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Liu Q, Li J, Chang J, Guo Y, Wen D. The characteristics and medical applications of antler stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:225. [PMID: 37649124 PMCID: PMC10468909 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antlers are the only fully regenerable mammalian appendages whose annual renewal is initiated by antler stem cells (ASCs), defined as a specialized type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with embryonic stem cell properties. ASCs possess the same biological features as MSCs, including the capacity for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, immunomodulatory functions, and the maintenance of stem cell characteristics after multiple passages. Several preclinical studies have shown that ASCs exhibit promising potential in wound healing, bone repair, osteoarthritis, anti-tissue fibrosis, anti-aging, and hair regeneration. Medical applications based on ASCs and ASC-derived molecules provide a new source of stem cells and therapeutic modalities for regenerative medicine. This review begins with a brief description of antler regeneration and the role of ASCs. Then, the properties and advantages of ASCs are described. Finally, medical research advances regarding ASCs are summarized, and the prospects and challenges of ASCs are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinghui Chang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Dacheng Wen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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Broggini C, Abril N, Carranza J, Membrillo A. Evaluation of candidate reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in blood from red deer developing antlers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16264. [PMID: 36171416 PMCID: PMC9519901 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection favors male traits that increase their ability to monopolize the breeding access to several females. Deer antlers are cranial appendages that regenerate annually in males. Throughout life, the phenology of antler growth advances and antler mass increases until the stag reaches, between 8 and 10 years old, maximum body mass and highest reproductive success. The molecular mechanisms of antler development are of great interest in both evolutionary and regenerative medicine studies. To minimize errors in the assessment of gene expression levels by qRT-PCR, we analyzed the stability of a panel of eight candidate reference genes and concluded that qRT-PCR normalization to three stable genes is strongly convenient in experiments performed in red deer antler blood. To validate our proposal, we compared the expression level of three genes linked to red deer antler growth (ANXA2, APOD and TPM1) in fifteen male red deer classified as young (up to 4 years old) and adults (4–6 years old). Our data confirms that B2M, ACTB and RPLP0 are valuable reference genes for future gene expression studies in red deer antler blood, which would provide increased insight into the effects of intrinsic factors that determine antler development in red deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Broggini
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP-UCO), University of Cordoba, 14014, Cordoba, Spain.
| | - Nieves Abril
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Juan Carranza
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP-UCO), University of Cordoba, 14014, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alberto Membrillo
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP-UCO), University of Cordoba, 14014, Cordoba, Spain
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Guo Q, Zheng J, Ba H, Sun H, Zhai J, Wang W, Li C. Calreticulin Identified as One of the Androgen Response Genes That Trigger Full Regeneration of the Only Capable Mammalian Organ, the Deer Antler. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:862841. [PMID: 35769266 PMCID: PMC9235033 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.862841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deer antlers are male secondary sexual characters that develop to become bone; they are unique appendages that, once lost, can fully regenerate from the permanent bony protuberances or pedicles. Pedicle periosteum (PP) is the tissue that gives rise to the regenerating antlers with three differentiation stages, namely, dormant (DoPP), potentiated (PoPP), and activated (AcPP). Thus far, the transition from the PoPP to the AcPP has not been studied. Our results showed that the AcPP cells maintained their original stem cell features by expressing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers CD73, CD90, and CD105, although they had entered the proliferation mode. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the AcPP compared with those of the PoPP were mainly involved in protein processing, cell cycle, and calcium signaling pathways. Calreticulin (CALR), an androgen response gene, was significantly differentially upregulated in the AcPP cells, and its expression level was negatively regulated by androgens, in contrast to the currently known model systems where all regulation is positive. The downregulation of CALR expression in the AcPP cells in vitro inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell cycle progression at G1-S transition. Therefore, CALR is likely a downstream mediator of androgen hormones for triggering initiation of antler regeneration. We believe that the identification of CALR has not only discovered “one critical piece” of the “jigsaw puzzle” in the initiation of antler regeneration but also helps in revealing the mechanism underlying this unique mammalian epimorphic regeneration and has also opened a new avenue for the study of the nature of CALR regulation by androgen (putative binding partners), thus facilitating the identification of potential molecule(s) for investigation as targets for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Jilin, China
- Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, China
| | - Junjun Zheng
- Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, China
| | - Hengxing Ba
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Jilin, China
| | - Hongmei Sun
- Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, China
| | - Jingjie Zhai
- Department of Oral Implantology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sciences and Technology for Stomatology Nanoengineering, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Wenying Wang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Jilin, China
| | - Chunyi Li
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Chunyi Li,
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Cross-species metabolomic analysis identifies uridine as a potent regeneration promoting factor. Cell Discov 2022; 8:6. [PMID: 35102134 PMCID: PMC8803930 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-021-00361-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Regenerative capacity declines throughout evolution and with age. In this study, we asked whether metabolic programs underlying regenerative capability might be conserved across species, and if so, whether such metabolic drivers might be harnessed to promote tissue repair. To this end, we conducted metabolomic analyses in two vertebrate organ regeneration models: the axolotl limb blastema and antler stem cells. To further reveal why young individuals have higher regenerative capacity than the elderly, we also constructed metabolic profiles for primate juvenile and aged tissues, as well as young and aged human stem cells. In joint analyses, we uncovered that active pyrimidine metabolism and fatty acid metabolism correlated with higher regenerative capacity. Furthermore, we identified a set of regeneration-related metabolite effectors conserved across species. One such metabolite is uridine, a pyrimidine nucleoside, which can rejuvenate aged human stem cells and promote regeneration of various tissues in vivo. These observations will open new avenues for metabolic intervention in tissue repair and regeneration.
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A cross-species analysis of systemic mediators of repair and complex tissue regeneration. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:21. [PMID: 33795702 PMCID: PMC8016993 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration is an elegant and complex process informed by both local and long-range signals. Many current studies on regeneration are largely limited to investigations of local modulators within a canonical cohort of model organisms. Enhanced genetic tools increasingly enable precise temporal and spatial perturbations within these model regenerators, and these have primarily been applied to cells within the local injury site. Meanwhile, many aspects of broader spatial regulators of regeneration have not yet been examined with the same level of scrutiny. Recent studies have shed important insight into the significant effects of environmental cues and circulating factors on the regenerative process. These observations highlight that consideration of more systemic and possibly more broadly acting cues will also be critical to fully understand complex tissue regeneration. In this review, we explore the ways in which systemic cues and circulating factors affect the initiation of regeneration, the regenerative process, and its outcome. As this is a broad topic, we conceptually divide the factors based on their initial input as either external cues (for example, starvation and light/dark cycle) or internal cues (for example, hormones); however, all of these inputs ultimately lead to internal responses. We consider studies performed in a diverse set of organisms, including vertebrates and invertebrates. Through analysis of systemic mediators of regeneration, we argue that increased investigation of these "systemic factors" could reveal novel insights that may pave the way for a diverse set of therapeutic avenues.
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Dong Z, Coates D. Bioactive Molecular Discovery Using Deer Antlers as a Model of Mammalian Regeneration. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:2167-2181. [PMID: 33769828 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The ability to activate and regulate stem cells during wound healing and tissue regeneration is a promising field that is resulting in innovative approaches in the field of regenerative medicine. The regenerative capacity of invertebrates has been well documented; however, in mammals, stem cells that drive organ regeneration are rare. Deer antlers are the only known mammalian structure that can annually regenerate to produce a tissue containing dermis, blood vessels, nerves, cartilage, and bone. The neural crest derived stem cells that drive this process result in antlers growing at up to 2 cm/day. Deer antlers thus provide superior attributes compared to lower-order animal models, when investigating the regulation of stem cell-based regeneration. Antler stem cells can therefore be used as a model to investigate the bioactive molecules, biological processes, and pathways involved in the maintenance of a stem cell niche, and their activation and differentiation during organ formation. This review examines stem cell-based regeneration with a focus on deer antlers, a neural crest stem cell-based mammalian regenerative structure. It then discusses the omics technical platforms highlighting the proteomics approaches used for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell regulation in antler tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Dong
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Dawn Coates
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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Rössner GE, Costeur L, Scheyer TM. Antiquity and fundamental processes of the antler cycle in Cervidae (Mammalia). THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2020; 108:3. [PMID: 33326046 PMCID: PMC7744388 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01713-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The origins of the regenerative nature of antlers, being branched and deciduous apophyseal appendages of frontal bones of cervid artiodactyls, have long been associated with permanent evolutionary precursors. In this study, we provide novel insight into growth modes of evolutionary early antlers. We analysed a total of 34 early antlers affiliated to ten species, including the oldest known, dating from the early and middle Miocene (approx. 18 to 12 million years old) of Europe. Our findings provide empirical data from the fossil record to demonstrate that growth patterns and a regular cycle of necrosis, abscission and regeneration are consistent with data from modern antlers. The diverse histological analyses indicate that primary processes and mechanisms of the modern antler cycle were not gradually acquired during evolution, but were fundamental from the earliest record of antler evolution and, hence, explanations why deer shed antlers have to be rooted in basic histogenetic mechanisms. The previous interpretation that proximal circular protuberances, burrs, are the categorical traits for ephemerality is refuted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud E. Rössner
- Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns - Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie, Richard Wagner Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
- Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Loïc Costeur
- Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, Augustinergasse 2, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Torsten M. Scheyer
- Universität Zürich, Paläontologisches Institut und Museum, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
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Liu C, Xia Y, Hua M, Li Z, Zhang L, Li S, Gong R, Liu S, Wang Z, Sun Y. Functional properties and antioxidant activity of gelatine and hydrolysate from deer antler base. Food Sci Nutr 2020; 8:3402-3412. [PMID: 32724604 PMCID: PMC7382106 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gelatine was extracted from deer antler base by the hot water method and hydrolyzed with trypsin. A comparison of the properties of gelatine before and after enzymatic hydrolysis showed a decline in the surface hydrophobicity, enhanced thermal stability, broadening of the particle size distribution, a zeta potential shift to a lower pH, reduced foaming and emulsifying properties, and enhanced antioxidant activity. Hydrolysis increased the gelatine antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. These results indicate that the functional properties of deer antler base gelatine may be affected by trypsin modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Yunshi Xia
- Jilin Agricultural University Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Hua
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiman Li
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Ruize Gong
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Songxin Liu
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Zeshuai Wang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Yinshi Sun
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences CAAS Changchun, Jilin People's Republic of China
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Nasoori A. Formation, structure, and function of extra-skeletal bones in mammals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:986-1019. [PMID: 32338826 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the formation, structure, and function of bony compartments in antlers, horns, ossicones, osteoderm and the os penis/os clitoris (collectively referred to herein as AHOOO structures) in extant mammals. AHOOOs are extra-skeletal bones that originate from subcutaneous (dermal) tissues in a wide variety of mammals, and this review elaborates on the co-development of the bone and skin in these structures. During foetal stages, primordial cells for the bony compartments arise in subcutaneous tissues. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is assumed to play a key role in the differentiation of bone, cartilage, skin and other tissues in AHOOO structures. AHOOO ossification takes place after skeletal bone formation, and may depend on sexual maturity. Skin keratinization occurs in tandem with ossification and may be under the control of androgens. Both endochondral and intramembranous ossification participate in bony compartment formation. There is variation in gradients of density in different AHOOO structures. These gradients, which vary according to function and species, primarily reduce mechanical stress. Anchorage of AHOOOs to their surrounding tissues fortifies these structures and is accomplished by bone-bone fusion and Sharpey fibres. The presence of the integument is essential for the protection and function of the bony compartments. Three major functions can be attributed to AHOOOs: mechanical, visual, and thermoregulatory. This review provides the first extensive comparative description of the skeletal and integumentary systems of AHOOOs in a variety of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Nasoori
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
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Dong Z, Haines S, Coates D. Proteomic Profiling of Stem Cell Tissues during Regeneration of Deer Antler: A Model of Mammalian Organ Regeneration. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:1760-1775. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Dong
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Haines
- Proteins & Metabolites, AgResearch Lincoln Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Dawn Coates
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Sui Z, Sun H, Weng Y, Zhang X, Sun M, Sun R, Zhao B, Liang Z, Zhang Y, Li C, Zhang L. Quantitative proteomics analysis of deer antlerogenic periosteal cells reveals potential bioactive factors in velvet antlers. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1609:460496. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.460496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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