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Anderson PJ. Ex Vivo Culture of Human Cranial Suture Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2403:215-222. [PMID: 34913125 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1847-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The culture of human cranial suture cells, including their osteoblasts, is an important asset to developmental and molecular biologists to allow study the molecular biology ex vivo. The use of cell cultures by bone biologists to investigate pathological bone formation has been well established (Marie et al. Vitro Cell Dev Biol 25:373-380, 1989), and the use of cell culture techniques was subsequently applied to investigate craniosynostosis (Marie. J Bone Miner Res 9(12):1847-1850, 1994). Cell cultures from fused, fusing, and fused cranial sutures allow comparative studies of cellular behavior from sutures with pathological craniosynostosis and those with unaffected sutures (Coussens et al. J Cell Physiol 218(1):183-191, 2009; Coussens et al. Differentiation 76(5):531-545, 2008).In addition to using this limited human resource for primary investigations, these human cell studies may be targeted to complement and help verify the findings of investigative studies undertaken using the more readily accessible animal cranial sutures. It is important, however, to remember that there may be critical differences in the animal genome which could impact on cellular function.This chapter describes the techniques for human suture cell culture and storage which have been used successfully since 2005 in the craniosynostosis laboratories in Adelaide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Anderson
- Australian Craniofacial Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Fonteles CS, Finnell RH, Lei Y, Zurita-Jimenez ME, Monteiro AJ, George TM, Harshbarger RJ. De novo ALX4 variant detected in child with non-syndromic craniosynostosis. Braz J Med Biol Res 2021; 54:e11396. [PMID: 34586326 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2021e11396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Current understanding of the genetic factors contributing to the etiology of non-syndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) remains scarce. The present work investigated the presence of variants in ALX4, EFNA4, and TWIST1 genes in children with NSC to verify if variants within these genes may contribute to the occurrence of these abnormal phenotypes. A total of 101 children (aged 45.07±40.94 months) with NSC participated in this cross-sectional study. Parents and siblings of the probands were invited to participate. Medical and family history of craniosynostosis were documented. Biological samples were collected to obtain genomic DNA. Coding exons of human TWIST1, ALX4, and EFNA4 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequenced. Five missense variants were identified in ALX4 in children with bilateral coronal, sagittal, and metopic synostosis. A de novo ALX4 variant, c.799G>A: p.Ala267Thr, was identified in a proband with sagittal synostosis. Three missense variants were identified in the EFNA4 gene in children with metopic and sagittal synostosis. A TWIST1 variant occurred in a child with unilateral coronal synostosis. Variants were predicted to be among the 0.1% (TWIST1, c.380C>A: p. Ala127Glu) and 1% (ALX4, c.769C>T: p.Arg257Cys, c.799G>A: p.Ala267Thr, c.929G>A: p.Gly310Asp; EFNA4, c.178C>T: p.His60Tyr, C.283A>G: p.Lys95Glu, c.349C>A: Pro117Thr) most deleterious variants in the human genome. With the exception of ALX4, c.799G>A: p.Ala267Thr, all other variants were present in at least one non-affected family member, suggesting incomplete penetrance. Thus, these variants may contribute to the development of craniosynostosis, and should not be discarded as potential candidate genes in the diagnosis of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Fonteles
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Odontologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Odontologia e Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - R H Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Y Lei
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M E Zurita-Jimenez
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - A J Monteiro
- Departamento de Estatística e Matemática Aplicada, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - T M George
- Plastic Surgery, Craniofacial Team at the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - R J Harshbarger
- Plastic Surgery, Craniofacial Team at the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Yilmaz E, Mihci E, Nur B, Alper ÖM, Taçoy Ş. Recent Advances in Craniosynostosis. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 99:7-15. [PMID: 31421914 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Craniosynostosis is a pathologic craniofacial disorder and is defined as the premature fusion of one or more cranial (calvarial) sutures. Cranial sutures are fibrous joints consisting of nonossified mesenchymal cells that play an important role in the development of healthy craniofacial skeletons. Early fusion of these sutures results in incomplete brain development that may lead to complications of several severe medical conditions including seizures, brain damage, mental delay, complex deformities, strabismus, and visual and breathing problems. As a congenital disease, craniosynostosis has a heterogeneous origin that can be affected by genetic and epigenetic alterations, teratogens, and environmental factors and make the syndrome highly complex. To date, approximately 200 syndromes have been linked to craniosynostosis. In addition to being part of a syndrome, craniosynostosis can be nonsyndromic, formed without any additional anomalies. More than 50 nuclear genes that relate to craniosynostosis have been identified. Besides genetic factors, epigenetic factors like microRNAs and mechanical forces also play important roles in suture fusion. As craniosynostosis is a multifactorial disorder, evaluating the craniosynostosis syndrome requires and depends on all the information obtained from clinical findings, genetic analysis, epigenetic or environmental factors, or gene modulators. In this review, we will focus on embryologic and genetic studies, as well as epigenetic and environmental studies. We will discuss published studies and correlate the findings with unknown aspects of craniofacial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elanur Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ercan Mihci
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Banu Nur
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Özgül M Alper
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Şükran Taçoy
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey
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Xu Y, Sun S, Li N, Yu T, Wang X, Wang J, Bao N. Identification and analysis of the genetic causes in nine unrelated probands with syndromic craniosynostosis. Gene 2017; 641:144-150. [PMID: 29037998 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Syndromic craniosynostosis is a group of multiple conditions with high heterogeneity, and many rare syndromes still remain to be characterized. To identify and analyze causative genetic variants in nine unrelated probands mainly manifested as syndromic craniosynostosis, we reviewed the relevant medical information of the patients and performed the whole exome sequencing, further verified with Sanger sequencing and parental background. Bioinformatics analysis was used to evaluate the potential deleterious or benign effect of each genetic variant through evolutionary conservation alignment, multi-lines of computer predication and the allele frequency in population dataset (control and patient). The Standards and guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics was used to classify and interpret the pathogenicity for each genetic variant. All the nine probands were found to carry the possibly causative variants, among which three variants including two missense mutations (c.3385C>T in IFT122 gene, c.3581A>G in SMC1A gene) and a frameshift mutation (c.434dupA in TWIST1 gene) have never been reported in patients before. We suggested Cornelia de Lange syndrome caused by SMC1A variant is a neglected syndromic craniosynostosis. Our study not only expanded genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of the rare syndromes, but also confirmed that there existed an underlying genetic mechanism. We emphasized that deliberate selection of both the potential candidates and comprehensive detection methods for genetic analysis is important to increase the genetic diagnosis yield of syndromic craninosynostosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China; Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Shouqing Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Niu Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China; Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China; Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China; Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Nan Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
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Bennis Y, Wolber A, Vinchon M, Belkhou A, Duquennoy-Martinot V, Guerreschi P. Les craniosténoses non syndromiques. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2016; 61:389-407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Mutation Screening of Candidate Genes in Patients with Nonsyndromic Sagittal Craniosynostosis. Plast Reconstr Surg 2016; 137:952-961. [PMID: 26910679 DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000479978.75545.ee] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Craniosynostosis is a condition that includes the premature fusion of one or multiple cranial sutures. Among various craniosynostosis forms, sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is the most prevalent. Although different gene mutations have been identified in some craniosynostosis syndromes, the cause of sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis remains largely unknown. METHODS To screen for candidate genes for sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, the authors sequenced DNA of 93 sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients from a population-based study conducted in Iowa and New York states. FGFR1-3 mutational hotspots and the entire TWIST1, RAB23, and BMP2 coding regions were screened because of their known roles in human nonsyndromic or syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis, expression patterns, and/or animal model studies. RESULTS The authors identified two rare variants in their cohort. A FGFR1 insertion c.730_731insG, which led to a premature stop codon, was predicted to abolish the entire immunoglobulin-like III domain, including the ligand-binding region. A c.439C>G variant was observed in TWIST1 at its highly conserved loop domain in another patient. The patient's mother harbored the same variant and was reported with jaw abnormalities. These two variants were not detected in 116 alleles from unaffected controls or seen in the several databases; however, TWIST1 variant was found in a low frequency of 0.000831 percent in Exome Aggregation Consortium database. CONCLUSIONS The low mutation detection rate indicates that these genes account for only a small proportion of sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients. The authors' results add to the perception that sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is a complex developmental defect with considerable genetic heterogeneity. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Risk, II.
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Leitch VD, Dwivedi PP, Anderson PJ, Powell BC. Retinol-binding protein 4 downregulation during osteogenesis and its localization to non-endocytic vesicles in human cranial suture mesenchymal cells suggest a novel tissue function. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 139:75-87. [PMID: 22878527 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-1011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Craniosynostosis is a developmental disorder of the skull arising from premature bony fusion of cranial sutures, the sites of skull bone growth. In a recent gene microarray study, we demonstrated that retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) was the most highly downregulated gene in suture tissue during the pathological process of premature bony fusion. To gain insight into the function of RBP4 in cranial sutures, we analysed primary cells cultured from human cranial suture mesenchyme. These cells express RBP4 but not CRBP1, cellular retinol-binding protein 1, the typical cytoplasmic retinol storage protein. Using flow cytometry, we showed that suture mesenchymal cells express the RBP4 receptor, STRA6, on the cell surface. In a cell culture model of cranial osteogenesis, we found that RBP4 was significantly downregulated during mineralization, analogous to its decrease in pathological suture fusion. We found that cranial suture cells do not secrete detectable levels of RBP4, suggesting that it acts in a cell-autonomous manner. High-resolution confocal microscopy with a panel of antibody markers of cytoplasmic organelles demonstrated that RBP4 was present in several hundred cytoplasmic vesicles of about 300 nm in diameter which, in large part, were conspicuously distinct from the ER, the Golgi and endosomes of the endocytic pathway. We speculate that in suture mesenchymal cells, endogenous RBP4 receives retinol from STRA6 and the RBP4-retinol complex is stored in vesicles until needed for conversion to retinoic acid in the process of osteogenesis. This study extends the role of RBP4 beyond that of a serum transporter of retinol and implicates a broader role in osteogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D Leitch
- Women's and Children's Health Research Institute, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
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Yang X, Hatfield JT, Hinze SJ, Mu X, Anderson PJ, Powell BC. Bone to pick: the importance of evaluating reference genes for RT-qPCR quantification of gene expression in craniosynostosis and bone-related tissues and cells. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:222. [PMID: 22564426 PMCID: PMC3476976 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background RT-qPCR is a common tool for quantification of gene expression, but its accuracy is dependent on the choice and stability (steady state expression levels) of the reference gene/s used for normalization. To date, in the bone field, there have been few studies to determine the most stable reference genes and, usually, RT-qPCR data is normalised to non-validated reference genes, most commonly GAPDH, ACTB and 18 S rRNA. Here we draw attention to the potential deleterious impact of using classical reference genes to normalise expression data for bone studies without prior validation of their stability. Results Using the geNorm and Normfinder programs, panels of mouse and human genes were assessed for their stability under three different experimental conditions: 1) disease progression of Crouzon syndrome (craniosynostosis) in a mouse model, 2) proliferative culture of cranial suture cells isolated from craniosynostosis patients and 3) osteogenesis of a mouse bone marrow stromal cell line. We demonstrate that classical reference genes are not always the most ‘stable’ genes and that gene ‘stability’ is highly dependent on experimental conditions. Selected stable genes, individually or in combination, were then used to normalise osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase gene expression data during cranial suture fusion in the craniosynostosis mouse model and strategies compared. Strikingly, the expression trends of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin varied significantly when normalised to the least stable, the most stable or the three most stable genes. Conclusion To minimise errors in evaluating gene expression levels, analysis of a reference panel and subsequent normalization to several stable genes is strongly recommended over normalization to a single gene. In particular, we conclude that use of single, non-validated “housekeeping” genes such as GAPDH, ACTB and 18 S rRNA, currently a widespread practice by researchers in the bone field, is likely to produce data of questionable reliability when changes are 2 fold or less, and such data should be interpreted with due caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxian Yang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Craniosynostosis is a significant disorder affecting 1 in 2500 live births worldwide. Although a large body of work has focused on dural regulation and the contributions of molecular mediators such as fibroblast growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein, and transforming growth factor β, minimal attention has been directed toward osteoclast function in cranial suture biology. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) is an essential mediator of osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activation. In this study, physiologic fusion of posterior frontal sutures in murine development correlated with decreasing protein expression of RANK in comparison to age-matched coronal and sagittal sutures via immunohistochemical survey. However, RANK mRNA did not exhibit a similar pattern suggesting that RANK is regulated at the protein level. Fused cranial sutures in nonsyndromic craniosynostotic children also showed decreased levels of RANK staining in immunohistochemistry in comparison to patent sutures from the same patients. Immunohistochemistry with a RANK ligand antibody did not show differences in fused or patent sutures. Moreover, RANK knockdown in calvarial strip suture cultures displayed increased bone density specifically in the suture line after infection with small interfering RANK viruses. Cranial suture biology, similar to bone biology in general, likely depends on a complex interplay between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. We now report a temporospatial correlation between RANK expression and suture morphology that suggests that osteoclast activity is important in maintenance of cranial suture patency in normal physiology and disease. Furthermore, RANK downregulation promoted suture fusion establishing a causal relationship between the presence of RANK and patency.
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Ursitti F, Fadda T, Papetti L, Pagnoni M, Nicita F, Iannetti G, Spalice A. Evaluation and management of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. Acta Paediatr 2011; 100:1185-94. [PMID: 21457300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02299.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Craniosynostosis (craniostenosis) is premature fusion of the sutures of the cranial vault. Several factors can affect the growth of the cranial vault during embryonic life and after birth, leading to different types of craniosynostosis; these can be classified on the basis of the specific sutures that are fused. Prognosis is improved by early diagnosis, and it is important to establish the correct approach to these patients on the basis of clinical and neuroradiological investigation. The first priority is to identify the type of craniosynostosis and to distinguish between the types that require surgical intervention and those that do not. We report on the different forms of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, their clinical and neuroradiological diagnoses, and surgical strategies. CONCLUSION The aim of this review is to provide to paediatricians a correct diagnostic approach and management of children affected from nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, for which a careful physical, ophthalmological and neurological examination is fundamental, whereas brain Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are necessary for patients in which the diagnosis is uncertain or for cases of syndromic craniosynostosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ursitti
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Division, University of Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Coussens AK, Hughes IP, Morris CP, Powell BC, Anderson PJ. In vitro differentiation of human calvarial suture derived cells with and without dexamethasone does not induce in vivo-like expression. J Cell Physiol 2008; 218:183-91. [PMID: 18803234 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Osteogenic supplements are a requirement for osteoblastic cell differentiation during in vitro culture of human calvarial suture-derived cell populations. We investigated the ability of ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate with and without the addition of dexamethasone to stimulate in vivo-like osteoblastic differentiation. Cells were isolated from unfused and prematurely fused suture tissue from patients with syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis and cultured in each osteogenic medium for varying lengths of time. The effect of media supplementation was investigated with respect to the ability of cells to form mineralised bone nodules and the expression of five osteodifferentiation marker genes (COL1A1, ALP, BSP, OC and RUNX2), and five genes that are differentially expressed during human premature suture fusion (GPC3, RBP4, C1QTNF3, WIF1 and FGF2). Cells from unfused sutures responded more slowly to osteogenic media but formed comparable bone nodules to fused suture-derived cells after 16 days of culture in either osteogenic media. However, gene expression differed between unfused and fused suture-derived cells, as did expression in each osteogenic medium. When compared to expression in the explant tissue of origin, neither medium induced a level or profile of gene expression similar to that seen in vivo. Overall, our results demonstrate that cells from the same suture that are isolated during different stages of morphogenesis in vivo, despite being de-differentiated to a similar level in vitro, respond uniquely and differently to each osteogenic medium. Further, we suggest that neither cell culture medium recapitulates differentiation via activation of the same genetic cascades as occurs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Coussens
- Cooperative Research Centre for Diagnostics, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
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Coussens AK, Hughes IP, Wilkinson CR, Morris CP, Anderson PJ, Powell BC, van Daal A. Identification of genes differentially expressed by prematurely fused human sutures using a novel in vivo – in vitro approach. Differentiation 2008; 76:531-45. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.2007.00244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Coussens AK, Wilkinson CR, Hughes IP, Morris CP, van Daal A, Anderson PJ, Powell BC. Unravelling the molecular control of calvarial suture fusion in children with craniosynostosis. BMC Genomics 2007; 8:458. [PMID: 18076769 PMCID: PMC2222648 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-8-458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2007] [Accepted: 12/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of calvarial sutures, is a common craniofacial abnormality. Causative mutations in more than 10 genes have been identified, involving fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and Eph/ephrin signalling pathways. Mutations affect each human calvarial suture (coronal, sagittal, metopic, and lambdoid) differently, suggesting different gene expression patterns exist in each human suture. To better understand the molecular control of human suture morphogenesis we used microarray analysis to identify genes differentially expressed during suture fusion in children with craniosynostosis. Expression differences were also analysed between each unfused suture type, between sutures from syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis patients, and between unfused sutures from individuals with and without craniosynostosis. RESULTS We identified genes with increased expression in unfused sutures compared to fusing/fused sutures that may be pivotal to the maintenance of suture patency or in controlling early osteoblast differentiation (i.e. RBP4, GPC3, C1QTNF3, IL11RA, PTN, POSTN). In addition, we have identified genes with increased expression in fusing/fused suture tissue that we suggest could have a role in premature suture fusion (i.e. WIF1, ANXA3, CYFIP2). Proteins of two of these genes, glypican 3 and retinol binding protein 4, were investigated by immunohistochemistry and localised to the suture mesenchyme and osteogenic fronts of developing human calvaria, respectively, suggesting novel roles for these proteins in the maintenance of suture patency or in controlling early osteoblast differentiation. We show that there is limited difference in whole genome expression between sutures isolated from patients with syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis and confirmed this by quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, distinct expression profiles for each unfused suture type were noted, with the metopic suture being most disparate. Finally, although calvarial bones are generally thought to grow without a cartilage precursor, we show histologically and by identification of cartilage-specific gene expression that cartilage may be involved in the morphogenesis of lambdoid and posterior sagittal sutures. CONCLUSION This study has provided further insight into the complex signalling network which controls human calvarial suture morphogenesis and craniosynostosis. Identified genes are candidates for targeted therapeutic development and to screen for craniosynostosis-causing mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Coussens
- Cooperative Research Centre for Diagnostics, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology,Brisbane 4001, Australia.
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