions of periodontal regenerative cytokine stimulation or silencing of undifferentiated hMSC transcription factors. To characterize the changes associated with periodontal regenerative cytokine-regulated microRNAs (miRNAs), miRNA, and mRNA expression was evaluated using miRNA arrays and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. One of the identified miRNAs, miR-628-5p, was then overexpressed or suppressed in hMSCs during osteogenesis; the effect of these changes on osteogenesis was investigated.

RESULTS

Cytokine-stimulated MSCs showed characteristic miRNA profiles and mRNA levels of undifferentiated hMSC transcription factors ETV1, SOX11, and GATA6. Next, we silenced these transcription factors in MSCs and examined the miRNA profiles. The levels of miR-628-5p were decreased upon all cytokine treatments and were increased upon silencing of ETV1, SOX11, and GATA6. Overexpression of miR-628-5p suppressed osteogenesis; however, its inhibition enhanced OPN, ALP, OC, BMP2, and RUNX2 mRNA levels, and bone matrix mineralization, but not OSX mRNA or ALP activity.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-628-5p negatively regulates MSC stemness during periodontal regeneration. Periodontal regenerative cytokines act as miR-628-5p suppressors to support periodontal regeneration. Thus, selection of effective cytokines for different MSCs, based on miRNA profiling, is important for advancing regenerative therapies.

Functional Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Senescence During Cell Passages

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is an effective periodontal regenerative therapy. MSCs are multipotent, have self-renewal ability, and can differentiate into periodontal cells. However, senescence is inevitable for MSCs. In vitro, cell senescence can be induced by long-term culture with/without cell passage. However, the regulatory mechanism of MSC senescence remains unclear. Undifferentiated MSC-specific transcription factors can regulate MSC function. Herein, we identified the regulatory transcription factors involved in MSC senescence and elucidated their mechanisms of action. We cultured human MSCs (hMSCs) with repetitive cell passages to induce cell senescence and evaluated the mRNA and protein expression of cell senescence-related genes. Additionally, we silenced the cell senescence-induced transcription factors, GATA binding protein 6 (GATA6) and SRY-box 11 (SOX11), and investigated senescence-related signaling pathways. With repeated passages, the number of senescent cells increased, while the cell proliferation capacity decreased; GATA6 mRNA expression was upregulated and that of SOX11 was downregulated. Repetitive cell passages decreased Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway-related gene expression. Silencing of GATA6 and SOX11 regulated Wnt and BMP signaling pathway-related genes and affected cell senescence-related genes; moreover, SOX11 silencing regulated GATA6 expression. Hence, we identified them as pair of regulatory transcription factors for cell senescence in hMSCs via the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways.

Role of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 in osteoclast formation and periodontitis development by downregulating microRNA-101-regulated VCAM-1

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) represents a potential target for periodontitis treatment; however, its role in the development of periodontitis remains unclear. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of EZH2 in osteoclasts (OCs) growth as well as the mechanism underpinning the related process. The potential interaction among EZH2, microRNA-101 (miR-101), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) was evaluated using chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The expressions of EZH2 and miR-101 in OCs were examined by Western blot analysis and reverse transcription squantitative polymerase chain reaction. Loss- and gain-function assays were then performed to determine the role of EZH2/miR-101/VCAM-1 in periodontitis and OCs proliferation, followed by OC growth and proliferation detected using tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was conducted to determine the expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). A periodontitis rat model was established to investigate the effect of EZH2 and VCAM-1 in vivo. EZH2 was overexpressed, while miR-101 was downregulated in the OCs of periodontitis. Silencing of EZH2, VCAM-1 repression, or miR-101 elevation suppressed the growth and proliferation of OC while acting to encumber the release of IL-1β and TNF-α. EZH2 negatively targeted miR-101, while miR-101 negatively targeted VCAM-1. Moreover, silencing of EZH2 or VCAM-1 was observed to attenuate periodontitis which was evidenced by an increase in BMD, BV/TV, and BS/BV as well as reduction in TRAP and cathepsin K in vivo. Taken together, the key findings of the current study demonstrate that EZH2 knockdown inhibited OC formation by elevating the expression of miR-101 via suppression of VCAM-1, ultimately attenuating periodontitis.

The role of microRNAs in the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and bone pathologies

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in many adult tissues. MSCs can regenerate through cell division or differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes. As a result, MSCs have become an important source of cells in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for bone tissue and cartilage. Several epigenetic factors are believed to play a role in MSCs differentiation. Among these, microRNA (miRNA) regulation is involved in the fine modulation of gene expression during osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation. It has been reported that miRNAs are involved in bone homeostasis by modulating osteoblast gene expression. In addition, countless evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs dysregulation is involved in the development of osteoporosis and bone fractures. The deregulation of miRNAs expression has also been associated with several malignancies including bone cancer. In this context, bone-associated circulating miRNAs may be useful biomarkers for determining the predisposition, onset and development of osteoporosis, as well as in clinical applications to improve the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of cancer and metastases. Overall, this review will provide an overview of how miRNAs activities participate in osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation, while addressing the role of miRNA regulatory effects on target genes. Finally, the role of miRNAs in pathologies and therapies will be presented.

Identification of regulatory mRNA and microRNA for differentiation into cementoblasts and periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVE

Periodontitis causes periodontal tissue destruction and results in physiological tooth dysfunction. Therefore, periodontal regeneration is ideal therapy for periodontitis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are useful for periodontal regenerative therapy as they can differentiate into periodontal cells; however, the underlying regulatory mechanism is unclear. In this study, we attempted to identify regulatory genes involved in periodontal cell differentiation and clarify the differentiation mechanism for effective periodontal regenerative therapy.

BACKGROUND

The cementum and periodontal ligament play important roles in physiological tooth function. Therefore, cementum and periodontal ligament regeneration are critical for periodontal regenerative therapy. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can be a common periodontal regenerative therapy because these cells have multipotency and self-renewal ability, which induces new cementum or periodontal ligament formation. Moreover, MSCs can differentiate into cementoblasts. Cementoblast- or periodontal ligament cell-specific proteins have been reported; however, it is unclear how these proteins are regulated. MicroRNA (miRNA) can also act as a key regulator of MSC function. Therefore, in this study, we identified regulatory genes involved in cementoblast or periodontal cell differentiation and commitment.

METHODS

Human MSCs (hMSCs), cementoblasts (HCEM), and periodontal ligament cells (HPL cells) were cultured, and mRNA or miRNA expression was evaluated. Additionally, cementoblast-specific genes were overexpressed or suppressed in hMSCs and their expression levels were investigated.

RESULTS

HCEM and HPL cells expressed characteristic genes, of which we focused on ets variant 1 (ETV1), miR-628-5p, and miR-383 because ETV1 is a differentiation-related transcription factor, miR-628-5p was the second-highest expressed gene in HCEM and lowest expressed gene in HPL cells, and miR-383 was the highest expressed gene in HCEM. miR-628-5p and miR-383 overexpression in hMSCs regulated ETV1 mRNA expression, and miR-383 overexpression downregulated miR-628-5p expression. Moreover, miR-383 suppression decreased miR-383 expression and enhanced ETV1 mRNA expression, but miR-383 suppression also decreased miR-628-5p. Furthermore, silencing of ETV1 expression in hMSCs regulated miR-628-5p and miR-383 expression. Concerning periodontal cell commitment, miR-628-5p, miR-383, and ETV1 regulated the expression of HCEM- or HPL cell-related genes by adjusting the expression of these miRNAs.

CONCLUSION

HCEM and HPL cells show characteristic mRNA and miRNA profiles. In particular, these cells have specific miR-383, miR-628-5p, and ETV1 expression patterns, and these genes interact with each other. Therefore, miR-383, miR-628-5p, and ETV1 are key genes involved in cementogenesis or HPL cell differentiation.