1
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Sao K, Risbud MV. Sdc4 deletion perturbs intervertebral disc matrix homeostasis and promotes early osteopenia in the aging mouse spine. Matrix Biol 2024:S0945-053X(24)00067-2. [PMID: 38806135 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.05.006] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Syndecan 4 (Sdc4), a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is known to regulate matrix catabolism by nucleus pulposus cells in an inflammatory milieu. However, the role of Sdc4 in the aging spine has never been explored. Here we analyzed the spinal phenotype of Sdc4 global knockout (KO) mice as a function of age. Micro-computed tomography showed that Sdc4 deletion severely reduced vertebral trabecular and cortical bone mass, and biomechanical properties of vertebrae were significantly altered in Sdc4 KO mice. These changes in vertebral bone were likely due to elevated osteoclastic activity in KO mice. The histological assessment showed subtle phenotypic changes in the intervertebral disc. Imaging-Fourier transform-infrared analyses showed a reduced relative ratio of mature collagen crosslinks in young adult nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) of KO compared to wildtype mice. Additionally, relative chondroitin sulfate levels increased in the NP compartment of the KO mice. Transcriptomic analysis of NP tissue using CompBio, an AI-based tool showed biological themes associated with prominent dysregulation of heparan sulfate GAG degradation, mitochondria metabolism, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated misfolded protein processes and ER to Golgi protein processing. Overall, this study highlights the important role of Sdc4 in fine-tuning vertebral bone homeostasis and extracellular matrix homeostasis in the mouse intervertebral disc.
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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, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19107.
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19107.
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2
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Zhou M, Theologis AA, O’Connell GD. Understanding the etiopathogenesis of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation: From clinical evidence to basic scientific research. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1289. [PMID: 38222810 PMCID: PMC10782075 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, as a leading cause of low back pain, productivity loss, and disability, is a common musculoskeletal disorder that results in significant socioeconomic burdens. Despite extensive clinical and basic scientific research efforts, herniation etiopathogenesis, particularly its initiation and progression, is not well understood. Understanding herniation etiopathogenesis is essential for developing effective preventive measures and therapeutic interventions. Thus, this review seeks to provide a thorough overview of the advances in herniation-oriented research, with a discussion on ongoing challenges and potential future directions for clinical, translational, and basic scientific investigations to facilitate innovative interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding herniation etiopathogenesis. Specifically, risk factors for herniation are identified and summarized, including familial predisposition, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking tobacco, selected cardiovascular diseases, disc degeneration, and occupational risks. Basic scientific experimental and computational research that aims to understand the link between excessive mechanical load, catabolic tissue remodeling due to inflammation or insufficient nutrient supply, and herniation, are also reviewed. Potential future directions to address the current challenges in herniation-oriented research are explored by combining known progressive development in existing research techniques with ongoing technological advances. More research on the relationship between occupational risk factors and herniation, as well as the relationship between degeneration and herniation, is needed to develop preventive measures for working-age individuals. Notably, researchers should explore using or modifying existing degeneration animal models to study herniation etiopathogenesis, as such models may allow for a better understanding of how to prevent mild-to-moderately degenerated discs from herniating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhao Zhou
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)BerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alekos A. Theologis
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of California, San Francisco (UCSF)San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Grace D. O’Connell
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)BerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of California, San Francisco (UCSF)San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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3
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Yu H, Khanshour AM, Ushiki A, Otomo N, Koike Y, Einarsdottir E, Fan Y, Antunes L, Kidane YH, Cornelia R, Sheng RR, Zhang Y, Pei J, Grishin NV, Evers BM, Cheung JPY, Herring JA, Terao C, Song YQ, Gurnett CA, Gerdhem P, Ikegawa S, Rios JJ, Ahituv N, Wise CA. Association of genetic variation in COL11A1 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. eLife 2024; 12:RP89762. [PMID: 38277211 PMCID: PMC10945706 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89762] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common and progressive spinal deformity in children that exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, with girls at more than fivefold greater risk of severe disease compared to boys. Despite its medical impact, the molecular mechanisms that drive AIS are largely unknown. We previously defined a female-specific AIS genetic risk locus in an enhancer near the PAX1 gene. Here, we sought to define the roles of PAX1 and newly identified AIS-associated genes in the developmental mechanism of AIS. In a genetic study of 10,519 individuals with AIS and 93,238 unaffected controls, significant association was identified with a variant in COL11A1 encoding collagen (α1) XI (rs3753841; NM_080629.2_c.4004C>T; p.(Pro1335Leu); p=7.07E-11, OR = 1.118). Using CRISPR mutagenesis we generated Pax1 knockout mice (Pax1-/-). In postnatal spines we found that PAX1 and collagen (α1) XI protein both localize within the intervertebral disc-vertebral junction region encompassing the growth plate, with less collagen (α1) XI detected in Pax1-/- spines compared to wild-type. By genetic targeting we found that wild-type Col11a1 expression in costal chondrocytes suppresses expression of Pax1 and of Mmp3, encoding the matrix metalloproteinase 3 enzyme implicated in matrix remodeling. However, the latter suppression was abrogated in the presence of the AIS-associated COL11A1P1335L mutant. Further, we found that either knockdown of the estrogen receptor gene Esr2 or tamoxifen treatment significantly altered Col11a1 and Mmp3 expression in chondrocytes. We propose a new molecular model of AIS pathogenesis wherein genetic variation and estrogen signaling increase disease susceptibility by altering a PAX1-COL11a1-MMP3 signaling axis in spinal chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Center for Translational Research, Scottish Rite for ChildrenDallasUnited States
| | - Anas M Khanshour
- Center for Translational Research, Scottish Rite for ChildrenDallasUnited States
| | - Aki Ushiki
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Nao Otomo
- Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical SciencesTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshinao Koike
- Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical SciencesTokyoJapan
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical SciencesYokohamaJapan
| | - Elisabet Einarsdottir
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH-Royal Institute of TechnologySolnaSweden
| | - Yanhui Fan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Lilian Antunes
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Yared H Kidane
- Center for Translational Research, Scottish Rite for ChildrenDallasUnited States
| | - Reuel Cornelia
- Center for Translational Research, Scottish Rite for ChildrenDallasUnited States
| | - Rory R Sheng
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jimin Pei
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Nick V Grishin
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Bret M Evers
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Jason Pui Yin Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - John A Herring
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Scottish Rite for ChildrenDallasUnited States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Chikashi Terao
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical SciencesYokohamaJapan
| | - You-qiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Christina A Gurnett
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Paul Gerdhem
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Department of Orthopaedics and Hand Surgery, Uppsala University HospitalUppsalaSweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Shiro Ikegawa
- Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical SciencesTokyoJapan
| | - Jonathan J Rios
- Center for Translational Research, Scottish Rite for ChildrenDallasUnited States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Carol A Wise
- Center for Translational Research, Scottish Rite for ChildrenDallasUnited States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
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4
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Li Q, Huo A, Li M, Wang J, Yin Q, Chen L, Chu X, Qin Y, Qi Y, Li Y, Cui H, Cong Q. Structure, ligands, and roles of GPR126/ADGRG6 in the development and diseases. Genes Dis 2024; 11:294-305. [PMID: 37588228 PMCID: PMC10425801 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.016] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are the second largest diverse group within the GPCR superfamily, which play critical roles in many physiological and pathological processes through cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. The adhesion GPCR Adgrg6, also known as GPR126, is one of the better-characterized aGPCRs. GPR126 was previously found to have critical developmental roles in Schwann cell maturation and its mediated myelination in the peripheral nervous system in both zebrafish and mammals. Current studies have extended our understanding of GPR126-mediated roles during development and in human diseases. In this review, we highlighted these recent advances in GPR126 in expression profile, molecular structure, ligand-receptor interactions, and associated physiological and pathological functions in development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Anran Huo
- Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Qiao Yin
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Lumiao Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Xin Chu
- Department of Emergency Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Yuan Qin
- Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Yuwan Qi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Neurology, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Hengxiang Cui
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qifei Cong
- Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
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5
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Yu H, Khanshour AM, Ushiki A, Otomo N, Koike Y, Einarsdottir E, Fan Y, Antunes L, Kidane YH, Cornelia R, Sheng R, Zhang Y, Pei J, Grishin NV, Evers BM, Cheung JPY, Herring JA, Terao C, Song YQ, Gurnett CA, Gerdhem P, Ikegawa S, Rios JJ, Ahituv N, Wise CA. Association of genetic variation in COL11A1 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542293. [PMID: 37292598 PMCID: PMC10245954 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common and progressive spinal deformity in children that exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, with girls at more than five-fold greater risk of severe disease compared to boys. Despite its medical impact, the molecular mechanisms that drive AIS are largely unknown. We previously defined a female-specific AIS genetic risk locus in an enhancer near the PAX1 gene. Here we sought to define the roles of PAX1 and newly-identified AIS-associated genes in the developmental mechanism of AIS. In a genetic study of 10,519 individuals with AIS and 93,238 unaffected controls, significant association was identified with a variant in COL11A1 encoding collagen (α1) XI (rs3753841; NM_080629.2_c.4004C>T; p.(Pro1335Leu); P=7.07e-11, OR=1.118). Using CRISPR mutagenesis we generated Pax1 knockout mice (Pax1-/-). In postnatal spines we found that PAX1 and collagen (α1) XI protein both localize within the intervertebral disc (IVD)-vertebral junction region encompassing the growth plate, with less collagen (α1) XI detected in Pax1-/- spines compared to wildtype. By genetic targeting we found that wildtype Col11a1 expression in costal chondrocytes suppresses expression of Pax1 and of Mmp3, encoding the matrix metalloproteinase 3 enzyme implicated in matrix remodeling. However, this suppression was abrogated in the presence of the AIS-associated COL11A1P1335L mutant. Further, we found that either knockdown of the estrogen receptor gene Esr2, or tamoxifen treatment, significantly altered Col11a1 and Mmp3 expression in chondrocytes. We propose a new molecular model of AIS pathogenesis wherein genetic variation and estrogen signaling increase disease susceptibility by altering a Pax1-Col11a1-Mmp3 signaling axis in spinal chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anas M Khanshour
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Aki Ushiki
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nao Otomo
- Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Tokyo, JP
| | - Yoshinao Koike
- Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Tokyo, JP
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, JP
| | - Elisabet Einarsdottir
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, SE
| | - Yanhui Fan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, CN
| | - Lilian Antunes
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yared H Kidane
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Reuel Cornelia
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rory Sheng
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, CN
| | - Jimin Pei
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nick V Grishin
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bret M Evers
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jason Pui Yin Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, CN
| | - John A Herring
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chikashi Terao
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, JP
| | - You-Qiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, CN
| | - Christina A Gurnett
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul Gerdhem
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University and
- Department of Orthopaedics and Hand Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, SE
| | - Shiro Ikegawa
- Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Tokyo, JP
| | - Jonathan J Rios
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carol A Wise
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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6
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Wang L, Liu Z, Zhao S, Xu K, Aceves V, Qiu C, Troutwine B, Liu L, Ma S, Niu Y, Wang S, Yuan S, Li X, Zhao L, Liu X, Wu Z, Zhang TJ, Gray RS, Wu N. Variants in the SOX9 transactivation middle domain induce axial skeleton dysplasia and scoliosis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.29.23290174. [PMID: 37398377 PMCID: PMC10312849 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.29.23290174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
SOX9 is an essential transcriptional regulator of cartilage development and homeostasis. In humans, dysregulation of SOX9 is associated with a wide spectrum of skeletal disorders, including campomelic and acampomelic dysplasia, and scoliosis. The mechanism of how SOX9 variants contribute to the spectrum of axial skeletal disorders is not well understood. Here, we report four novel pathogenic variants of SOX9 identified in a large cohort of patients with congenital vertebral malformations. Three of these heterozygous variants are in the HMG and DIM domains, and for the first time, we report a pathogenic variant within the transactivation middle (TAM) domain of SOX9 . Probands with these variants exhibit variable skeletal dysplasia, ranging from isolated vertebral malformation to acampomelic dysplasia. We also generated a Sox9 hypomorphic mutant mouse model bearing a microdeletion within the TAM domain ( Sox9 Asp272del ). We demonstrated that disturbance of the TAM domain with missense mutation or microdeletion results in reduced protein stability but does not affect the transcriptional activity of SOX9. Homozygous Sox9 Asp272del mice exhibited axial skeletal dysplasia including kinked tails, ribcage anomalies, and scoliosis, recapitulating phenotypes observed in human, while heterozygous mutants display a milder phenotype. Analysis of primary chondrocytes and the intervertebral discs in Sox9 Asp272del mutant mice revealed dysregulation of a panel of genes with major contributions of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and ossification-related processes. In summary, our work identified the first pathologic variant of SOX9 within the TAM domain and demonstrated that this variant is associated with reduced SOX9 protein stability. Our finding suggests that reduced SOX9 stability caused by variants in the TAM domain may be responsible for the milder forms of axial skeleton dysplasia in humans.
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7
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Zhou T, Chen Y, Liao Z, Zhang L, Su D, Li Z, Yang X, Ke X, Liu H, Chen Y, Weng R, Shen H, Xu C, Wan Y, Xu R, Su P. Spatiotemporal Characterization of Human Early Intervertebral Disc Formation at Single-Cell Resolution. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206296. [PMID: 36965031 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) acts as a fibrocartilaginous joint to anchor adjacent vertebrae. Although several studies have demonstrated the cellular heterogeneity of adult mature IVDs, a single-cell transcriptomic atlas mapping early IVD formation is still lacking. Here, the authors generate a spatiotemporal and single cell-based transcriptomic atlas of human IVD formation at the embryonic stage and a comparative mouse transcript landscape. They identify two novel human notochord (NC)/nucleus pulposus (NP) clusters, SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10)+ and cathepsin K (CTSK)+ , that are distributed in the early and late stages of IVD formation and they are validated by lineage tracing experiments in mice. Matrisome NC/NP clusters, T-box transcription factor T (TBXT)+ and CTSK+ , are responsible for the extracellular matrix homeostasis. The IVD atlas suggests that a subcluster of the vertebral chondrocyte subcluster might give rise to an inner annulus fibrosus of chondrogenic origin, while the fibroblastic outer annulus fibrosus preferentially expresseds transgelin and fibromodulin . Through analyzing intercellular crosstalk, the authors further find that notochordal secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is a novel cue in the IVD microenvironment, and it is associated with IVD development and degeneration. In conclusion, the single-cell transcriptomic atlas will be leveraged to develop preventative and regenerative strategies for IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taifeng Zhou
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhiheng Liao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Long Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Deying Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics and State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhuling Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiaona Ke
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hengyu Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuyu Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ricong Weng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Huimin Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Caixia Xu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ren Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Peiqiang Su
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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8
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Lu Z, Chen P, Xu Q, Li B, Jiang S, Jiang L, Zheng X. Constitutive and conditional gene knockout mice for the study of intervertebral disc degeneration: Current status, decision considerations, and future possibilities. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1242. [PMID: 36994464 PMCID: PMC10041386 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been an increasing number of patients with degenerative disc diseases due to the aging population. In light of this, studies on the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration have become a hot topic, and gene knockout mice have become a valuable tool in this field of research. With the development of science and technology, constitutive gene knockout mice can be constructed using homologous recombination, zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator-like effector nuclease technology and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system, and conditional gene knockout mice can be constructed using the Cre/LoxP system. The gene-edited mice using these techniques have been widely used in the studies on disc degeneration. This paper reviews the development process and principles of these technologies, functions of the edited genes in disc degeneration, advantages, and disadvantages of different methods and possible targets of the specific Cre recombinase in intervertebral discs. Recommendations for the choice of suitable gene-edited model mice are presented. At the same time, possible technological improvements in the future are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze‐Yu Lu
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Peng‐Bo Chen
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Qing‐Yin Xu
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Bo Li
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Sheng‐Dan Jiang
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Lei‐Sheng Jiang
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Xin‐Feng Zheng
- Spine Center Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
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9
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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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10
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Xu H, Dong R, Zeng Q, Fang L, Ge Q, Xia C, Zhang P, Lv S, Zou Z, Wang P, Li J, Ruan H, Hu S, Wu C, Jin H, Tong P. Col9a2 gene deletion accelerates the degeneration of intervertebral discs. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:207. [PMID: 35126710 PMCID: PMC8796617 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Xu
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Rui Dong
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Qinghe Zeng
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Liang Fang
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Qinwen Ge
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Chenjie Xia
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Shuaijie Lv
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zou
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Pinger Wang
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Ju Li
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Hongfeng Ruan
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Songfeng Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Shaoxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Chengliang Wu
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Hongting Jin
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Peijian Tong
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
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11
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Liu Z, Hussien AA, Wang Y, Heckmann T, Gonzalez R, Karner CM, Snedeker JG, Gray RS. An adhesion G protein-coupled receptor is required in cartilaginous and dense connective tissues to maintain spine alignment. eLife 2021; 10:67781. [PMID: 34318745 PMCID: PMC8328515 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spine disorder affecting children worldwide, yet little is known about the pathogenesis of this disorder. Here, we demonstrate that genetic regulation of structural components of the axial skeleton, the intervertebral discs, and dense connective tissues (i.e., ligaments and tendons) is essential for the maintenance of spinal alignment. We show that the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor ADGRG6, previously implicated in human AIS association studies, is required in these tissues to maintain typical spine alignment in mice. Furthermore, we show that ADGRG6 regulates biomechanical properties of tendon and stimulates CREB signaling governing gene expression in cartilaginous tissues of the spine. Treatment with a cAMP agonist could mirror aspects of receptor function in culture, thus defining core pathways for regulating these axial cartilaginous and connective tissues. As ADGRG6 is a key gene involved in human AIS, these findings open up novel therapeutic opportunities for human scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
| | - Amro A Hussien
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yunjia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States.,Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Terry Heckmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States
| | - Roberto Gonzalez
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States
| | - Courtney M Karner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Jess G Snedeker
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ryan S Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, United States.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
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12
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Baxendale S, Asad A, Shahidan NO, Wiggin GR, Whitfield TT. The adhesion GPCR Adgrg6 (Gpr126): Insights from the zebrafish model. Genesis 2021; 59:e23417. [PMID: 33735533 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adhesion GPCRs are important regulators of conserved developmental processes and represent an untapped pool of potential targets for drug discovery. The adhesion GPCR Adgrg6 (Gpr126) has critical developmental roles in Schwann cell maturation and inner ear morphogenesis in the zebrafish embryo. Mutations in the human ADGRG6 gene can result in severe deficits in peripheral myelination, and variants have been associated with many other disease conditions. Here, we review work on the zebrafish Adgrg6 signaling pathway and its potential as a disease model. Recent advances have been made in the analysis of the structure of the Adgrg6 receptor, demonstrating alternative structural conformations and the presence of a conserved calcium-binding site within the CUB domain of the extracellular region that is critical for receptor function. Homozygous zebrafish adgrg6 hypomorphic mutants have been used successfully as a whole-animal screening platform, identifying candidate molecules that can influence signaling activity and rescue mutant phenotypes. These compounds offer promise for further development as small molecule modulators of Adgrg6 pathway activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Baxendale
- Department of Biomedical Science, Bateson Centre and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anzar Asad
- Department of Biomedical Science, Bateson Centre and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nahal O Shahidan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Bateson Centre and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Tanya T Whitfield
- Department of Biomedical Science, Bateson Centre and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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13
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Gray RS, Gonzalez R, Ackerman SD, Minowa R, Griest JF, Bayrak MN, Troutwine B, Canter S, Monk KR, Sepich DS, Solnica-Krezel L. Postembryonic screen for mutations affecting spine development in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2021; 471:18-33. [PMID: 33290818 PMCID: PMC10785604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The spine gives structural support for the adult body, protects the spinal cord, and provides muscle attachment for moving through the environment. The development and maturation of the spine and its physiology involve the integration of multiple musculoskeletal tissues including bone, cartilage, and fibrocartilaginous joints, as well as innervation and control by the nervous system. One of the most common disorders of the spine in human is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is characterized by the onset of an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine of <10° around adolescence, in otherwise healthy children. The genetic basis of AIS is largely unknown. Systematic genome-wide mutagenesis screens for embryonic phenotypes in zebrafish have been instrumental in the understanding of early patterning of embryonic tissues necessary to build and pattern the embryonic spine. However, the mechanisms required for postembryonic maturation and homeostasis of the spine remain poorly understood. Here we report the results from a small-scale forward genetic screen for adult-viable recessive and dominant zebrafish mutations, leading to overt morphological abnormalities of the adult spine. Germline mutations induced with N-ethyl N-nitrosourea (ENU) were transmitted and screened for dominant phenotypes in 1229 F1 animals, and subsequently bred to homozygosity in F3 families; from these, 314 haploid genomes were screened for adult-viable recessive phenotypes affecting general body shape. We cumulatively found 40 adult-viable (3 dominant and 37 recessive) mutations each leading to a defect in the morphogenesis of the spine. The largest phenotypic group displayed larval onset axial curvatures, leading to whole-body scoliosis without vertebral dysplasia in adult fish. Pairwise complementation testing of 16 mutant lines within this phenotypic group revealed at least 9 independent mutant loci. Using massively-parallel whole genome or whole exome sequencing and meiotic mapping we defined the molecular identity of several loci for larval onset whole-body scoliosis in zebrafish. We identified a new mutation in the skolios/kinesin family member 6 (kif6) gene, causing neurodevelopmental and ependymal cilia defects in mouse and zebrafish. We also report multiple recessive alleles of the scospondin and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 9 (adamts9) genes, which all display defects in spine morphogenesis. Our results provide evidence of monogenic traits that are essential for normal spine development in zebrafish, that may help to establish new candidate risk loci for spine disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Gray
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Roberto Gonzalez
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sarah D Ackerman
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ryoko Minowa
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Johanna F Griest
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Melisa N Bayrak
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin Troutwine
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Canter
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kelly R Monk
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Diane S Sepich
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lilianna Solnica-Krezel
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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14
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Makki N, Zhao J, Liu Z, Eckalbar WL, Ushiki A, Khanshour AM, Wu J, Rios J, Gray RS, Wise CA, Ahituv N. Genomic characterization of the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis-associated transcriptome and regulome. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3606-3615. [PMID: 33179741 PMCID: PMC7823110 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a sideways curvature of the spine, is the most common pediatric musculoskeletal disorder, affecting ~3% of the population worldwide. However, its genetic bases and tissues of origin remain largely unknown. Several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have implicated nucleotide variants in non-coding sequences that control genes with important roles in cartilage, muscle, bone, connective tissue and intervertebral disks (IVDs) as drivers of AIS susceptibility. Here, we set out to define the expression of AIS-associated genes and active regulatory elements by performing RNA-seq and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing against H3 lysine 27 acetylation in these tissues in mouse and human. Our study highlights genetic pathways involving AIS-associated loci that regulate chondrogenesis, IVD development and connective tissue maintenance and homeostasis. In addition, we identify thousands of putative AIS-associated regulatory elements which may orchestrate tissue-specific expression in musculoskeletal tissues of the spine. Quantification of enhancer activity of several candidate regulatory elements from our study identifies three functional enhancers carrying AIS-associated GWAS SNPs at the ADGRG6 and BNC2 loci. Our findings provide a novel genome-wide catalog of AIS-relevant genes and regulatory elements and aid in the identification of novel targets for AIS causality and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Makki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhaoyang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics and Nutritional Sciences, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Walter L Eckalbar
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aki Ushiki
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anas M Khanshour
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joe Wu
- Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan Rios
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, TX, USA.,McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development and Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ryan S Gray
- Department of Pediatrics and Nutritional Sciences, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Carol A Wise
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, TX, USA.,McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development and Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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15
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Abstract
The vertebrate body plan is characterized by the presence of a segmented spine along its main axis. Here, we examine the current understanding of how the axial tissues that are formed during embryonic development give rise to the adult spine and summarize recent advances in the field, largely focused on recent studies in zebrafish, with comparisons to amniotes where appropriate. We discuss recent work illuminating the genetics and biological mechanisms mediating extension and straightening of the body axis during development, and highlight open questions. We specifically focus on the processes of notochord development and cerebrospinal fluid physiology, and how defects in those processes may lead to scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Bagnat
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Ryan S Gray
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Pediatrics Research Institute, Austin, TX, 78723, USA
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16
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Tsingas M, Ottone OK, Haseeb A, Barve RA, Shapiro IM, Lefebvre V, Risbud MV. Sox9 deletion causes severe intervertebral disc degeneration characterized by apoptosis, matrix remodeling, and compartment-specific transcriptomic changes. Matrix Biol 2020; 94:110-133. [PMID: 33027692 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SOX9 plays an important role in chondrocyte differentiation and, in the developing axial skeleton, maintains the notochord and the demarcation of intervertebral disc compartments. Diminished expression is linked to campomelic dysplasia, resulting in severe scoliosis and progressive disc degeneration. However, the specific functions of SOX9 in the adult spinal column and disc are largely unknown. Accordingly, employing a strategy to conditionally delete Sox9 in Acan-expressing cells (AcanCreERT2Sox9fl/fl), we delineated these functions in the adult intervertebral disc. AcanCreERT2Sox9fl/fl mice (Sox9cKO) showed extensive and progressive remodeling of the extracellular matrix in nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF), consistent with human disc degeneration. Progressive degeneration of the cartilaginous endplates (EP) was also evident in Sox9cKO mice, and it preceded morphological changes seen in the NP and AF compartments. Fate mapping using tdTomato reporter, EdU chase, and quantitative immunohistological studies demonstrated that SOX9 is crucial for disc cell survival and phenotype maintenance. Microarray analysis showed that Sox9 regulated distinct compartment-specific transcriptomic landscapes, with prominent contributions to the ECM, cytoskeleton-related, and metabolic pathways in the NP and ion transport, the cell cycle, and signaling pathways in the AF. In summary, our work provides new insights into disc degeneration in Sox9cKO mice at the cellular, molecular, and transcriptional levels, underscoring tissue-specific roles of this transcription factor. Our findings may direct future cell therapies targeting SOX9 to mitigate disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsingas
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Olivia K Ottone
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- Department of Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ruteja A Barve
- Department of Genetics, Genome Technology Access Centre at the McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Véronique Lefebvre
- Department of Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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17
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Veras MA, Lim YJ, Kuljanin M, Lajoie GA, Urquhart BL, Séguin CA. Protocol for parallel proteomic and metabolomic analysis of mouse intervertebral disc tissues. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1099. [PMID: 33015574 PMCID: PMC7524214 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The comprehensiveness of data collected by "omics" modalities has demonstrated the ability to drastically transform our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of chronic, complex diseases such as musculoskeletal pathologies, how biomarkers are identified, and how therapeutic targets are developed. Standardization of protocols will enable comparisons between findings reported by multiple research groups and move the application of these technologies forward. Herein, we describe a protocol for parallel proteomic and metabolomic analysis of mouse intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues, building from the combined expertise of our collaborative team. This protocol covers dissection of murine IVD tissues, sample isolation, and data analysis for both proteomics and metabolomics applications. The protocol presented below was optimized to maximize the utility of a mouse model for "omics" applications, accounting for the challenges associated with the small starting quantity of sample due to small tissue size as well as the extracellular matrix-rich nature of the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Veras
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
- Bone and Joint Institute The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - Yong J Lim
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - Miljan Kuljanin
- Department of Cell Biology Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Gilles A Lajoie
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - Bradley L Urquhart
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - Cheryle A Séguin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
- Bone and Joint Institute The University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
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18
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Bearce EA, Grimes DT. On being the right shape: Roles for motile cilia and cerebrospinal fluid flow in body and spine morphology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 110:104-112. [PMID: 32693941 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
How developing and growing organisms attain their proper shape is a central problem of developmental biology. In this review, we investigate this question with respect to how the body axis and spine form in their characteristic linear head-to-tail fashion in vertebrates. Recent work in the zebrafish has implicated motile cilia and cerebrospinal fluid flow in axial morphogenesis and spinal straightness. We begin by introducing motile cilia, the fluid flows they generate and their roles in zebrafish development and growth. We then describe how cilia control body and spine shape through sensory cells in the spinal canal, a thread-like extracellular structure called the Reissner fiber, and expression of neuropeptide signals. Last, we discuss zebrafish mutants in which spinal straightness breaks down and three-dimensional curves form. These curves resemble the common but little-understood human disease Idiopathic Scoliosis. Zebrafish research is therefore poised to make progress in our understanding of this condition and, more generally, how body and spine shape is acquired and maintained through development and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Bearce
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
| | - Daniel T Grimes
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
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Glaeser JD, Tawackoli W, Ju DG, Yang JH, Kanim LEA, Salehi K, Yu V, Saidara E, Vit J, Khnkoyan Z, NaPier Z, Stone LS, Bae HW, Sheyn D. Optimization of a rat lumbar IVD degeneration model for low back pain. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1092. [PMID: 32613167 PMCID: PMC7323460 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is often associated with low back pain and radiating leg pain. The purpose of this study is to develop a reproducible and standardized preclinical model of painful lumbar IVD degeneration by evaluation of structural and behavioral changes in response to IVD injury with increasing needle sizes. This model can be used to develop new therapies for IVD degeneration. METHODS Forty-five female Sprague Dawley rats underwent anterior lumbar disc needle puncture at levels L4-5 and L5-6 under fluoroscopic guidance. Animals were randomly assigned to four different experimental groups: needle sizes of 18 Gauge (G), 21G, 23G, and sham control. To monitor the progression of IVD degeneration and pain, the following methods were employed: μMRI, qRT-PCR, histology, and biobehavioral analysis. RESULTS T1- and T2-weighted μMRI analysis showed a correlation between the degree of IVD degeneration and needle diameter, with the most severe degeneration in the 18G group. mRNA expression of markers for IVD degeneration markers were dysregulated in the 18G and 21G groups, while pro-nociceptive markers were increased in the 18G group only. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Alcian Blue/Picrosirius Red staining confirmed the most pronounced IVD degeneration in the 18G group. Randall-Selitto and von Frey tests showed increased hindpaw sensitivity in the 18G group. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that anterior disc injury with an 18G needle creates severe IVD degeneration and mechanical hypersensitivity, while the 21G needle results in moderate degeneration with no increased pain sensitivity. Therefore, needle sizes should be selected depending on the desired phenotype for the pre-clinical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane D. Glaeser
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Wafa Tawackoli
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of SurgeryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Biomedical Imaging Research InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Derek G. Ju
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jae H. Yang
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryKorea University Guro HospitalSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Linda EA Kanim
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Khosrowdad Salehi
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Victoria Yu
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Evan Saidara
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jean‐Phillipe Vit
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zhanna Khnkoyan
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zachary NaPier
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Laura S. Stone
- McGill University, Faculty of DentistryAlan Edwards Centre for Research on PainMontrealCanada
| | - Hyun W. Bae
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Dmitriy Sheyn
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research LaboratoryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of SurgeryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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