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Sadler RA, Shoveller AK, Shandilya UK, Charchoglyan A, Wagter-Lesperance L, Bridle BW, Mallard BA, Karrow NA. Beyond the Coagulation Cascade: Vitamin K and Its Multifaceted Impact on Human and Domesticated Animal Health. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7001-7031. [PMID: 39057059 PMCID: PMC11276079 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K (VK) is an essential micronutrient impacting many systems in the body. This lipid-soluble vitamin is found in various plant and animal products and is absorbed via the lymphatic system. This biomolecule's importance to human health includes but is not limited to its promotion of brain, cardiovascular, bone, and immune functions. These biological properties are also necessary for maintaining domesticated animal health. The synergistic impact of both VK and vitamin D (VD) maximizes these health benefits, specifically for the circulatory and skeletal systems. This manuscript reviews VK's properties, molecular structures, nutrikinetics, mechanisms of action, daily requirements, safety in supplemental form, biomarkers used for its detection, and impacts on various organs. The purpose of synthesizing this information is to evaluate the potential uses of VK for the treatment or prevention of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka A. Sadler
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Anna K. Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Umesh K. Shandilya
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Armen Charchoglyan
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Advanced Analysis Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lauraine Wagter-Lesperance
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Byram W. Bridle
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Bonnie A. Mallard
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Niel A. Karrow
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
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Schneider RF, Gunter HM, Salewski I, Woltering JM, Meyer A. Growth dynamics and molecular bases of evolutionary novel jaw extensions in halfbeaks and needlefishes (Beloniformes). Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5798-5811. [PMID: 37750351 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionary novelties-derived traits without clear homology found in the ancestors of a lineage-may promote ecological specialization and facilitate adaptive radiations. Examples for such novelties include the wings of bats, pharyngeal jaws of cichlids and flowers of angiosperms. Belonoid fishes (flying fishes, halfbeaks and needlefishes) feature an astonishing diversity of extremely elongated jaw phenotypes with undetermined evolutionary origins. We investigate the development of elongated jaws in a halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla) and a needlefish (Xenentodon cancila) using morphometrics, transcriptomics and in situ hybridization. We confirm that these fishes' elongated jaws are composed of distinct base and novel 'extension' portions. These extensions are morphologically unique to belonoids, and we describe the growth dynamics of both bases and extensions throughout early development in both studied species. From transcriptomic profiling, we deduce that jaw extension outgrowth is guided by populations of multipotent cells originating from the anterior tip of the dentary. These cells are shielded from differentiation, but proliferate and migrate anteriorly during the extension's allometric growth phase. Cells left behind at the tip leave the shielded zone and undergo differentiation into osteoblast-like cells, which deposit extracellular matrix with both bone and cartilage characteristics that mineralizes and thereby provides rigidity. Such bone has characteristics akin to histological observations on the elongated 'kype' process on lower jaws of male salmon, which may hint at common conserved regulatory underpinnings. Future studies will evaluate the molecular pathways that govern the anterior migration and proliferation of these multipotent cells underlying the belonoids' evolutionary novel jaw extensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf F Schneider
- Lehrstuhl für Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Marine Ecology, GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany
| | - Helen M Gunter
- Lehrstuhl für Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Inken Salewski
- Lehrstuhl für Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Joost M Woltering
- Lehrstuhl für Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Axel Meyer
- Lehrstuhl für Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Sojan JM, Gundappa MK, Carletti A, Gaspar V, Gavaia P, Maradonna F, Carnevali O. Zebrafish as a Model to Unveil the Pro-Osteogenic Effects of Boron-Vitamin D3 Synergism. Front Nutr 2022; 9:868805. [PMID: 35571926 PMCID: PMC9105455 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.868805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The micronutrient boron (B) plays a key role during the ossification process as suggested by various in vitro and in vivo studies. To deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in the osteogenicity of B and its possible interaction with vitamin D3 (VD), wild-type AB zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used for morphometric analysis and transcriptomic analysis in addition to taking advantage of the availability of specific zebrafish osteoblast reporter lines. First, osteoactive concentrations of B, VD, and their combinations were established by morphometric analysis of the opercular bone in alizarin red-stained zebrafish larvae exposed to two selected concentrations of B (10 and 100 ng/ml), one concentration of VD (10 pg/ml), and their respective combinations. Bone formation, as measured by opercular bone growth, was significantly increased in the two combination treatments than VD alone. Subsequently, a transcriptomic approach was adopted to unveil the molecular key regulators involved in the synergy. Clustering of differentially expressed genes revealed enrichment toward bone and skeletal functions in the groups co-treated with B and VD. Downstream analysis confirmed mitogen-activated protein kinase as the most regulated pathway by the synergy groups in addition to transforming growth factor-β signaling, focal adhesion, and calcium signaling. The best-performing synergistic treatment, B at 10 ng/ml and VD at 10 pg/ml, was applied to two zebrafish transgenic lines, Tg(sp7:mCherry) and Tg(bglap:EGFP), at multiple time points to further explore the results of the transcriptomic analysis. The synergistic treatment with B and VD induced enrichment of intermediate (sp7+) osteoblast at 6 and 9 days post fertilization (dpf) and of mature (bglap +) osteoblasts at 15 dpf. The results obtained validate the role of B in VD-dependent control over bone mineralization and can help to widen the spectrum of therapeutic approaches to alleviate pathological conditions caused by VD deficiency by using low concentrations of B as a nutritional additive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Maria Sojan
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Manu Kumar Gundappa
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Carletti
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Vasco Gaspar
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paulo Gavaia
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Francesca Maradonna
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Vitamin K-Dependent Proteins in Skeletal Development and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179328. [PMID: 34502245 PMCID: PMC8430550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K and Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) are best known for their pivotal role in blood coagulation. Of the 14 VKPDs identified in humans to date, 6 play also important roles in skeletal biology and disease. Thus, osteocalcin, also termed bone Gla-protein, is the most abundant non-collagenous protein in bone. Matrix Gla protein and Ucma/GRP on the other hand are highly abundant in cartilage. Furthermore, periostin, protein S, and growth arrest specific 6 protein (GAS 6) are expressed in skeletal tissues. The roles for these VKDPs are diverse but include the control of calcification and turnover of bone and cartilage. Vitamin K plays an important role in osteoporosis and serum osteocalcin levels are recognized as a promising marker for osteoporosis. On the other hand, matrix Gla protein and Ucma/GRP are associated with osteoarthritis. This review focuses on the roles of these three VKDPs, osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein and Ucma/GRP, in skeletal development and disease but will also summarize the roles the other skeletal VKDPs (periostin, protein S and GAS6) in skeletal biology.
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Xiao H, Chen J, Duan L, Li S. Role of emerging vitamin K‑dependent proteins: Growth arrest‑specific protein 6, Gla‑rich protein and periostin (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:2. [PMID: 33448308 PMCID: PMC7834955 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K‑dependent proteins (VKDPs) are a group of proteins that need vitamin K to conduct carboxylation. Thus far, scholars have identified a total of 17 VKDPs in the human body. In this review, we summarize three important emerging VKDPs: Growth arrest‑specific protein 6 (Gas 6), Gla‑rich protein (GRP) and periostin in terms of their functions in physiological and pathological conditions. As examples, carboxylated Gas 6 and GRP effectively protect blood vessels from calcification, Gas 6 protects from acute kidney injury and is involved in chronic kidney disease, GRP contributes to bone homeostasis and delays the progression of osteoarthritis, and periostin is involved in all phases of fracture healing and assists myocardial regeneration in the early stages of myocardial infarction. However, periostin participates in the progression of cardiac fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and airway remodeling of asthma. In addition, we discuss the relationship between vitamin K, VKDPs and cancer, and particularly the carboxylation state of VKDPs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044
| | - Jiepeng Chen
- Sungen Bioscience Co., Ltd., Shantou, Guangdong 515071, P.R. China
| | - Lili Duan
- Sungen Bioscience Co., Ltd., Shantou, Guangdong 515071, P.R. China
| | - Shuzhuang Li
- Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044
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Valenti MT, Marchetto G, Mottes M, Dalle Carbonare L. Zebrafish: A Suitable Tool for the Study of Cell Signaling in Bone. Cells 2020; 9:E1911. [PMID: 32824602 PMCID: PMC7465296 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, many studies using the zebrafish model organism have been performed. Zebrafish, providing genetic mutants and reporter transgenic lines, enable a great number of studies aiming at the investigation of signaling pathways involved in the osteoarticular system and at the identification of therapeutic tools for bone diseases. In this review, we will discuss studies which demonstrate that many signaling pathways are highly conserved between mammals and teleost and that genes involved in mammalian bone differentiation have orthologs in zebrafish. We will also discuss as human diseases, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and Gaucher disease can be investigated in the zebrafish model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Valenti
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Ple Scuro 10, 37100 Verona, Italy; (G.M.); (L.D.C.)
| | - Giulia Marchetto
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Ple Scuro 10, 37100 Verona, Italy; (G.M.); (L.D.C.)
| | - Monica Mottes
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Luca Dalle Carbonare
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Ple Scuro 10, 37100 Verona, Italy; (G.M.); (L.D.C.)
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Okuyan HM, Terzi MY, Ozcan O, Kalaci A. Association of UCMA levels in serum and synovial fluid with severity of knee osteoarthritis. Int J Rheum Dis 2019; 22:1884-1890. [PMID: 31424176 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases causing physical disability in the aged population. OA pathogenesis is not fully known and yet there are no effective therapeutic options against OA. Upper Zone of Growth Plate and Cartilage Matrix Associated (UCMA) is a member of vitamin K-dependent protein family, and is involved in inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and OA. In the present study, our aim was to detect serum and synovial fluid (SF) levels of UCMA and to analyze their correlation with radiographic findings and symptomatic severity in OA patients as well as the correlation between oxidative stress levels and SF UCMA levels. METHODS Forty OA patients with cartilage degeneration and 20 patients with other knee joint disorders (non-OA control) were included in the present study. We used the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification and Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores to assess radiographic grading and symptomatic severity of OA, respectively. UCMA levels were measured in SF and serum. And also oxidative stress markers were analyzed in SF. RESULTS SF UCMA levels of OA patients were higher compared to those of the non-OA control group and were positively correlated with radiographic finding and symptomatic severity of OA. However, there was no significant correlation between oxidative markers of SF and the KL grade, WOMAC scores, and SF UCMA levels in OA patients. CONCLUSION There is a close connection between UCMA SF levels and symptomatic and radiographic severities of knee OA. Therefore, UCMA can be a promising biomarker in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of OA disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Malik Okuyan
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Hatay Vocational School of Health Services, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Menderes Yusuf Terzi
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Oguzhan Ozcan
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Aydiner Kalaci
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical Faculty, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
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Viegas C, Araújo N, Marreiros C, Simes D. The interplay between mineral metabolism, vascular calcification and inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): challenging old concepts with new facts. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:4274-4299. [PMID: 31241466 PMCID: PMC6628989 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most powerful predictors of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), with heightened susceptibility to vascular intimal and medial calcification associated with a high cardiovascular mortality. Abnormal mineral metabolism of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) and underlying (dys)regulated hormonal control in CKD-mineral and bone disorder (MBD) is often accompanied by bone loss and increased vascular calcification (VC). While VC is known to be a multifactorial process and a major risk factor for CVD, the view of primary triggers and molecular mechanisms complexity has been shifting with novel scientific knowledge over the last years. In this review we highlight the importance of calcium-phosphate (CaP) mineral crystals in VC with an integrated view over the complexity of CKD, while discuss past and recent literature aiming to highlight novel horizons on this major health burden. Exacerbated VC in CKD patients might result from several interconnected mechanisms involving abnormal mineral metabolism, dysregulation of endogenous calcification inhibitors and inflammatory pathways, which function in a feedback loop driving disease progression and cardiovascular outcomes. We propose that novel approaches targeting simultaneously VC and inflammation might represent valuable new prognostic tools and targets for therapeutics and management of cardiovascular risk in the CKD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
- GenoGla Diagnostics, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Nuna Araújo
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Catarina Marreiros
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Dina Simes
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
- GenoGla Diagnostics, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
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Seuffert F, Weidner D, Baum W, Schett G, Stock M. Upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix associated protein protects cartilage during inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:88. [PMID: 29720262 PMCID: PMC5932879 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ADAMTS aggrecanases play a major role in cartilage degeneration during degenerative and inflammatory arthritis. The cartilage-specific secreted protein Upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix associated protein (Ucma) has been shown to block ADAMTS-triggered aggrecanolysis in experimental osteoarthritis. Here we aimed to investigate whether and how Ucma may affect cartilage destruction and osteophyte formation in the context of inflammatory arthritis. Methods Ucma–ADAMTS5 protein interactions were studied using slot blot and solid phase binding assays. Chondrocyte cultures were stimulated with ADAMTS5 or IL-1β in the presence or absence of Ucma and aggrecanolysis was assessed by neoepitope formation. Arthritis was induced by transfer of K/BxN serum into wild-type (WT), Ucma-deficient and WT mice treated with recombinant Ucma. Cartilage proteoglycan loss and cartilage damage was assessed by safranin-O stain, aggrecanase-induced neoepitope formation and histomorphometry, respectively. Osteophytes were assessed by histomorphometry, micro-computed tomography, RNA in-situ hybridisation for collagen10a1 and osteocalcin, and staining for TRAP activity. Gene expression analyses were performed using real-time RT-PCR. Results Ucma physically interacted with ADAMTS5 and blocked its aggrecanase activity in chondrocyte cultures. Ucma was highly expressed in the articular cartilage and in osteophytes during arthritis. Ucma had no effect on inflammation and bone erosion. In contrast, Ucma-deficient mice developed significantly more severe cartilage proteoglycan loss and cartilage destruction. Conversely, treatment with Ucma inhibited cartilage degeneration in arthritis. Ucma effectively inhibited ADAMTS5-triggered or IL-1β-triggered aggrecanolysis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, osteophyte formation was reduced in Ucma-deficient mice. Conclusions These results indicate that Ucma inhibits aggrecanolysis by physical interaction with ADAMTS5 and protects from cartilage degeneration in inflammatory arthritis. Ucma therefore represents an interesting novel and specific target for preventing cartilage degradation in the context of inflammatory arthritis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1583-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Seuffert
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniela Weidner
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baum
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Stock
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Implication of a novel vitamin K dependent protein, GRP/Ucma in the pathophysiological conditions associated with vascular and soft tissue calcification, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and carcinoma. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 113:309-316. [PMID: 29499263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.02.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gla-rich protein (GRP) or unique cartilage matrix-associated protein (Ucma), the newest member of vitamin K dependent proteins, carries exceptionally high number of γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues which contributes to its outstanding capacity of binding with calcium in the extracellular environment indicating its potential role as a global calcium modulator. Recent studies demonstrated a critical function of GRP in the regulation of different pathophysiological conditions associated with vascular and soft tissue calcification including cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and skin and breast carcinomas. These findings established an important relationship between γ-carboxylation of GRP and calcification associated disease pathology suggesting a critical role of vitamin K in the pathophysiological features of various health disorders. This review for the first time summarizes all of the updated findings related to the functional activities of GRP in the pathogenesis of several diseases associated with vascular and soft tissue mineralization, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and carcinoma. The outcome of this review will improve the understanding about the role of GRP in the pathogenesis of tissue calcification and its associated health disorders, which should in turn lead to the design of clinical interventions to improve the condition of patients associated with these health disorders.
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Stock M, Menges S, Eitzinger N, Geßlein M, Botschner R, Wormser L, Distler A, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Dietel K, Distler J, Beyer C, Gelse K, Engelke K, Koenders MI, van den Berg W, von der Mark K, Schett G. A Dual Role of Upper Zone of Growth Plate and Cartilage Matrix-Associated Protein in Human and Mouse Osteoarthritic Cartilage: Inhibition of Aggrecanases and Promotion of Bone Turnover. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 69:1233-1245. [PMID: 28086000 DOI: 10.1002/art.40042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cartilage damage and subchondral bone changes are closely connected in osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, how these processes are interlinked is, to date, incompletely understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanistic role of a cartilage-derived protein, upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix-associated protein (UCMA), in osteoarthritis-related cartilage and bone changes. METHODS UCMA expression was assessed in healthy and osteoarthritic human and mouse cartilage. For analysis of cartilage and bone changes, osteoarthritis was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in wild-type (WT) and Ucma-deficient mice. UCMA-collagen interactions, the effect of UCMA on aggrecanase activity, and the impact of recombinant UCMA on osteoclast differentiation were studied in vitro. RESULTS UCMA was found to be overexpressed in human and mouse osteoarthritic cartilage. DMM-triggered cartilage changes, including increased structural damage, proteoglycan loss, and chondrocyte cell death, were aggravated in Ucma-deficient mice compared to WT littermates, thereby demonstrating the potential chondroprotective effects of UCMA. Moreover, UCMA inhibited ADAMTS-dependent aggrecanase activity and directly interacted with cartilage-specific collagen types. In contrast, osteoarthritis-related bone changes were significantly reduced in Ucma-deficient mice, showing less pronounced osteophyte formation and subchondral bone sclerosis. Mechanistically, UCMA directly promoted osteoclast differentiation in vitro. CONCLUSION UCMA appears to link cartilage with bone changes in osteoarthritis by supporting cartilage integrity as an endogenous inhibitor of aggrecanases while also promoting osteoclastogenesis and subchondral bone turnover. Thus, UCMA represents an important link between cartilage and bone in osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stock
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Menges
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicole Eitzinger
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Geßlein
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Renate Botschner
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Wormser
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alfiya Distler
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Katharina Dietel
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Distler
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Beyer
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kolja Gelse
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Engelke
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Georg Schett
- Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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12
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Cardeira J, Gavaia PJ, Fernández I, Cengiz IF, Moreira-Silva J, Oliveira JM, Reis RL, Cancela ML, Laizé V. Quantitative assessment of the regenerative and mineralogenic performances of the zebrafish caudal fin. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39191. [PMID: 27991522 PMCID: PMC5171864 DOI: 10.1038/srep39191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of zebrafish to fully regenerate its caudal fin has been explored to better understand the mechanisms underlying de novo bone formation and to develop screening methods towards the discovery of compounds with therapeutic potential. Quantifying caudal fin regeneration largely depends on successfully measuring new tissue formation through methods that require optimization and standardization. Here, we present an improved methodology to characterize and analyse overall caudal fin and bone regeneration in adult zebrafish. First, regenerated and mineralized areas are evaluated through broad, rapid and specific chronological and morphometric analysis in alizarin red stained fins. Then, following a more refined strategy, the intensity of the staining within a 2D longitudinal plane is determined through pixel intensity analysis, as an indicator of density or thickness/volume. The applicability of this methodology on live specimens, to reduce animal experimentation and provide a tool for in vivo tracking of the regenerative process, was successfully demonstrated. Finally, the methodology was validated on retinoic acid- and warfarin-treated specimens, and further confirmed by micro-computed tomography. Because it is easily implementable, accurate and does not require sophisticated equipment, the present methodology will certainly provide valuable technical standardization for research in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and skeletal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Cardeira
- ProRegeM PhD Programme, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal.,Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Gavaia
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ignacio Fernández
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ibrahim Fatih Cengiz
- 3B's Research Group, Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Avepark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Portugal
| | | | - Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Avepark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Avepark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Portugal
| | - M Leonor Cancela
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Vincent Laizé
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
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13
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Cavaco S, Viegas CSB, Rafael MS, Ramos A, Magalhães J, Blanco FJ, Vermeer C, Simes DC. Gla-rich protein is involved in the cross-talk between calcification and inflammation in osteoarthritis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:1051-65. [PMID: 26337479 PMCID: PMC11108449 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2033-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole-joint disease characterized by articular cartilage loss, tissue inflammation, abnormal bone formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization. Disease-modifying treatments are not yet available and a better understanding of osteoarthritis pathophysiology should lead to the discovery of more effective treatments. Gla-rich protein (GRP) has been proposed to act as a mineralization inhibitor and was recently shown to be associated with OA in vivo. Here, we further investigated the association of GRP with OA mineralization-inflammation processes. Using a synoviocyte and chondrocyte OA cell system, we showed that GRP expression was up-regulated following cell differentiation throughout ECM calcification, and that inflammatory stimulation with IL-1β results in an increased expression of COX2 and MMP13 and up-regulation of GRP. Importantly, while treatment of articular cells with γ-carboxylated GRP inhibited ECM calcification, treatment with either GRP or GRP-coated basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals resulted in the down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and mediators of inflammation, independently of its γ-carboxylation status. Our results strengthen the calcification inhibitory function of GRP and strongly suggest GRP as a novel anti-inflammatory agent, with potential beneficial effects on the main processes responsible for osteoarthritis progression. In conclusion, GRP is a strong candidate target to develop new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Cavaco
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Carla S B Viegas
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- GenoGla Diagnostics, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Marta S Rafael
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Acácio Ramos
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Algarve Medical Centre (CHAlgarve), Faro, Portugal
| | - Joana Magalhães
- Grupo de Bioingeniería Tisular y Terapia Celular (GBTTC-CHUAC), Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidad de A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J Blanco
- Grupo de Bioingeniería Tisular y Terapia Celular (GBTTC-CHUAC), Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidad de A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Cees Vermeer
- VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dina C Simes
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- GenoGla Diagnostics, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
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14
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Fazenda C, Conceição N, Cancela M. Transcription factors from Sox family regulate expression of zebrafish Gla-rich protein 2 gene. Gene 2015; 572:57-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Lee YJ, Park SY, Lee SJ, Boo YC, Choi JY, Kim JE. Ucma, a direct transcriptional target of Runx2 and Osterix, promotes osteoblast differentiation and nodule formation. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2015; 23:1421-31. [PMID: 25865393 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2015.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and Osterix (Osx) are the master transcription factors in bone formation. Nonetheless, genes acting downstream of both Runx2 and Osx have yet to be fully characterized. Here, we investigate the downstream targets of both Runx2 and Osx in osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA microarray analysis was conducted on calvarial RNA from wild-type, Runx2 heterozygous, Osx heterozygous, and Runx2/Osx double heterozygous embryos. Expression and transcriptional responses of the selected target gene were analyzed in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. RESULTS The expression of unique cartilage matrix-associated protein (Ucma) was decreased in Runx2/Osx double heterozygous embryos. In contrast, Ucma expression was increased in osteoblasts overexpressing both Runx2 and Osx. Ucma expression was initiated mid-way through osteoblast differentiation and continued throughout the differentiation process. Transcriptional activity of the Ucma promoter was increased upon transfection of the cells with both Runx2 and Osx. Runx2-and Osx-mediated activation of the Ucma promoter was directly regulated by Runx2-and/or Sp1-binding sites within its promoter. During osteoblast differentiation, the formation of mineralized nodules in Ucma-overexpressing stable clones occurred earlier and was more enhanced than that in the mock-transfected control. Mineralized nodule formation was strongly augmented in the cells cultured in a medium containing secretory Ucma proteins. CONCLUSION Ucma is a novel downstream gene regulated by both Runx2 and Osx and it stimulates osteoblast differentiation and nodule formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-J Lee
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - S-Y Park
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.
| | - S-J Lee
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Y C Boo
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - J-Y Choi
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - J-E Kim
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Viegas CSB, Rafael MS, Enriquez JL, Teixeira A, Vitorino R, Luís IM, Costa RM, Santos S, Cavaco S, Neves J, Macedo AL, Willems BAG, Vermeer C, Simes DC. Gla-rich protein acts as a calcification inhibitor in the human cardiovascular system. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 35:399-408. [PMID: 25538207 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.114.304823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vascular and valvular calcifications are pathological processes regulated by resident cells, and depending on a complex interplay between calcification promoters and inhibitors, resembling skeletal metabolism. Here, we study the role of the vitamin K-dependent Gla-rich protein (GRP) in vascular and valvular calcification processes. APPROACH AND RESULTS Immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that GRP expression and accumulation are upregulated with calcification simultaneously with osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP). Using conformation-specific antibodies, both γ-carboxylated GRP and undercarboxylated GRP species were found accumulated at the sites of mineral deposits, whereas undercarboxylated GRP was predominant in calcified aortic valve disease valvular interstitial cells. Mineral-bound GRP, MGP, and fetuin-A were identified by mass spectrometry. Using an ex vivo model of vascular calcification, γ-carboxylated GRP but not undercarboxylated GRP was shown to inhibit calcification and osteochondrogenic differentiation through α-smooth muscle actin upregulation and osteopontin downregulation. Immunoprecipitation assays showed that GRP is part of an MGP-fetuin-A complex at the sites of valvular calcification. Moreover, extracellular vesicles released from normal vascular smooth muscle cells are loaded with GRP, MGP, and fetuin-A, whereas under calcifying conditions, released extracellular vesicles show increased calcium loading and GRP and MGP depletion. CONCLUSIONS GRP is an inhibitor of vascular and valvular calcification involved in calcium homeostasis. Its function might be associated with prevention of calcium-induced signaling pathways and direct mineral binding to inhibit crystal formation/maturation. Our data show that GRP is a new player in mineralization competence of extracellular vesicles possibly associated with the fetuin-A-MGP calcification inhibitory system. GRP activity was found to be dependent on its γ-carboxylation status, with potential clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S B Viegas
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Marta S Rafael
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - José L Enriquez
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Alexandra Teixeira
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Rui Vitorino
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Inês M Luís
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Rúben M Costa
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Sofia Santos
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Sofia Cavaco
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - José Neves
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Anjos L Macedo
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Brecht A G Willems
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Cees Vermeer
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.)
| | - Dina C Simes
- From the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (C.S.B.V., M.S.R., I.M.L., R.M.C., S.S., S.C., D.C.S.), GenoGla Diagnostics (C.S.B.V., D.C.S.), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Department of Histopathology, Algarve Medical Centre, Faro, Portugal (J.L.E., A.T.); Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal (R.V.); Service of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Santa Cruz Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal (J.N.); UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal (A.L.M.); VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W., C.V.); and Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands (B.A.G.W.).
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Bertin A, Hanna P, Otarola G, Fritz A, Henriquez JP, Marcellini S. Cellular and molecular characterization of a novel primary osteoblast culture from the vertebrate model organism Xenopus tropicalis. Histochem Cell Biol 2014; 143:431-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-014-1289-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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18
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Richard N, Fernández I, Wulff T, Hamre K, Cancela L, Conceição LEC, Gavaia PJ. Dietary supplementation with vitamin k affects transcriptome and proteome of Senegalese sole, improving larval performance and quality. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 16:522-537. [PMID: 24792583 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-014-9571-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Nutritional factors strongly influence fish larval development and skeletogenesis, and may induce skeletal deformities. Vitamin K (VK) has been largely disregarded in aquaculture nutrition, despite its important roles in bone metabolism, in γ-carboxylation of Gla proteins, and in regulating gene expression through the pregnane X receptor (Pxr). Since the mechanisms mediating VK effects over skeletal development are poorly known, we investigated the effects of VK-supplementation on skeletal development in Senegalese sole larvae, aiming to identify molecular pathways involved. Larvae were fed live preys enriched with graded levels of phylloquinone (PK) (0, 50, and 250 mg kg(-1)) and survival rate, growth, VK contents, calcium content and incidence of skeletal deformities were determined, revealing an improvement of larval performance and decreasing the incidence of deformities in VK-supplemented groups. Comparative proteome analysis revealed a number of differentially expressed proteins between Control and Diet 250 associated with key biological processes including skin, muscle, and bone development. Expression analysis showed that genes encoding proteins related to the VK cycle (ggcx, vkor), VK nuclear receptor (pxr), and VK-dependent proteins (VKDPs; oc1 and grp), were differentially expressed. This study highlights the potential benefits of increasing dietary VK levels in larval diets, and brings new insights on the mechanisms mediating the positive effects observed on larval performance and skeletal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Richard
- CCMAR-CIMAR L.A., Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
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19
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Rafael MS, Cavaco S, Viegas CSB, Santos S, Ramos A, Willems BAG, Herfs M, Theuwissen E, Vermeer C, Simes DC. Insights into the association of Gla-rich protein and osteoarthritis, novel splice variants and γ-carboxylation status. Mol Nutr Food Res 2014; 58:1636-46. [PMID: 24867294 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a vitamin K dependent protein, characterized by a high density of γ-carboxylated Glu residues, shown to accumulate in mouse and sturgeon cartilage and at sites of skin and vascular calcification in humans. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of GRP in pathological calcification in osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS AND RESULTS Comparative analysis of GRP patterning at transcriptional and translational levels was performed between controls and OA patients. Using a RT-PCR strategy we unveiled two novel splice variants in human-GRP-F5 and F6-potentially characterized by the loss of full γ-carboxylation and secretion functional motifs. GRP-F1 is shown to be the predominant splice variant expressed in mouse and human adult tissues, particularly in OA cartilage, while an overexpressing human cell model points it as the major γ-carboxylated isoform. Using validated conformational antibodies detecting carboxylated or undercarboxylated GRP (c/uc GRP), we have demonstrated cGRP accumulation in controls, whereas ucGRP was the predominant form in OA-affected tissues, colocalizing at sites of ectopic calcification. CONCLUSION Overall, our results indicate the predominance of GRP-F1, and a clear association of ucGRP with OA cartilage and synovial membrane. Levels of vitamin K should be further assessed in these patients to determine its potential therapeutic use as a supplement in OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta S Rafael
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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20
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Gla-rich protein is a potential new vitamin K target in cancer: evidences for a direct GRP-mineral interaction. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:340216. [PMID: 24949434 PMCID: PMC4052551 DOI: 10.1155/2014/340216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gla-rich protein (GRP) was described in sturgeon as a new vitamin-K-dependent protein (VKDP) with a high density of Gla residues and associated with ectopic calcifications in humans. Although VKDPs function has been related with γ-carboxylation, the Gla status of GRP in humans is still unknown. Here, we investigated the expression of recently identified GRP spliced transcripts, the γ-carboxylation status, and its association with ectopic calcifications, in skin basal cell and breast carcinomas. GRP-F1 was identified as the predominant splice variant expressed in healthy and cancer tissues. Patterns of γ-carboxylated GRP (cGRP)/undercarboxylated GRP (ucGRP) accumulation in healthy and cancer tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry, using newly developed conformation-specific antibodies. Both GRP protein forms were found colocalized in healthy tissues, while ucGRP was the predominant form associated with tumor cells. Both cGRP and ucGRP found at sites of microcalcifications were shown to have in vitro calcium mineral-binding capacity. The decreased levels of cGRP and predominance of ucGRP in tumor cells suggest that GRP may represent a new target for the anticancer potential of vitamin K. Also, the direct interaction of cGRP and ucGRP with BCP crystals provides a possible mechanism explaining GRP association with pathological mineralization.
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21
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Willems BAG, Vermeer C, Reutelingsperger CPM, Schurgers LJ. The realm of vitamin K dependent proteins: shifting from coagulation toward calcification. Mol Nutr Food Res 2014; 58:1620-35. [PMID: 24668744 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the past few decades vitamin K has emerged from a single-function "haemostasis vitamin" to a "multi-function vitamin." The use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) inevitably showed that the inhibition was not restricted to vitamin K dependent coagulation factors but also synthesis of functional extrahepatic vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDPs), thereby eliciting undesired side effects. Vascular calcification is one of the recently revealed detrimental effects of VKA. The discovery that VKDPs are involved in vascular calcification has propelled our mechanistic understanding of this process and has opened novel avenues for diagnosis and treatment. This review addresses mechanisms of VKDPs and their significance for physiological and pathological calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brecht A G Willems
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; VitaK BV, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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22
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Gao J, Zhang N, Ruan J. Prediction of protein modification sites of gamma-carboxylation using position specific scoring matrices based evolutionary information. Comput Biol Chem 2013; 47:215-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Azuma K, Ouchi Y, Inoue S. Vitamin K: novel molecular mechanisms of action and its roles in osteoporosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14:1-7. [PMID: 23530597 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is involved in blood coagulation mediated by maintaining the activity of coagulation factors in the liver. Vitamin K also has extrahepatic actions and has been shown to prevent bone fractures in clinical studies. In addition, epidemiological studies suggest that a lack of vitamin K is associated with several geriatric diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, dementia and arteriosclerosis. It has also been shown that vitamin K contributes to the prevention and treatment of some kinds of malignancies. Recently, we discovered a novel role for vitamin K as a ligand of the nuclear receptor, steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR), and its murine ortholog, pregnane X receptor (PXR). In addition to its established roles as a cofactor of γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) in mediating post-transcriptional modifications, vitamin K has a different mode of action mediated by transcriptional regulation of SXR/PXR target genes. Analysis of bone tissue from PXR-deficient mice showed that the bone protective effects of vitamin K are partially mediated by SXR/PXR-dependent signaling. The discoveries of a novel mode of vitamin K action have opened up new possibilities that vitamin K might be useful for prevention or treatment of a variety of diseases that affect the geriatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Azuma
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Anti-Aging Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Zhang N, Li BQ, Gao S, Ruan JS, Cai YD. Computational prediction and analysis of protein γ-carboxylation sites based on a random forest method. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2012; 8:2946-55. [PMID: 22918520 DOI: 10.1039/c2mb25185j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The glutamate γ-carboxylation plays a pivotal part in a number of important human diseases. However, traditional protein γ-carboxylation site detection by experimental approaches are often laborious and time-consuming. In this study, we initiated an attempt for the computational prediction of protein γ-carboxylation sites. We developed a new method for predicting the γ-carboxylation sites based on a Random Forest method. As a result, 90.44% accuracy and 0.7739 MCC value were obtained for the training dataset, and 89.83% accuracy and 0.7448 MCC value for the testing dataset. Our method considered several features including sequence conservation, residual disorder, secondary structures, solvent accessibility, physicochemical/biochemical properties and amino acid occurrence frequencies. By means of the feature selection algorithm, an optimal set of 327 features were selected; these features were considered as the ones that contributed significantly to the prediction of protein γ-carboxylation sites. Analysis of the optimal feature set indicated several important factors in determining the γ-carboxylation and a possible consensus sequence of the γ-carboxylation recognition site (γ-CRS) was suggested. These may shed some light on the in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of γ-carboxylation, providing guidelines for experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Tianjin University, Tianjin Key Lab of BME Measurement, Tianjin, 300072, PR China
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25
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Abstract
A novel γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla)-containing protein, named Gla-rich protein (GRP) after its high content in Gla residues or upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix associated protein after its preferential expression by cartilage chondrocyte, was recently identified in sturgeon, mice, and humans through independent studies. GRP is the most densely γ-carboxylated protein identified to date and its structure has been remarkably conserved throughout vertebrate evolution but is apparently absent from bird genomes. Several transcript and genomic variants affecting key protein features or regulatory elements were described and 2 paralogs were identified in the teleost fish genome. In the skeleton, most relevant levels of GRP gene expression were observed in cartilaginous tissues and associated with chondrocytes, suggesting a role in chondrogenesis. But GRP expression was also detected in bone cells, indicative of a more widespread role for the protein throughout skeletal formation. Although the molecular function of GRP is yet unknown, the high content of Gla residues and its accumulation at sites of pathological calcification in different human pathologies affecting skin or the vascular system and in breast cancer tumors suggest that GRP may function as a modulator of calcium availability. Because of its association with fibrillar collagens, GRP could also be involved in the organization and/or stabilization of cartilage matrix. Although transgenic mice did not reveal obvious phenotypic alterations in skeletal development or structure, zebrafish morphants lack craniofacial cartilage and exhibit limited calcification, suggesting a role for GRP during skeletal development, but additional functional data are required to understand its function.
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Eitzinger N, Surmann-Schmitt C, Bösl M, Schett G, Engelke K, Hess A, von der Mark K, Stock M. Ucma is not necessary for normal development of the mouse skeleton. Bone 2012; 50:670-80. [PMID: 22155508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2011.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ucma (Upper zone of growth plate and Cartilage Matrix Associated protein) is a highly conserved tyrosine-sulphated secreted protein of Mw 17 kDa, which is expressed by juvenile chondrocytes. To evaluate the physiological function of this novel cartilage protein, we generated a Ucma-deficient mouse strain by introducing a lacZ/neoR-cassette into the first exon of the Ucma gene. This mutation results in the complete loss of Ucma mRNA and protein expression. Surprisingly, however, although previous in vitro studies implied a role for Ucma in calcification and ossification, these processes were not affected in Ucma-deficient mice during normal development. Likewise, cartilage development was normal. While in previous works Ucma was mainly detected in the cartilage of embryonic and young mice, we detected Ucma expression also in the adult cartilage of the ribs using the lacZ cassette under the control of the Ucma promoter. Moreover, Ucma protein was specifically detected in adult growth plate cartilage by immunohistochemistry. Considering that skeletal development in Ucma-deficient mice is not significantly impaired, protein expression in adult cartilage indicates that Ucma might be involved in skeletal homeostasis and in the mechanical properties of the skeleton during challenging conditions such as ageing or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Eitzinger
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Centre of Molecular Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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