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Sao K, Risbud MV. Proteoglycan Dysfunction: A Common Link Between Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Skeletal Dysplasia. Neurospine 2024; 21:162-178. [PMID: 38569642 PMCID: PMC10992626 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2347342.671] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteoglycans through their sulfated glycosaminoglycans regulate cell-matrix signaling during tissue development, regeneration, and degeneration processes. Large extracellular proteoglycans such as aggrecan, versican, and perlecan are especially important for the structural integrity of the intervertebral disc and cartilage during development. In these tissues, proteoglycans are responsible for hydration, joint flexibility, and the absorption of mechanical loads. Loss or reduction of these molecules can lead to disc degeneration and skeletal dysplasia, evident from loss of disc height or defects in skeletal development respectively. In this review, we discuss the common proteoglycans found in the disc and cartilage and elaborate on various murine models and skeletal dysplasias in humans to highlight how their absence and/or aberrant expression causes accelerated disc degeneration and developmental defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimheak Sao
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Makarand V. Risbud
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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2
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Ruiz-Rodríguez MJ, Oller J, Martínez-Martínez S, Alarcón-Ruiz I, Toral M, Sun Y, Colmenar Á, Méndez-Olivares MJ, López-Maderuelo D, Kern CB, Nistal JF, Evangelista A, Teixido-Tura G, Campanero MR, Redondo JM. Versican accumulation drives Nos2 induction and aortic disease in Marfan syndrome via Akt activation. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:132-157. [PMID: 38177536 PMCID: PMC10897446 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-023-00009-7] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening condition associated with Marfan syndrome (MFS), a disease caused by fibrillin-1 gene mutations. While various conditions causing TAAD exhibit aortic accumulation of the proteoglycans versican (Vcan) and aggrecan (Acan), it is unclear whether these ECM proteins are involved in aortic disease. Here, we find that Vcan, but not Acan, accumulated in Fbn1C1041G/+ aortas, a mouse model of MFS. Vcan haploinsufficiency protected MFS mice against aortic dilation, and its silencing reverted aortic disease by reducing Nos2 protein expression. Our results suggest that Acan is not an essential contributor to MFS aortopathy. We further demonstrate that Vcan triggers Akt activation and that pharmacological Akt pathway inhibition rapidly regresses aortic dilation and Nos2 expression in MFS mice. Analysis of aortic tissue from MFS human patients revealed accumulation of VCAN and elevated pAKT-S473 staining. Together, these findings reveal that Vcan plays a causative role in MFS aortic disease in vivo by inducing Nos2 via Akt activation and identify Akt signaling pathway components as candidate therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jesús Ruiz-Rodríguez
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Oller
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Vascular Pathology, Hospital IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Martínez-Martínez
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Alarcón-Ruiz
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Toral
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yilin Sun
- Cell-Cell Communication & Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Ángel Colmenar
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Méndez-Olivares
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores López-Maderuelo
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine B Kern
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - J Francisco Nistal
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, 39005, Spain
| | | | - Gisela Teixido-Tura
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Barcelona, 08035, Spain
| | - Miguel R Campanero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.
- Cell-Cell Communication & Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
| | - Juan Miguel Redondo
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.
- Cell-Cell Communication & Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
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3
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Korcari A, Nichols AEC, Buckley MR, Loiselle AE. Scleraxis-lineage cells are required for tendon homeostasis and their depletion induces an accelerated extracellular matrix aging phenotype. eLife 2023; 12:e84194. [PMID: 36656751 PMCID: PMC9908079 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aged tendons have disrupted homeostasis, increased injury risk, and impaired healing capacity. Understanding mechanisms of homeostatic disruption is crucial for developing therapeutics to retain tendon health through the lifespan. Here, we developed a novel model of accelerated tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) aging via depletion of Scleraxis-lineage cells in young mice (Scx-DTR). Scx-DTR recapitulates many aspects of tendon aging including comparable declines in cellularity, alterations in ECM structure, organization, and composition. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated a conserved decline in tenocytes associated with ECM biosynthesis in aged and Scx-DTR tendons, identifying the requirement for Scleraxis-lineage cells during homeostasis. However, the remaining cells in aged and Scx-DTR tendons demonstrate functional divergence. Aged tenocytes become pro-inflammatory and lose proteostasis. In contrast, tenocytes from Scx-DTR tendons demonstrate enhanced remodeling capacity. Collectively, this study defines Scx-DTR as a novel model of accelerated tendon ECM aging and identifies novel biological intervention points to maintain tendon function through the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonion Korcari
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of RochesterRochesterUnited States
| | - Anne EC Nichols
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Mark R Buckley
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of RochesterRochesterUnited States
| | - Alayna E Loiselle
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of RochesterRochesterUnited States
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Empere M, Wang X, Prein C, Aspberg A, Moser M, Oohashi T, Clausen-Schaumann H, Aszodi A, Alberton P. Aggrecan governs intervertebral discs development by providing critical mechanical cues of the extracellular matrix. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1128587. [PMID: 36937743 PMCID: PMC10017878 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1128587] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggrecan (ACAN) is localized in the intervertebral disc (IVD) in unique compartment-specific patterns where it contributes to the tissue structure and mechanical function together with collagens. The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the IVD undergoes degenerative changes during aging, misuse or trauma, which inevitably alter the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the tissue. A deeper understanding of these processes can be achieved in genetically engineered mouse models, taking into account the multifaceted aspects of IVD development. In this study, we generated aggrecan insertion mutant mice (Acan iE5/iE5 ) by interrupting exon 5 coding for the G1 domain of ACAN, and analyzed the morphological and mechanical properties of the different IVD compartments during embryonic development. Western blotting using an antibody against the total core protein failed to detect ACAN in cartilage extracts, whereas immunohistochemistry by a G1-specific antibody showed weak signals in vertebral tissues of Acan iE5/iE5 mice. Homozygous mutant mice are perinatally lethal and characterized by short snout, cleft palate and disproportionate dwarfism. Whole-mount skeletal staining and µ-CT analysis of Acan iE5/iE5 mice at embryonic day 18.5 revealed compressed vertebral bodies with accelerated mineralization compared to wild type controls. In Acan iE5/iE5 mice, histochemical staining revealed collapsed extracellular matrix with negligible sulfated glycosaminoglycan content accompanied by a high cellular density. Collagen type II deposition was not impaired in the IVD of Acan iE5/iE5 mice, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Mutant mice developed a severe IVD phenotype with deformed nucleus pulposus and thinned cartilaginous endplates accompanied by a disrupted growth plate structure in the vertebral body. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging demonstrated a denser collagen network with thinner fibrils in the mutant IVD zones compared to wild type. Nanoscale AFM indentation revealed bimodal stiffness distribution attributable to the softer proteoglycan moiety and harder collagenous fibrils of the wild type IVD ECM. In Acan iE5/iE5 mice, loss of aggrecan resulted in a marked shift of the Young's modulus to higher values in all IVD zones. In conclusion, we demonstrated that aggrecan is pivotal for the determination and maintenance of the proper stiffness of IVD and vertebral tissues, which in turn could play an essential role in providing developmental biomechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Empere
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Xujia Wang
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Carina Prein
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Anders Aspberg
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Markus Moser
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Max Planck Society, Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Toshitaka Oohashi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hauke Clausen-Schaumann
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Attila Aszodi
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Paolo Alberton
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Paolo Alberton,
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Hou Y, Xu Y, Fu D, Ren Z, Tao Y, Zhao H. Quantitative proteomic analysis of nonsyndromic orofacial cleft patient serum. Oral Dis 2023; 29:206-210. [PMID: 34170602 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Orthodontics, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yizhu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Orthodontics, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Danrong Fu
- Department of Stomatology, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhanping Ren
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongwei Tao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huaxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Orthodontics, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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6
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Johnston SN, Madhu V, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. Conditional Deletion of HIF-2α in Mouse Nucleus Pulposus Reduces Fibrosis and Provides Mild and Transient Protection From Age-Dependent Structural Changes in Intervertebral Disc. J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:2512-2530. [PMID: 36117450 PMCID: PMC9772060 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are critical to the development and homeostasis of hypoxic tissues. Although HIF-2α, one of the main HIF-α isoforms, is expressed in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, its functions remain unknown. We deleted HIF-2α in the NP tissue using a notochord-specific FoxA2Cre allele to study HIF-2α function in the adult intervertebral disc. Unlike observations in HIF-1αcKO mice, fate mapping studies using Rosa26-mTmG reporter showed that HIF-2α loss in NP did not negatively impact cell survival or affect compartment development. Rather, loss of HIF-2α resulted in slightly better attributes of NP morphology in 14-month-old HIF-2αcKO mice as evident from lower scores of degeneration. These 14-month-old HIF-2αcKO mice also exhibited significant reduction in NP tissue fibrosis and lower collagen turnover in the annulus fibrosis (AF) compartment. Imaging-Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) analyses showed decreased collagen and protein content in the NP and maintained chondroitin sulfate levels in 14-month-old HIF-2αcKO . Mechanistically, global transcriptomic analysis showed enrichment of differentially expressed genes with Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to metabolic processes and cell development, molecular functions concerned with histone and protein binding, and associated pathways, including oxidative stress. Noteworthy, these morphological differences were not apparent in 24-month-old HIF-2αcKO , indicating that aging is the dominant factor in governing disc health. Together these data suggest that loss of HIF-2α in the NP compartment is not detrimental to the intervertebral disc development but rather mitigates NP tissue fibrosis and offers mild but transient protection from age-dependent early degenerative changes. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira N. Johnston
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Vedavathi Madhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Irving M. Shapiro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Makarand V. Risbud
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
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7
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Dinesh NEH, Campeau PM, Reinhardt DP. Fibronectin isoforms in skeletal development and associated disorders. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C536-C549. [PMID: 35759430 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00226.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is an intricate and essential network of proteins and non-proteinaceous components that provide a conducive microenvironment for cells to regulate cell function, differentiation, and survival. Fibronectin is one key component in the extracellular matrix that participates in determining cell fate and function crucial for normal vertebrate development. Fibronectin undergoes time dependent expression patterns during stem cell differentiation, providing a unique stem cell niche. Mutations in fibronectin have been recently identified to cause a rare form of skeletal dysplasia with scoliosis and abnormal growth plates. Even though fibronectin has been extensively analyzed in developmental processes, the functional role and importance of this protein and its various isoforms in skeletal development remains less understood. This review attempts to provide a concise and critical overview of the role of fibronectin isoforms in cartilage and bone physiology and associated pathologies. This will facilitate a better understanding of the possible mechanisms through which fibronectin exerts its regulatory role on cellular differentiation during skeletal development. The review discusses the consequences of mutations in fibronectin leading to corner fracture type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia and presents a new outlook towards matrix-mediated molecular pathways in relation to therapeutic and clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha E H Dinesh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Dieter P Reinhardt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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8
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Tang SN, Walter BA, Heimann MK, Gantt CC, Khan SN, Kokiko-Cochran ON, Askwith CC, Purmessur D. In vivo Mouse Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Models and Their Utility as Translational Models of Clinical Discogenic Back Pain: A Comparative Review. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:894651. [PMID: 35812017 PMCID: PMC9261914 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.894651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and studies have demonstrated intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration as a major risk factor. While many in vitro models have been developed and used to study IVD pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies, the etiology of IVD degeneration is a complex multifactorial process involving crosstalk of nearby tissues and systemic effects. Thus, the use of appropriate in vivo models is necessary to fully understand the associated molecular, structural, and functional changes and how they relate to pain. Mouse models have been widely adopted due to accessibility and ease of genetic manipulation compared to other animal models. Despite their small size, mice lumbar discs demonstrate significant similarities to the human IVD in terms of geometry, structure, and mechanical properties. While several different mouse models of IVD degeneration exist, greater standardization of the methods for inducing degeneration and the development of a consistent set of output measurements could allow mouse models to become a stronger tool for clinical translation. This article reviews current mouse models of IVD degeneration in the context of clinical translation and highlights a critical set of output measurements for studying disease pathology or screening regenerative therapies with an emphasis on pain phenotyping. First, we summarized and categorized these models into genetic, age-related, and mechanically induced. Then, the outcome parameters assessed in these models are compared including, molecular, cellular, functional/structural, and pain assessments for both evoked and spontaneous pain. These comparisons highlight a set of potential key parameters that can be used to validate the model and inform its utility to screen potential therapies for IVD degeneration and their translation to the human condition. As treatment of symptomatic pain is important, this review provides an emphasis on critical pain-like behavior assessments in mice and explores current behavioral assessments relevant to discogenic back pain. Overall, the specific research question was determined to be essential to identify the relevant model with histological staining, imaging, extracellular matrix composition, mechanics, and pain as critical parameters for assessing degeneration and regenerative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley N. Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Benjamin A. Walter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mary K. Heimann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Connor C. Gantt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Safdar N. Khan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Olga N. Kokiko-Cochran
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Candice C. Askwith
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Devina Purmessur ;
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9
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Two Modulators of Skeletal Development: BMPs and Proteoglycans. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10020015. [PMID: 35466193 PMCID: PMC9036252 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryogenesis, skeletal development is tightly regulated by locally secreted growth factors that interact with proteoglycans (PGs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional growth factors that play critical roles in cartilage maturation and bone formation. BMP signals are transduced from plasma membrane receptors to the nucleus through both canonical Smad and noncanonical p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. BMP signalling is modulated by a variety of endogenous and exogenous molecular mechanisms at different spatiotemporal levels and in both positive and negative manners. As an endogenous example, BMPs undergo extracellular regulation by PGs, which generally regulate the efficiency of ligand-receptor binding. BMP signalling can also be exogenously perturbed by a group of small molecule antagonists, such as dorsomorphin and its derivatives, that selectively bind to and inhibit the intracellular kinase domain of BMP type I receptors. In this review, we present a current understanding of BMPs and PGs functions in cartilage maturation and osteoblast differentiation, highlighting BMP–PG interactions. We also discuss the identification of highly selective small-molecule BMP receptor type I inhibitors. This review aims to shed light on the importance of BMP signalling and PGs in cartilage maturation and bone formation.
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10
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Ligorio C, Hoyland JA, Saiani A. Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels as Functional Tools to Tackle Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Gels 2022; 8:gels8040211. [PMID: 35448112 PMCID: PMC9028266 DOI: 10.3390/gels8040211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP), caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, is a major contributor to global disability. In its healthy state, the IVD is a tough and well-hydrated tissue, able to act as a shock absorber along the spine. During degeneration, the IVD is hit by a cell-driven cascade of events, which progressively lead to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, chronic inflammation, and pain. Current treatments are divided into palliative care (early stage degeneration) and surgical interventions (late-stage degeneration), which are invasive and poorly efficient in the long term. To overcome these limitations, alternative tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies, in which soft biomaterials are used as injectable carriers of cells and/or biomolecules to be delivered to the injury site and restore tissue function, are currently being explored. Self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) represent a promising class of de novo synthetic biomaterials able to merge the strengths of both natural and synthetic hydrogels for biomedical applications. Inherent features, such as shear-thinning behaviour, high biocompatibility, ECM biomimicry, and tuneable physiochemical properties make these hydrogels appropriate and functional tools to tackle IVD degeneration. This review will describe the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration, list biomaterials requirements to attempt IVD repair, and focus on current peptide hydrogel materials exploited for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Ligorio
- Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 3BB, UK;
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PG, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Judith A. Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PG, UK;
| | - Alberto Saiani
- Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 3BB, UK;
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
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Schmidt S, Holzer M, Arendt T, Sonntag M, Morawski M. Tau Protein Modulates Perineuronal Extracellular Matrix Expression in the TauP301L-acan Mouse Model. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040505. [PMID: 35454094 PMCID: PMC9027016 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau mutations promote the formation of tau oligomers and filaments, which are neuropathological signs of several tau-associated dementias. Types of neurons in the CNS are spared of tau pathology and are surrounded by a specialized form of extracellular matrix; called perineuronal nets (PNs). Aggrecan, the major PN proteoglycans, is suggested to mediate PNs neuroprotective function by forming an external shield preventing the internalization of misfolded tau. We recently demonstrated a correlation between aggrecan amount and the expression and phosphorylation of tau in a TauP310L-acan mouse model, generated by crossbreeding heterozygous aggrecan mice with a significant reduction of aggrecan and homozygous TauP301L mice. Neurodegenerative processes have been associated with changes of PN structure and protein signature. In this study, we hypothesized that the structure and protein expression of PNs in this TauP310L-acan mouse is regulated by tau. Immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses demonstrate that protein levels of PN components differ between TauP301LHET-acanWT and TauP301LHET-acanHET mice, accompanied by changes in the expression of protein phosphatase 2 A. In addition, tau can modulate PN components such as brevican. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed a physical connection between PN components and tau. These data demonstrate a complex, mutual interrelation of tau and the proteoglycans of the PN.
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12
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Yin LP, Zheng HX, Zhu H. Short stature associated with a novel mutation in the aggrecan gene: A case report and literature review. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:2811-2817. [PMID: 35434101 PMCID: PMC8968812 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i9.2811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the aggrecan (ACAN) gene are identified in patients with: spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type; short stature with advanced bone age (BA); in the presence or absence of heterozygous ACAN mutation-induced early-onset osteoarthritis and/or osteochondritis dissecans; and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, ACAN type. Heterozygous mutations contribute to spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type (MIM#608361), which is a milder skeletal dysplasia. In contrast, homozygous mutations cause a critical skeletal dysplasia, which is called spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, ACAN type (MIM#612813). Lately, investigations on exome and genome sequencing have shown that ACAN mutations can also lead to idiopathic short stature with or without an advanced BA, in the presence or absence of early-onset osteoarthritis and/or osteochondritis dissecans (MIM#165800). We herein reported a heterozygous defect of ACAN in a family with autosomal dominant short stature, BA acceleration, and premature growth cessation.
CASE SUMMARY A 2-year-old male patient visited us due to growth retardation. The patient presented symmetrical short stature (height 79 cm, < -2 SD) without facial features and other congenital abnormalities. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant c. 871C>T (p. Gln291*) of ACAN, which was not yet reported in cases of short stature. This mutation was also detected in his father and paternal grandmother. According to the Human Gene Mutation Database, 67 ACAN mutations are registered. Most of these mutations are genetically inheritable, and very few children with short stature are associated with ACAN mutations. To date, heterozygous ACAN mutations have been reported in approximately 40 families worldwide, including a few individuals with a decelerated BA.
CONCLUSION Heterozygous c. 871C>T (p. Gln291*) variation of the ACAN gene was the disease-causing variant in this family. Collectively, our newly discovered mutation expanded the spectrum of ACAN gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Yin
- Department of Paediatrics, The First People’s Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong-Xue Zheng
- Department of Paediatrics, The First People’s Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Paediatrics, The First People’s Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
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13
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Peng Y, Qing X, Shu H, Tian S, Yang W, Chen S, Lin H, Lv X, Zhao L, Chen X, Pu F, Huang D, Cao X, Shao Z, Yp, Zs, Xc, Yp, Yp, Xq, Hs, St, Wy, Yp, Xq, Hs, St, Hl, Xl, Lz, Xc, Fp, Sc, Yp, Xq, Hs, St, Yp, Xq, Wy, Hl, Xl, Lz, Xc, Fp, Sc, Hdh, Wy, Hl, Xl, Lz, Xc, Fp, Sc, Hdh, Zs, Xc. Proper animal experimental designs for preclinical research of biomaterials for intervertebral disc regeneration. BIOMATERIALS TRANSLATIONAL 2021; 2:91-142. [PMID: 35836965 PMCID: PMC9255780 DOI: 10.12336/biomatertransl.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain is a vital musculoskeletal disease that impairs life quality, leads to disability and imposes heavy economic burden on the society, while it is greatly attributed to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the existing treatments, such as medicines, chiropractic adjustments and surgery, cannot achieve ideal disc regeneration. Therefore, advanced bioactive therapies are implemented, including stem cells delivery, bioreagents administration, and implantation of biomaterials etc. Among these researches, few reported unsatisfying regenerative outcomes. However, these advanced therapies have barely achieved successful clinical translation. The main reason for the inconsistency between satisfying preclinical results and poor clinical translation may largely rely on the animal models that cannot actually simulate the human disc degeneration. The inappropriate animal model also leads to difficulties in comparing the efficacies among biomaterials in different reaches. Therefore, animal models that better simulate the clinical charateristics of human IDD should be acknowledged. In addition, in vivo regenerative outcomes should be carefully evaluated to obtain robust results. Nevertheless, many researches neglect certain critical characteristics, such as adhesive properties for biomaterials blocking annulus fibrosus defects and hyperalgesia that is closely related to the clinical manifestations, e.g., low back pain. Herein, in this review, we summarized the animal models established for IDD, and highlighted the proper models and parameters that may result in acknowledged IDD models. Then, we discussed the existing biomaterials for disc regeneration and the characteristics that should be considered for regenerating different parts of discs. Finally, well-established assays and parameters for in vivo disc regeneration are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhong Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangcheng Qing
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hongyang Shu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China,Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shuo Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenbo Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Songfeng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiao Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Feifei Pu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Donghua Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA,Corresponding authors: Zengwu Shao, ; Xu Cao,
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China,Corresponding authors: Zengwu Shao, ; Xu Cao,
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14
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Xia D, Yan M, Yin X, Hu W, Zhang C, Hu B, Ge T, Wu X, Xiao J, Gao L, Liu J, Tan J. A Novel Rat Tail Needle Minimally Invasive Puncture Model Using Three-Dimensional Printing for Disk Degeneration and Progressive Osteogenesis Research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:587399. [PMID: 34150742 PMCID: PMC8209544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.587399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies focused on the annulus fibrosus (AF) injury in rodent tail model for the intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) research. However, previous studies caused tremendous injury of intervertebral disk (IVD) by penetrating whole disk. This study aimed to build a progressive IDD rodent tail model by a novel device for precise and minimally invasive puncture in AF. A precise puncture device was customized by 3D Printing Technique. 40 rodent tail IVDs were randomly grouped as follows: group A, non-puncture; group B, annulus needle puncture (ANP) for 4 week; group C, ANP for 8 week; and group D, ANP for 12 week. Pre- and post-puncture IVD height on radiographs and IVD signal intensity on T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were measured. Average bone density (ABD) on the end of coccygeal vertebrae between punctured disk was measured on the radiographs. Hematoxylin and eosin, TUNEL staining methods, immunofluorescence for cleaved-caspas3 and immunohistochemistry for aggrecan and collagen II were performed. Progressively and significantly increasing IVD height loss and degenerative grade were observed following the time points. The ABD was respectively, 81.20 ± 4.63 in group A, 83.93±3.18 in group B, 92.65 ± 4.32 in group C, 98.87 ± 6.69 in group D. In both group C and group D, there were significant differences with group A. In histology, increasing number of AF cells was noted in group B. In both group C and D, the fissures in AF were obviously observed, and a marked reduction of AF cells were also observed. In all ANP groups, there were significant decrease in number of NP cells, as well as aggrecan and collagen II contents. TUNEL assay showed cellular apoptosis were stimulated in all puncture group, especially in group D. A progressive IDD rat model could be standardly established by the micro-injury IVD puncture using a novel 3D printing device. This animal model provided a potential application for research of progressive hyperosteogeny following IDD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Meijun Yan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Baiwen Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Ting Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jin Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Liang Gao
- Center for Clinical Medicine, Hua Tuo Institute of Medical Innovation (HTIMI), Wuhan, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Basso RM, Andrade DGA, Alves CEF, Laufer-Amorim R, Borges AS, Oliveira-Filho JP. Aggrecan, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α profiles in the Articular Cartilage of Miniature Horses with Chondrodysplastic Dwarfism. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 103:103643. [PMID: 34281639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103643] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dwarfism is a skeletal disorder that causes abnormal growth. In Miniature horses, dwarfism can occur as chondrodysplastic dwarfism, an autosomal recessive disorder associated with five mutations (D1, D2, D3*, D4 and c.6465A > T variant) in the aggrecan (ACAN) gene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of aggrecan (at the gene and protein level) and specific cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the articular cartilage of Miniature horses with chondrodysplastic dwarfism (D4/c.6465A > T genotype). Metatarsal bone samples from eight dwarf Miniature horses were collected for histopathological analysis, and articular cartilage was collected to detect and quantify aggrecan levels through Western blotting and determine the relative expression levels of ACAN, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α through qPCR. All affected animals presented chondrodysplasia-like lesions with disorganization of the chondrocyte layers and reduced the amount of an extracellular matrix. No significant difference in aggrecan expression levels in uncleaved samples from the dwarf and control groups (composed of phenotypically normal animals of similar age and breed (P = .7143)) was found using Western blotting. qPCR revealed that ACAN gene expression was higher in the affected animals than in normal animals (P = .0119). No significant difference in cytokine levels was detected between the groups. Mutant aggrecan may interfere with normal cellular function, leading to chondrodysplasia and the observed phenotypic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta M Basso
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Danilo G A Andrade
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Carlos E F Alves
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Renée Laufer-Amorim
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S Borges
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Jose P Oliveira-Filho
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil.
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16
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Kim TY, Jang KM, Keum CW, Oh SH, Chung WY. Identification of a heterozygous ACAN mutation in a 15-year-old boy with short stature who presented with advanced bone age: a case report and review of the literature. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2020; 25:272-276. [PMID: 32871652 PMCID: PMC7788345 DOI: 10.6065/apem.1938198.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal bone growth is primarily mediated by the growth plate, which is a specialized cartilaginous structure. Aggrecan, encoded by ACAN, is a primary proteoglycan component of the extracellular matrix in both the growth plate and articular cartilage. Aggrecanopathies have emerged as a phenotype of genetic skeletal disease in humans. A heterozygous ACAN mutation causes short stature, premature growth cessation, and accelerated bone age maturation. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy with familial short stature, with height of 149 cm (Korean standard deviation score [SDS] of -3.6) and weight of 50.5 kg (-1.48 SDS). He presented with mild midfacial hypoplasia, frontal bossing, a broad chest, and a short neck. The father's and mother's heights were 150 cm (-4.8 SDS) and 153 cm (-1.69 SDS), respectively. The patient's bone age was 2-3 years more advanced than his chronological age, and no endocrine abnormalities were detected. Wholeexome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing revealed a heterozygous ACAN mutation, c.512C>T (p.Ala171Val), in both the proband and his father. Short stature is generally associated with a delayed bone age, and this case suggests that ACAN mutations may be the most likely etiology among patients with short stature and an advanced bone age and should warrant early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Youp Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Yeungnam University Hospital, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Kyung Mi Jang
- Department of Pediatrics, Yeungnam University Hospital, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea,Address for co-correspondence: Kyung Mi Jang, MD, PhD Department of Pediatrics, Yeungnam Universit y Hospital, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, 170 Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu 42415, Korea Tel: +82-53-620-3532 Fax: +82-53-629-2252 E-mail:
| | - Chang Won Keum
- Rare Genetic Disease Research Center, 3Billion Inc, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Oh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Inje University, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Woo Yeong Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea,Address for correspondence: Woo Yeong Chung, MD, PhD Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, 75 Bokji-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47392, Korea Tel: +82-51-890-6280 Fax: +82-51-897-4012, E-mail:
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17
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Abstract
Aggrecan is a large proteoglycan that forms giant hydrated aggregates with hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The extraordinary resistance of these aggregates to compression explains their abundance in articular cartilage of joints where they ensure adequate load-bearing. In the brain, they provide mechanical buffering and contribute to formation of perineuronal nets, which regulate synaptic plasticity. Aggrecan is also present in cardiac jelly, developing heart valves, and blood vessels during cardiovascular development. Whereas aggrecan is essential for skeletal development, its function in the developing cardiovascular system remains to be fully elucidated. An excess of aggrecan was demonstrated in cardiovascular tissues in aortic aneurysms, atherosclerosis, vascular re-stenosis after injury, and varicose veins. It is a product of vascular smooth muscle and is likely to be an important component of pericellular matrix, where its levels are regulated by proteases. Aggrecan can contribute to specific biophysical and regulatory properties of cardiovascular ECM via the diverse interactions of its domains, and its accumulation is likely to have a significant role in developmental and disease pathways. Here, the established biological functions of aggrecan, its cardiovascular associations, and potential roles in cardiovascular development and disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Koch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Chan Mi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio.,Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Suneel S Apte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
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18
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Hayes AJ, Melrose J. Aggrecan, the Primary Weight-Bearing Cartilage Proteoglycan, Has Context-Dependent, Cell-Directive Properties in Embryonic Development and Neurogenesis: Aggrecan Glycan Side Chain Modifications Convey Interactive Biodiversity. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1244. [PMID: 32867198 PMCID: PMC7564073 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This review examines aggrecan's roles in developmental embryonic tissues, in tissues undergoing morphogenetic transition and in mature weight-bearing tissues. Aggrecan is a remarkably versatile and capable proteoglycan (PG) with diverse tissue context-dependent functional attributes beyond its established role as a weight-bearing PG. The aggrecan core protein provides a template which can be variably decorated with a number of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains including keratan sulphate (KS), human natural killer trisaccharide (HNK-1) and chondroitin sulphate (CS). These convey unique tissue-specific functional properties in water imbibition, space-filling, matrix stabilisation or embryonic cellular regulation. Aggrecan also interacts with morphogens and growth factors directing tissue morphogenesis, remodelling and metaplasia. HNK-1 aggrecan glycoforms direct neural crest cell migration in embryonic development and is neuroprotective in perineuronal nets in the brain. The ability of the aggrecan core protein to assemble CS and KS chains at high density equips cartilage aggrecan with its well-known water-imbibing and weight-bearing properties. The importance of specific arrangements of GAG chains on aggrecan in all its forms is also a primary morphogenetic functional determinant providing aggrecan with unique tissue context dependent regulatory properties. The versatility displayed by aggrecan in biodiverse contexts is a function of its GAG side chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Hayes
- Bioimaging Research Hub, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales, UK
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
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19
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The second report on spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, aggrecan type: a milder phenotype than originally reported. Clin Dysmorphol 2019; 28:26-29. [PMID: 30124491 PMCID: PMC6276860 DOI: 10.1097/mcd.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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20
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Shibata S, Amano H, Nagayama M, Takahashi M, Watanabe M, Tanaka M. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evaluation of matrix components in mandibular condylar cartilage in comparison with growth plate cartilage in cartilage calcification insufficient rats. Anat Sci Int 2019; 95:54-66. [PMID: 31214944 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-019-00493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Matrix components of growth plate cartilage and mandibular condylar cartilage were immunohistochemically analyzed in cartilage calcification insufficient (CCI) rats, a model for dwarf rats. Reduction in total tibial length, elongation of growth plate, and appearance of noncartilaginous regions in the growth plate were observed in CCI rats. Immunoreactivity for type I collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) staining were observed in the noncartilaginous region. However, weak immunoreactivity was observed for aggrecan, collagen types II and X, and decorin in this region. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the noncartilaginous region showed a loose network of thin collagen fibrils, indicating that HA is predominantly involved in capturing space of the noncartilaginous region in the growth plate. Meanwhile, the mandibular condylar cartilage in CCI rats also showed elongation of the cartilaginous region and had a noncartilaginous region, predominantly comprising thick collagen fibrils. The structural difference between the two types of cartilages in CCI rats may be due to the presence of the fibrous cell zone and the fibrocartilaginous nature of the normal condylar cartilage. Additionally, the reduction in mandibular length was relatively less than the reduction in tibial length. The outline of the condylar process showed only slight abnormality. These results suggest that the condylar cartilage compensated its growth by supplying the characteristic noncartilaginous region effectively and may adapt to severe structural changes observed in CCI rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunichi Shibata
- Department of Maxillofacial Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8549, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Amano
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka Dental University, Hirakata, 573-1121, Japan
| | - Motohiko Nagayama
- Department of Oral Pathology, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Hozumi, 501-0296, Japan
| | - Masato Takahashi
- Department of Maxillofacial Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8549, Japan
| | - Minoru Watanabe
- Institute for Animal Experimentation, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine, Kawasaki, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Masami Tanaka
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Tohto College of Health Sciences, Fukaya, 366-0052, Japan
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21
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Alberton P, Dugonitsch HC, Hartmann B, Li P, Farkas Z, Saller MM, Clausen-Schaumann H, Aszodi A. Aggrecan Hypomorphism Compromises Articular Cartilage Biomechanical Properties and Is Associated with Increased Incidence of Spontaneous Osteoarthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051008. [PMID: 30813547 PMCID: PMC6429589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding the proteoglycan aggrecan (Agc1) is abundantly expressed in cartilage during development and adulthood, and the loss or diminished deposition of the protein results in a wide range of skeletal malformations. Furthermore, aggrecan degradation is a hallmark of cartilage degeneration occurring in osteoarthritis. In the present study, we investigated the consequences of a partial loss of aggrecan in the postnatal skeleton and in the articular cartilage of adult mice. We took advantage of the previously described Agc1tm(IRES-CreERT2) mouse line, which allows for conditional and timely-regulated deletion of floxed, cartilage-expressed genes. As previously reported, the introduction of the CreERT2 cassette in the 3’UTR causes a disruption of the normal expression of Agc1 resulting in a hypomorphic deposition of the protein. In homozygous mice, we observed a dwarf phenotype, which persisted throughout adulthood supporting the evidence that reduced aggrecan amount impairs skeletal growth. Homozygous mice exhibited reduced proteoglycan staining of the articular cartilage at 6 and 12 months of age, increased stiffening of the extracellular matrix at six months, and developed severe cartilage erosion by 12 months. The osteoarthritis in the hypomorph mice was not accompanied by increased expression of catabolic enzymes and matrix degradation neoepitopes. These findings suggest that the degeneration found in homozygous mice is likely due to the compromised mechanical properties of the cartilage tissue upon aggrecan reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Alberton
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, 80533 Munich, Germany.
| | - Hans Christian Dugonitsch
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Bastian Hartmann
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, 80533 Munich, Germany.
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany.
| | - Ping Li
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Zsuzsanna Farkas
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Michael Saller
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Hauke Clausen-Schaumann
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, 80533 Munich, Germany.
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany.
| | - Attila Aszodi
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, 80533 Munich, Germany.
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22
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Struck AK, Dierks C, Braun M, Hellige M, Wagner A, Oelmaier B, Beineke A, Metzger J, Distl O. A recessive lethal chondrodysplasia in a miniature zebu family results from an insertion affecting the chondroitin sulfat domain of aggrecan. BMC Genet 2018; 19:91. [PMID: 30305023 PMCID: PMC6180608 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0678-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital skeletal malformations represent a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting bone and cartilage development. In cattle, particular chondrodysplastic forms have been identified in several miniature breeds. In this study, a phenotypic characterization was performed of an affected Miniature Zebu calf using computed tomography, necropsy and histopathological examinations, whole genome sequencing of the case and its parents on an Illumina NextSeq 500 in 2 × 150 bp paired-end mode and validation using Sanger sequencing and a Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR assay. Samples from the family of an affected Miniature Zebu with bulldog syndrome including parents and siblings, 42 healthy Miniature Zebu not related with members of the herd and 88 individuals from eight different taurine cattle breeds were available for validation. Results A bulldog-like Miniature Zebu calf showing a large bulging head, a short and compressed body and extremely short and stocky limbs was delivered after a fetotomy. Computed tomography and necropsy revealed severe craniofacial abnormalities including a shortening of the ventral nasal conchae, a cleft hard palate, rotated limbs as well as malformed and fused vertebrae and ribs. Histopathologic examination showed a disorganization of the physeal cartilage with disorderly arranged chondrocytes in columns and a multifocal closed epiphyseal plate. Whole-genome sequencing of this malformed Miniature Zebu calf, its dam and sire and subsequent comparative sequence analysis revealed a one base pair insertion (ACAN:c.5686insC) located within the cartilage development gene aggrecan (ACAN) exclusively homozygous in the affected calf and heterozygous in its parents. This variant was predicted to cause a frameshift (p.Val1898fsTer9) and thus a truncation of the chondroitin sulfate domain as well as a loss of the C-terminal globular domain of ACAN. It perfectly co-segregated with the lethal bulldog syndrome in Miniature Zebus. Conclusions We found a novel mutation in ACAN causing a recessive lethal chondrodysplasia in Miniature Zebu cattle. A diagnostic test for this mutation is now available for Miniature Zebu breeders preventing further cases of bulldog syndrome by targeted matings. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first case of a Miniature Zebu associated with an ACAN mutation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-018-0678-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Struck
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Dierks
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marina Braun
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren Hellige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Wagner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Metzger
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
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23
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Eberth JE, Graves KT, MacLeod JN, Bailey E. Multiple alleles of ACAN
associated with chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses. Anim Genet 2018; 49:413-420. [DOI: 10.1111/age.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. E. Eberth
- Department of Veterinary Science; MH Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40546 USA
| | - K. T. Graves
- Department of Veterinary Science; MH Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40546 USA
| | - J. N. MacLeod
- Department of Veterinary Science; MH Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40546 USA
| | - E. Bailey
- Department of Veterinary Science; MH Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40546 USA
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24
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Rashid H, Chen H, Hassan Q, Javed A. Dwarfism in homozygous Agc1 CreERT mice is associated with decreased expression of aggrecan. Genesis 2017; 55. [PMID: 28921880 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Aggrecan (Acan), a large proteoglycan is abundantly expressed in cartilage tissue. Disruption of Acan gene causes dwarfism and perinatal lethality of homozygous mice. Because of sustained expression of Acan in the growth plate and articular cartilage, AgcCre model has been developed for the regulated ablation of target gene in chondrocytes. In this model, the IRES-CreERT-Neo-pgk transgene is knocked-in the 3'UTR of the Acan gene. We consistently noticed variable weight and size among the AgcCre littermates, prompting us to examine the cause of this phenotype. Wild-type, Cre-heterozygous (Agc+/Cre ), and Cre-homozygous (AgcCre/Cre ) littermates were indistinguishable at birth. However, by 1-month, AgcCre/Cre mice showed a significant reduction in body weight (18-27%) and body length (19-22%). Low body weight and dwarfism was sustained through adulthood and occurred in both genders. Compared with wild-type and Agc+/Cre littermates, long bones and vertebrae were shorter in AgcCre/Cre mice. Histological analysis of AgcCre/Cre mice revealed a significant reduction in the length of the growth plate and the thickness of articular cartilage. The amount of proteoglycan deposited in the cartilage of AgcCre/Cre mice was nearly half of the WT littermates. Analysis of gene expression indicates impaired differentiation of chondrocyte in hyaline cartilage of AgcCre/Cre mice. Notably, both Acan mRNA and protein was reduced by 50% in AgcCre/Cre mice. A strong correlation was noted between the level of Acan mRNA and the body length. Importantly, Agc+/Cre mice showed no overt skeletal phenotype. Thus to avoid misinterpretation of data, only the Agc+/Cre mice should be used for conditional deletion of a target gene in the cartilage tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harunur Rashid
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Quamarul Hassan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Amjad Javed
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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25
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Dateki S. ACAN mutations as a cause of familial short stature. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol 2017; 26:119-125. [PMID: 28804204 PMCID: PMC5537209 DOI: 10.1297/cpe.26.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggrecan, encoded by ACAN, is a major proteoglycan component of the
extracellular matrix in the growth plate and articular cartilage. Aggrecan provides the
hydrated gel structure important for the load-bearing properties of joints and plays a key
role in cartilage and bone morphogenesis. At least 25 pathological ACAN
mutations have been identified in patients with highly variable phenotypes of syndromic or
non-syndromic short stature. This review provides an overview of the current understanding
of ACAN and the clinical and genetic findings concerning
aggrecan-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumito Dateki
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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26
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Dateki S, Nakatomi A, Watanabe S, Shimizu H, Inoue Y, Baba H, Yoshiura KI, Moriuchi H. Identification of a novel heterozygous mutation of the Aggrecan gene in a family with idiopathic short stature and multiple intervertebral disc herniation. J Hum Genet 2017; 62:717-721. [PMID: 28331218 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2017.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aggrecan is a critical proteoglycan component of the extracellular matrix of the growth plates and articular cartilage and has a key role in the biophysical and biomechanical properties of cartilage. Recently, heterozygous mutations in the ACAN gene, which encodes aggrecan, have been identified in patients with short stature and accelerated bone age. We herein report another family with a heterozygous ACAN mutation associated with idiopathic short stature along with accelerated bone age and early-onset herniation of the lumbar discs at the levels of L1/2 through L5/S1. Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel heterozygous frameshift mutation in the ACAN gene (c.1744delT; p.Phe582fs*69) in all of the affected family members but not in the unaffected one, providing further evidence that ACAN haploinsufficiency causes short stature with advanced bone maturation. In addition, we advocate early-onset multiple disc herniation as a novel phenotype associated with ACAN haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumito Dateki
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakatomi
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hitomi Shimizu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koh-Ichiro Yoshiura
- Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Moriuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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27
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Song I, Dityatev A. Crosstalk between glia, extracellular matrix and neurons. Brain Res Bull 2017; 136:101-108. [PMID: 28284900 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in the central nervous system form highly organized ECM structures around cell somata, axon initial segments, and synapses and play prominent roles in early development by guiding cell migration, neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis, and by regulating closure of the critical period of development, synaptic plasticity and stability, cognitive flexibility, and axonal regeneration in adults. Major components of neural ECM, including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), tenascin-R and hyaluronic acid, are synthesized by both neurons and glial cells. The expression of these molecules is dynamically regulated during brain development in physiological conditions, shaping both neuronal and glial functions through multitude of molecular mechanisms. Upregulation of particular CSPGs and other ECM molecules, in particular by reactive astrocytes, after CNS injuries, during aging, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration on the one hand results in formation of growth-impermissive environment and impaired synaptic plasticity. On the other hand, ECM appeared to have a neuroprotective effect, at least in the form of perineuronal nets. CSPGs-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and several members of the disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family of proteases are secreted by neurons and glia and may drive neural ECM remodeling in physiological conditions as well as after brain injury and other brain disorders. Thus, targeting expression of specific ECM molecules, associated glycans and degrading enzymes may lead to development of new therapeutic strategies promoting regeneration and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inseon Song
- Molecular Neuroplasticity Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dityatev
- Molecular Neuroplasticity Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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28
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Sivakamasundari V, Kraus P, Sun W, Hu X, Lim SL, Prabhakar S, Lufkin T. A developmental transcriptomic analysis of Pax1 and Pax9 in embryonic intervertebral disc development. Biol Open 2017; 6:187-199. [PMID: 28011632 PMCID: PMC5312110 DOI: 10.1242/bio.023218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pax1 and Pax9 play redundant, synergistic functions in the patterning and differentiation of the sclerotomal cells that give rise to the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs (IVD) of the axial skeleton. They are conserved in mice and humans, whereby mutation/deficiency of human PAX1/PAX9 has been associated with kyphoscoliosis. By combining cell-type-specific transcriptome and ChIP-sequencing data, we identified the roles of Pax1/Pax9 in cell proliferation, cartilage development and collagen fibrillogenesis, which are vital in early IVD morphogenesis. Pax1 is up-regulated in the absence of Pax9, while Pax9 is unaffected by the loss of Pax1/Pax9 We identified the targets compensated by a single- or double-copy of Pax9 They positively regulate many of the cartilage genes known to be regulated by Sox5/Sox6/Sox9 and are connected to Sox5/Sox6 by a negative feedback loop. Pax1/Pax9 are intertwined with BMP and TGF-B pathways and we propose they initiate expression of chondrogenic genes during early IVD differentiation and subsequently become restricted to the outer annulus by the negative feedback mechanism. Our findings highlight how early IVD development is regulated spatio-temporally and have implications for understanding kyphoscoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sivakamasundari
- The Single Cell Biology Laboratory, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Petra Kraus
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore
| | - Siew Lan Lim
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore
| | - Shyam Prabhakar
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore
| | - Thomas Lufkin
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
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29
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Wu X, Song Y, Liu W, Wang K, Gao Y, Li S, Duan Z, Shao Z, Yang S, Yang C. IAPP modulates cellular autophagy, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix metabolism in human intervertebral disc cells. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:16107. [PMID: 28149534 PMCID: PMC5280875 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by imbalance in the extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells have important roles in maintaining the proper structure and tissue homeostasis of disc ECM. These cells need adequate supply of glucose and oxygen. Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) exerts its biological effects by regulating glucose metabolism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of IAPP in degenerated IVD tissue, and IAPP modulation of ECM metabolism in human NP cells, especially the crosstalk mechanism between apoptosis and autophagy in these cells. We found that the expression of IAPP and Calcr-RAMP decreased considerably during IDD progression, along with the decrease in the expression of AG, BG, and Col2A1. Induction of IAPP in NP cells by transfection with pLV-IAPP enhanced the synthesis of aggrecan and Col2A1 and attenuated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1. Upregulation of IAPP also affected the expression of the catabolic markers—matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 3, 9 and 13 and ADAMTS 4 and 5. Downregulation of IAPP by siRNA inhibited the expression of anabolic genes but increased the expression of catabolic genes and inflammatory factors. The expressions of autophagic and apoptotic markers in NP cells transfected with pLV-IAPP were upregulated, including BECLIN1, ATG5, ATG7, LC3 II/I and Bcl-2, while significantly increase in the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 in NP cells transfected with pLV-siIAPP. Mechanistically, PI3K/AKT-mTOR and p38/JNK MAPK signal pathways were involved. We propose that IAPP might play a pivotal role in the development of IDD, by regulating ECM metabolism and controlling the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy in NP, thus potentially offering a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghuo Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shuhua Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
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30
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Whole-genome sequencing reveals a potential causal mutation for dwarfism in the Miniature Shetland pony. Mamm Genome 2016; 28:143-151. [DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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31
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Potter PK, Bowl MR, Jeyarajan P, Wisby L, Blease A, Goldsworthy ME, Simon MM, Greenaway S, Michel V, Barnard A, Aguilar C, Agnew T, Banks G, Blake A, Chessum L, Dorning J, Falcone S, Goosey L, Harris S, Haynes A, Heise I, Hillier R, Hough T, Hoslin A, Hutchison M, King R, Kumar S, Lad HV, Law G, MacLaren RE, Morse S, Nicol T, Parker A, Pickford K, Sethi S, Starbuck B, Stelma F, Cheeseman M, Cross SH, Foster RG, Jackson IJ, Peirson SN, Thakker RV, Vincent T, Scudamore C, Wells S, El-Amraoui A, Petit C, Acevedo-Arozena A, Nolan PM, Cox R, Mallon AM, Brown SDM. Novel gene function revealed by mouse mutagenesis screens for models of age-related disease. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12444. [PMID: 27534441 PMCID: PMC4992138 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the genetic bases of age-related disease remains a major challenge requiring a spectrum of approaches from human and clinical genetics to the utilization of model organism studies. Here we report a large-scale genetic screen in mice employing a phenotype-driven discovery platform to identify mutations resulting in age-related disease, both late-onset and progressive. We have utilized N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis to generate pedigrees of mutagenized mice that were subject to recurrent screens for mutant phenotypes as the mice aged. In total, we identify 105 distinct mutant lines from 157 pedigrees analysed, out of which 27 are late-onset phenotypes across a range of physiological systems. Using whole-genome sequencing we uncover the underlying genes for 44 of these mutant phenotypes, including 12 late-onset phenotypes. These genes reveal a number of novel pathways involved with age-related disease. We illustrate our findings by the recovery and characterization of a novel mouse model of age-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K. Potter
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Michael R. Bowl
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Prashanthini Jeyarajan
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Laura Wisby
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Andrew Blease
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | | | - Michelle M. Simon
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Simon Greenaway
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Vincent Michel
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, INSERM UMR-S 1120, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Collège de France, 25 rue Dr Roux, Paris 75015, France
| | - Alun Barnard
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Carlos Aguilar
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Thomas Agnew
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Gareth Banks
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Andrew Blake
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Lauren Chessum
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Joanne Dorning
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Sara Falcone
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Laurence Goosey
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Shelley Harris
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Andy Haynes
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Ines Heise
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Rosie Hillier
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Tertius Hough
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Angela Hoslin
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Marie Hutchison
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Ruairidh King
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Saumya Kumar
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Heena V. Lad
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Gemma Law
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Susan Morse
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Thomas Nicol
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Andrew Parker
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Karen Pickford
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Siddharth Sethi
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Becky Starbuck
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Femke Stelma
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Michael Cheeseman
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Sally H. Cross
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Russell G. Foster
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ian J. Jackson
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Stuart N. Peirson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Rajesh V. Thakker
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK
| | - Tonia Vincent
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Cheryl Scudamore
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Sara Wells
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, INSERM UMR-S 1120, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Collège de France, 25 rue Dr Roux, Paris 75015, France
| | - Christine Petit
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, INSERM UMR-S 1120, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Collège de France, 25 rue Dr Roux, Paris 75015, France
| | | | - Patrick M. Nolan
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Roger Cox
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Mallon
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Steve D. M. Brown
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
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Gibson BG, Briggs MD. The aggrecanopathies; an evolving phenotypic spectrum of human genetic skeletal diseases. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:86. [PMID: 27353333 PMCID: PMC4924316 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0459-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The large chondroitin sulphated proteoglycan aggrecan (ACAN) is the most abundant non-collagenous protein in cartilage and is essential for its structure and function. Mutations in ACAN result in a broad phenotypic spectrum of non-lethal skeletal dysplasias including spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, familial osteochondritis dissecans and various undefined short stature syndromes associated with accelerated bone maturation. However, very little is currently known about the disease pathways that underlie these aggrecanopathies, although they are likely to be a combination of haploinsufficiency and dominant-negative (neomorphic) mechanisms. This review discusses the known human and animal aggrecanopathies in the context of clinical presentation and potential disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth G Gibson
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Michael D Briggs
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK. .,International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
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Suttkus A, Holzer M, Morawski M, Arendt T. The neuronal extracellular matrix restricts distribution and internalization of aggregated Tau-protein. Neuroscience 2015; 313:225-35. [PMID: 26621125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic degenerative disorder characterized by fibrillary aggregates of Aß and Tau-protein. Formation and progression of these pathological hallmarks throughout the brain follow a specific spatio-temporal pattern which provides the basis for neuropathological staging. Previously, we could demonstrate that cortical and subcortical neurons are less frequently affected by neurofibrillary degeneration if they are enwrapped by a specialized form of the hyaluronan-based extracellular matrix (ECM), the so called 'perineuronal net' (PN). PNs are composed of large aggregating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans connected to a hyaluronan backbone, stabilized by link proteins and cross-linked via tenascin-R. Recently, PN-associated neurons were shown to be better protected against iron-induced neurodegeneration compared to neurons without PN, indicating a neuroprotective function. Here, we investigated the role of PNs in distribution and internalization of exogenous Tau-protein by using organotypic slice cultures of wildtype mice as well as mice lacking the ECM-components aggrecan, HAPLN1 or tenascin-R. We could demonstrate that PNs restrict both distribution and internalization of Tau. Accordingly, PN-ensheathed neurons were less frequently affected by Tau-internalization, than neurons without PN. Finally, the PNs as well as their three investigated components were shown to modulate the processes of distribution as well as internalization of Tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Suttkus
- University of Leipzig, Department for Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Liebigstraße 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - M Holzer
- University of Leipzig, Department for Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Liebigstraße 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Morawski
- University of Leipzig, Department for Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Liebigstraße 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - T Arendt
- University of Leipzig, Department for Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Liebigstraße 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Wang W, Ju X, Sun Z, Hou W, Yang L, Zhang R. Overexpression of heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase-2 enhances fibroblast growth factor-mediated chondrocyte growth and differentiation. Int J Mol Med 2015; 36:825-32. [PMID: 26133911 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, we reported that heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase‑2 (HS6ST2) plays an important role in the cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis and Kashin-Beck disease and that it regulates aggrecan (Acan) metabolism and the viability of chondrocytes. However, its role in chondrocyte differentiation remains poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of HS6ST2 in chondrocyte differentiation in vitro using mouse prechondrocytic cells. We found that the overexpression or silencing of HS6ST2 significantly enhanced or abrogated the effects of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‑2 on chondrocyte growth, respectively. We found that the overexpression of HS6ST2 significantly induced the expression of Acan as well as the amount of total proteoglycans in the prechondrocytic cells in the presence of FGF‑2, whereas the silencing of HS6ST2 caused the opposite effect. Furthermore, the expresssion of FGF‑2‑induced sex‑determining region Y‑type high mobility group box protein 9 (SOX9), a major transcription factor for chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, was also enhanced or blocked by HS6ST2 overexpression or HS6ST2 knockdown, respectively. Additionally, Wnt/β‑catenin signaling, which inhibited chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, was suppressed by HS6ST2. Taken together, these data suggest that HS6ST2 plays an important role in regulating chondrocyte growth and differentiation by modulating FGF‑2 signaling, thus indicating that it may be a potential and valuable molecular target for the treatment of skeletal dysplasias, such as dwarfism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, The Third Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Xichi Ju
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Zhengming Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of The Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Weikun Hou
- Department of Joint Surgery, Xi'an Honghui Hospital, The Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, P.R. China
| | - Lifang Yang
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, The Third Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Laboratory of Orthopedics, Xi'an Honghui Hospital, The Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, P.R. China
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Tanaka M, Watanabe M, Yokomi I, Matsumoto N, Sudo K, Satoh H, Igarashi T, Seki A, Amano H, Ohura K, Ryu K, Shibata S, Nagayama M, Tanuma JI. Establishment of a novel dwarf rat strain: cartilage calcification insufficient (CCI) rats. Exp Anim 2014; 64:121-8. [PMID: 25736479 PMCID: PMC4427726 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.14-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats with dwarfism accompanied by skeletal abnormalities, such as shortness of the limbs, tail, and body (dwarf rats), emerged in a Jcl-derived Sprague-Dawley rat colony maintained at the Institute for Animal Experimentation, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine. Since the dwarfism was assumed to be due to a genetic mutation based on its frequency, we bred the dwarf rats and investigated their characteristics in order to identify the causative factors of their phenotypes and whether they could be used as a human disease model. One male and female that produced dwarf progeny were selected, and reproduction was initiated by mating the pair. The incidence of dwarfism was 25.8% among the resultant litter, and dwarfism occurred in both genders, suggesting that it was inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. At 12 weeks of age, the body weights of the male and female dwarf rats were 40% and 57% of those of the normal rats, respectively. In soft X-ray radiographic and histological examinations, shortening and hypoplasia of the long bones, such as the tibia and femur, were observed, which were suggestive of endochondral ossification abnormalities. An immunohistochemical examination detected an aggrecan synthesis disorder, which might have led to delayed calcification and increased growth plate thickening in the dwarf rats. We hypothesized that the principal characteristics of the dwarf rats were systemically induced by insufficient cartilage calcification in their long bones; thus, we named them cartilage calcification insufficient (CCI) rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masami Tanaka
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Junior College Division, The University of Aizu, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima 965-8570, Japan
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Genetic and functional studies of the intervertebral disc: a novel murine intervertebral disc model. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112454. [PMID: 25474689 PMCID: PMC4256369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) homeostasis is mediated through a combination of micro-environmental and biomechanical factors, all of which are subject to genetic influences. The aim of this study is to develop and characterize a genetically tractable, ex vivo organ culture model that can be used to further elucidate mechanisms of intervertebral disc disease. Specifically, we demonstrate that IVD disc explants (1) maintain their native phenotype in prolonged culture, (2) are responsive to exogenous stimuli, and (3) that relevant homeostatic regulatory mechanisms can be modulated through ex-vivo genetic recombination. We present a novel technique for isolation of murine IVD explants with demonstration of explant viability (CMFDA/propidium iodide staining), disc anatomy (H&E), maintenance of extracellular matrix (ECM) (Alcian Blue staining), and native expression profile (qRT-PCR) as well as ex vivo genetic recombination (mT/mG reporter mice; AdCre) following 14 days of culture in DMEM media containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 1% L-glutamine, and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. IVD explants maintained their micro-anatomic integrity, ECM proteoglycan content, viability, and gene expression profile consistent with a homeostatic drive in culture. Treatment of genetically engineered explants with cre-expressing adenovirus efficaciously induced ex vivo genetic recombination in a variety of genetically engineered mouse models. Exogenous administration of IL-1ß and TGF-ß3 resulted in predicted catabolic and anabolic responses, respectively. Genetic recombination of TGFBR1fl/fl explants resulted in constitutively active TGF-ß signaling that matched that of exogenously administered TGF-ß3. Our results illustrate the utility of the murine intervertebral disc explant to investigate mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Protective Properties of Neural Extracellular Matrix. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 53:73-82. [PMID: 25404091 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the central nervous system (CNS) occupies a large part of the neural tissue. It serves a variety of functions ranging from support of cell migration and regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity to the active modulation of the neural tissue after injury. In addition, evidence for neuroprotective properties of ECM components has accumulated more recently. In contrast to other connective tissues, the central nervous ECM is mainly composed of glycosaminoglycans, which can be present unbound in the form of hyaluronan or bound to proteins, thus forming proteoglycans. A subtype of this molecular family are the chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which are composed of a core protein that carries at least one covalently bound glycosaminoglycan side chain with a certain degree of sulphation. Several studies could show neuroprotective features of CSPGs against excitotoxicity, amyloid-ß toxicity, or oxidative stress. Recently, we could provide evidence for a neuroprotective function of a specialized form of ECM, the so-called perineuronal net ensheathing a subtype of neurons. Here, we will give an overview on recently emerging aspects of neuroprotective properties of CSPGs and perineuronal nets that might be relevant for our understanding on the distribution and progression of brain pathology and future perspectives toward modifying neurodegenerative diseases.
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Characterization of pig sperm hyaluronidase and improvement of the digestibility of cumulus cell mass by recombinant pSPAM1 hyaluronidase in an in vitro fertilization assay. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 150:107-14. [PMID: 25261076 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although sperm hyaluronidase is thought to play an important role in mammalian fertilization, the molecular function underlying these steps remains largely unknown. In mouse models, sperm-specific SPAM1 and HYAL5 hyaluronidase are believed to function in both sperm penetration of the cumulus matrix and sperm-ZP binding. However, gene-targeting studies for SPAM1 or HYAL5 show that hyaluronidases are not essential for fertilization, despite the fact that exogenous hyaluronidase can disrupt the cumulus matrix. Therefore, to evaluate whether sperm hyaluronidase is essential for mammalian fertilization, it is necessary to generate HYAL5/SPAM1 double-knockout mice. However, generating double-knockout mice is very difficult because these two genes exist on the same chromosome. Recently, investigators have begun to employ the pig model system to study human disease due to its similarities to human anatomy and physiology. In this study, we confirmed that pig SPAM1 exists as a single copy gene on chromosome 18 and is specifically expressed in the testis. In addition, we expressed recombinant pig SPAM1 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and showed that these enzymes possess hyaluronidase activity. We also demonstrated that a polyclonal antibody against pig sperm hyaluronidase inhibits sperm-egg interactions in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) assay. Our results suggest that pig SPAM1 may play a critical role in pig fertilization and that recombinant SPAM1 can disperse the oocyte-cumulus complex in an IVF assay.
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Seki S, Tsumaki N, Motomura H, Nogami M, Kawaguchi Y, Hori T, Suzuki K, Yahara Y, Higashimoto M, Oya T, Ikegawa S, Kimura T. Cartilage intermediate layer protein promotes lumbar disc degeneration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 446:876-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Aggrecan, link protein and tenascin-R are essential components of the perineuronal net to protect neurons against iron-induced oxidative stress. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1119. [PMID: 24625978 PMCID: PMC3973247 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), different types of neurons and different brain areas show differential patterns of vulnerability towards neurofibrillary degeneration, which provides the basis for a highly predictive profile of disease progression throughout the brain that now is widely accepted for neuropathological staging. In previous studies we could demonstrate that in AD cortical and subcortical neurons are constantly less frequently affected by neurofibrillary degeneration if they are enwrapped by a specialized form of the hyaluronan-based extracellular matrix (ECM), the so called ‘perineuronal net' (PN). PNs are basically composed of large aggregating chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans connected to a hyaluronan backbone, stabilized by link proteins and cross-linked via tenascin-R (TN-R). Under experimental conditions in mice, PN-ensheathed neurons are better protected against iron-induced neurodegeneration than neurons without PN. Still, it remains unclear whether these neuroprotective effects are directly mediated by the PNs or are associated with some other mechanism in these neurons unrelated to PNs. To identify molecular components that essentially mediate the neuroprotective aspect on PN-ensheathed neurons, we comparatively analysed neuronal degeneration induced by a single injection of FeCl3 on four different mice knockout strains, each being deficient for a different component of PNs. Aggrecan, link protein and TN-R were identified to be essential for the neuroprotective properties of PN, whereas the contribution of brevican was negligible. Our findings indicate that the protection of PN-ensheathed neurons is directly mediated by the net structure and that both the high negative charge and the correct interaction of net components are essential for their neuroprotective function.
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Xing L, Chen D, Boyce BF. Mice Deficient in NF-κB p50 and p52 or RANK Have Defective Growth Plate Formation and Post-natal Dwarfism. Bone Res 2013; 1:336-45. [PMID: 26273511 DOI: 10.4248/br201304004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κBp50/p52 double knockout (dKO) and RANK KO mice have no osteoclasts and develop severe osteopetrosis associated with dwarfism. In contrast, Op/Op mice, which form few osteoclasts, and Src KO mice, which have osteoclasts with defective resorptive function, are osteopetrotic, but they are not dwarfed. Here, we compared the morphologic features of long bones from p50/p52 dKO, RANK KO, Op/Op and Src KO mice to attempt to explain the differences in their long bone lengths. We found that growth plates in p50/p52 dKO and RANK KO mice are significantly thicker than those in WT mice due to a 2-3-fold increase in the hypertrophic chondrocyte zone associated with normal a proliferative chondrocyte zone. This growth plate abnormality disappears when animals become older, but their dwarfism persists. Op/Op or Src KO mice have relatively normal growth plate morphology. In-situ hybridization study of long bones from p50/p52 dKO mice showed marked thickening of the growth plate region containing type 10 collagen-expressing chondrocytes. Treatment of micro-mass chondrocyte cultures with RANKL did not affect expression levels of type 2 collagen and Sox9, markers for proliferative chondrocytes, but RANKL reduced the number of type 10 collagen-expressing hypertrophic chondrocytes. Thus, RANK/NF-κB signaling plays a regulatory role in post-natal endochondral ossification that maintains hypertrophic conversion and prevents dwarfism in normal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianping Xing
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Di Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center , Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Brendan F Boyce
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Aggrecan variable number of tandem repeat polymorphism and lumbar disc degeneration: a meta-analysis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2013; 38:E1600-7. [PMID: 24296484 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Data on the association between the ACAN (encoded for aggrecan core protein) variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism and lumbar disc degeneration are conflicting, so we performed a meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE Aggrecan is involved in the shock absorbing function of the lumbar disc; we performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between ACAN VNTR and lumbar degeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA To perform a meta-analysis, we searched for studies published until September 2012, using electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure). Eight studies involving 965 cases of lumbar disc degeneration and 982 control subjects were identified. METHODS Assessment for eligibility and extraction of data were performed by 2 independent investigators. We extracted allele frequency for each study. We calculated the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess the strength of the association between the ACAN VNTR polymorphism and lumbar disc degeneration risk. RESULTS Results from the allele model suggested an increased risk of lumbar disc degeneration for the shorter alleles carriers compared with the normal alleles and longer alleles (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.04-2.30, P = 0.03). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant increased risks were found among Asians with shorter alleles (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.17-2.33, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Our results suggest an increased risk of shorter alleles compared with normal alleles and longer alleles against lumbar disc degeneration among populations especially among Asian descent. Such association may not be statistically significant in European populations.
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Henry SP, Liang S, Akdemir KC, de Crombrugghe B. The postnatal role of Sox9 in cartilage. J Bone Miner Res 2012; 27:2511-25. [PMID: 22777888 PMCID: PMC3502666 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.1696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sox9 is an essential transcription factor for the differentiation of the chondrocytic lineage during embryonic development. To test whether Sox9 continues to play a critical role in cartilaginous tissues in the adult mice, we used an inducible, genetic strategy to disrupt the Sox9 gene postnatally in these tissues. The postnatal inactivation of Sox9 led to stunted growth characterized by decreased proliferation, increased cell death, and dedifferentiation of growth plate chondrocytes. Upon postnatal Sox9 inactivation in the articular cartilage, the sulfated proteoglycan and aggrecan content of the uncalcified cartilage were rapidly depleted and the degradation of aggrecan was accompanied by higher ADAMTS5 immunostaining and increased detection of the aggrecan neoepitope, NITEGE. In spite of the severe loss of Collagen 2a1 mRNA, the Collagen II protein persisted in the articular cartilage, and no histopathological signs of osteoarthritis were observed. The homeostasis of the intervertebral disk (IVD) was dramatically altered upon Sox9 depletion, resulting in disk compression and subsequent degeneration. Inactivation of Sox9 in the IVD markedly reduced the expression of several genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins, as well as some of the enzymes responsible for their posttranslational modification. Furthermore, the loss of Sox9 in the IVD decreased the expression of cytokines, cell-surface receptors, and ion channels, suggesting that Sox9 coordinates a large genetic program that is instrumental for the proper homeostasis of the cells contained in the IVD postnatally. Our results indicate that Sox9 has an essential role in the physiological control of cartilaginous tissues in adult mice. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Henry
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX, USA.
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44
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Abstract
The aggregating proteoglycans of the lectican family are important components of extracellular matrices. Aggrecan is the most well studied of these and is central to cartilage biomechanical properties and skeletal development. Key to its biological function is the fixed charge of the many glycosaminoglycan chains, that provide the basis for the viscoelastic properties necessary for load distribution over the articular surface. This review is focused on the globular domains of aggrecan and their role in anchoring the proteoglycans to other extracellular matrix components. The N-terminal G1 domain is vital in that it binds the proteoglycan to hyaluronan in ternary complex with link protein, retaining the proteoglycan in the tissue. The importance of the C-terminal G3 domain interactions has recently been emphasized by two different human hereditary disorders: autosomal recessive aggrecan-type spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia and autosomal dominant familial osteochondritis dissecans. In these two conditions, different missense mutations in the aggrecan C-type lectin repeat have been described. The resulting amino acid replacements affect the ligand interactions of the G3 domain, albeit with widely different phenotypic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Aspberg
- Department of Biology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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45
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Adkins RM, Tylavsky FA, Krushkal J. Newborn umbilical cord blood DNA methylation and gene expression levels exhibit limited association with birth weight. Chem Biodivers 2012; 9:888-99. [PMID: 22589090 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201100395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Most cases of fetal growth retardation are unexplained. These newborns are at high risk of serious illness or death in the neonatal period and exhibit significantly increased risk of specific chronic illnesses later in life. While there are several hypotheses to explain the well-established association between low birth weight and later risk of disease, the true etiology is unknown. To search for molecular patterns that may explain the biological basis for reduced fetal growth in a clinically normal cohort, and possibly provide clues for the lifelong increased risk of disease, we surveyed genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression patterns in the umbilical cord blood of newborns born in Shelby County, TN. While we did not find genome-wide significant associations of birth weight with either leukocytic gene expression or DNA methylation, we did find suggestive associations in several genes with known effects on pre- or postnatal growth and health. As with previous molecular epidemiological studies of birth weight, we did not sample the most biologically relevant tissues in the newborn. However, our discovery of biologically plausible associations in a peripheral tissue suggests that further studies of tissues key to fetal growth regulation are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald M Adkins
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA.
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46
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Multiple enhancers associated with ACAN suggest highly redundant transcriptional regulation in cartilage. Matrix Biol 2012; 31:328-37. [PMID: 22820679 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan core protein aggrecan is the major protein constituent of cartilage aside from collagen, and is largely responsible for its distinctive mechanical properties. Aggrecan is required both for proper cartilage formation in development and maintenance of mature cartilage. Prominent ACAN transcription is a conserved feature of vertebrate cartilage, although little is known about its specific transcriptional regulation. We examined the genomic interval containing human ACAN for transcriptional enhancers directing expression to cartilage, using a functional assay in transgenic zebrafish. We tested 24 conserved non-coding sequences, representing ~6% of the total sequence in the interval, and identified eleven independently capable of regulating reporter gene expression in cartilage. These enhancers were widely spaced, from >100kb upstream of the gene to within the first intron. While the majority displayed broad cartilage expression in zebrafish larvae, several were restricted to a subset of cartilage cells in the craniofacial skeleton. In older fish, the enhancers displayed differential activity; some maintained expression, either in all cartilage or preferentially in articular cartilage at the joints, while others were not active. This remarkable degree of overlapping regulatory control has been highly conserved; we identified clear orthologues of six enhancers at the chicken ACAN locus, arranged in the same order relative to the gene. These were also functional in directing expression to cartilage in transgenic zebrafish. Several enhancers contain potential binding sites for Sox9, consistent with its described role as an upstream regulator of ACAN expression. However, others lacked Sox9 consensus binding sites, implicating additional pathways and transcription factors as regulators of ACAN expression in cartilage, either in development or adult tissue. Our identification of these enhancer sequences is the necessary first step in detailed examination of the upstream regulators of ACAN expression.
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Wang S, Guo X, Wang W, Wang S. Genome-wide study identifies the regulatory gene networks and signaling pathways from chondrocyte and peripheral blood monocyte of Kashin-Beck disease. Genes Cells 2012; 17:619-32. [PMID: 22776318 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2012.01620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This investigation was designed to unravel gene networks in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and better identify target genes of KBD for gene therapy development. RNA was isolated separately from cartilage and peripheral blood samples of patients with KBD and healthy controls. Agilent 44K human whole-genome oligonucleotide microarrays were used to detect differentially expressed genes. Three significant canonical pathways and nine chondrocyte networks from chondrocytic gene expression profiles were screened using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), but only one network and no canonical pathways from peripheral blood monocytic gene profile were identified. Bak1, APAF-1, CASP6, IGFBP2, Col5a2 and TGFBI extracted from significant genes that involved in chondrocytic canonical pathways and networks may have closer relationship with the etiopathogenesis of KBD. Those genes may be potential targets for gene diagnosis and treatment. Six physiological functions were predominant and unique to the chondrocytic genes, whereas two were unique to peripheral blood monocytic genes. The identified genes may represent a source of potentially novel molecular targets, which may provide a better understanding of the molecular details in KBD pathogenesis and also provide useful pathways and network maps for the future research in osteochondrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Wang
- Medicine College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, Ministry of Health, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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Gruber HE, Hoelscher GL, Ingram JA, Bethea S, Zinchenko N, Hanley EN. Variations in aggrecan localization and gene expression patterns characterize increasing stages of human intervertebral disk degeneration. Exp Mol Pathol 2011; 91:534-9. [PMID: 21689646 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
During disk degeneration, annulus dehydration and matrix fraying culminate in the formation of tears through which nucleus and annulus disk material may rupture, causing radicular pain. Annular tears are present in more than half of the patients in early adulthood and are almost always present in the elderly. Aggrecan, which provides the disk with a shock absorber function under loading, is a key disk extracellular matrix (ECM) component. The objective of the present study was to assess the immunolocalization of aggrecan in the annulus, and to assess molecular gene expression patterns in the annulus ECM utilizing microarray analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 45 specimens using an anti-human aggrecan antibody. Affymetrix microarray gene expression studies used the extracellular matrix ontology approach to evaluate an additional 6 grade I-II, 9 grade III, and 4 grade IV disks. Grade III/IV disks were compared to healthier grade I/II disks. Healthy and less degenerated disks showed a general uniform aggrecan immunolocalization; more degenerated disks contained regions with little or no identifiable aggrecan localization. In degenerated disks, molecular studies showed a significant downregulation of aggrecan, ADAMTS-like 3, and ADAMTS10. Collagen types III and VIII, fibronectin, decorin, connective tissue growth factor, TIMP-3, latent TGF-β binding protein 2 and TGF-β1 were significantly upregulated with fold changes ranging from 2.4 to 9.8. Findings here help us better understand changes in the immunohistochemical distribution of a key proteoglycan during disk aging. Such information may have application as we work towards biologic therapies to improve the aging/degenerating disk matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Gruber
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232, USA.
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Sato T, Kudo T, Ikehara Y, Ogawa H, Hirano T, Kiyohara K, Hagiwara K, Togayachi A, Ema M, Takahashi S, Kimata K, Watanabe H, Narimatsu H. Chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 is necessary for normal endochondral ossification and aggrecan metabolism. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:5803-12. [PMID: 21148564 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.159244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan, consisting of repeating disaccharide units of N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid residues, and plays important roles in development and homeostasis of organs and tissues. Here, we generated and analyzed mice lacking chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 (CSGalNAcT-1). Csgalnact1(-/-) mice were viable and fertile but exhibited slight dwarfism. Biochemically, the level of CS in Csgalnact1(-/-) cartilage was reduced to ∼50% that of wild-type cartilage, whereas its chain length was similar to wild-type mice, indicating that CSGalNAcT-1 participates in the CS chain initiation as suggested in the previous study (Sakai, K., Kimata, K., Sato, T., Gotoh, M., Narimatsu, H., Shinomiya, K., and Watanabe, H. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 4152-4161). Histologically, the growth plate of Csgalnact1(-/-) mice contained shorter and slightly disorganized chondrocyte columns with a reduced volume of the extracellular matrix principally in the proliferative layer. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the level of both aggrecan and link protein 1 were decreased in Csgalnact1(-/-) cartilage. Western blot analysis demonstrated an increase in processed forms of aggrecan core protein. These results suggest that CSGalNAcT-1 is required for normal levels of CS biosynthesis in cartilage. Our observations suggest that CSGalNAcT-1 is necessary for normal levels of endochondral ossification, and the decrease in CS amount in the growth plate by its absence causes a rapid catabolism of aggrecan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sato
- Research Center for Medical Glycoscience, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Open Space Laboratory Central-2, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568, Japan
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50
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Vo N, Seo HY, Robinson A, Sowa G, Bentley D, Taylor L, Studer R, Usas A, Huard J, Alber S, Watkins SC, Lee J, Coehlo P, Wang D, Loppini M, Robbins PD, Niedernhofer LJ, Kang J. Accelerated aging of intervertebral discs in a mouse model of progeria. J Orthop Res 2010; 28:1600-7. [PMID: 20973062 PMCID: PMC3477798 DOI: 10.1002/jor.21153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common and debilitating disorder that results in reduced flexibility of the spine, pain, and reduced mobility. Risk factors for IDD include age, genetic predisposition, injury, and other environmental factors such as smoking. Loss of proteoglycans (PGs) contributes to IDD with advancing age. Currently there is a lack of a model for rapid investigation of disc aging and evaluation of therapeutic interventions. Here we examined progression of disc aging in a murine model of a human progeroid syndrome caused by deficiency of the DNA repair endonuclease, ERCC1-XPF (Ercc1(-/Δ) mice). The ERCC1-deficient mice showed loss of disc height and degenerative structural changes in their vertebral bodies similar to those reported for old rodents. Compared to their wild-type littermates, Ercc1(-/Δ) mice also exhibit other age-related IDD characteristics, including premature loss of disc PG, reduced matrix PG synthesis, and enhanced apoptosis and cell senescence. Finally, the onset of age-associated disc pathologies was further accelerated in Ercc1(-/Δ) mice following chronic treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent mechlorethamine. These results demonstrate that Ercc1(-/Δ) mice represent an accurate and rapid model of disc aging and provide novel evidence that DNA damage negatively impacts PG synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Vo
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Hyoung-Yeon Seo
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261,Department of Orthopaedics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hak 1 dong 8, Gwangju 501-757, South Korea
| | - Andria Robinson
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213,Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Gwendolyn Sowa
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Douglas Bentley
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Lauren Taylor
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Rebecca Studer
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261,VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Arvydas Usas
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of UPMC, Stem Cell Research Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Johnny Huard
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of UPMC, Stem Cell Research Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Sean Alber
- University of Pittsburgh Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Simon C. Watkins
- University of Pittsburgh Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Joon Lee
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Paulo Coehlo
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Dong Wang
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261,Beijing Haidian Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, 29 Zhong-Guan-Cun Street, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Mattia Loppini
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via E. Longni 83, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paul D. Robbins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
| | - Laura J. Niedernhofer
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
| | - James Kang
- Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
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