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Govindaraj K, Meteling M, van Rooij J, Becker M, van Wijnen AJ, van den Beucken JJJP, Ramos YFM, van Meurs J, Post JN, Leijten J. Osmolarity-Induced Altered Intracellular Molecular Crowding Drives Osteoarthritis Pathology. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2306722. [PMID: 38213111 PMCID: PMC10953583 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial degenerative joint disease of which the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. At the molecular level, multiple factors including altered signaling pathways, epigenetics, metabolic imbalance, extracellular matrix degradation, production of matrix metalloproteinases, and inflammatory cytokines, are known to play a detrimental role in OA. However, these factors do not initiate OA, but are mediators or consequences of the disease, while many other factors causing the etiology of OA are still unknown. Here, it is revealed that microenvironmental osmolarity can induce and reverse osteoarthritis-related behavior of chondrocytes via altered intracellular molecular crowding, which represents a previously unknown mechanism underlying OA pathophysiology. Decreased intracellular crowding is associated with increased sensitivity to proinflammatory triggers and decreased responsiveness to anabolic stimuli. OA-induced lowered intracellular molecular crowding could be renormalized via exposure to higher extracellular osmolarity such as those found in healthy joints, which reverse OA chondrocyte's sensitivity to catabolic stimuli as well as its glycolytic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Govindaraj
- Department of Developmental BioengineeringFaculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Marieke Meteling
- Department of Developmental BioengineeringFaculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van Rooij
- Department of Internal MedicineErasmus MCDr. Molewaterplein 40Rotterdam3015GDThe Netherlands
| | - Malin Becker
- Department of Developmental BioengineeringFaculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Yolande F. M. Ramos
- Department of Biomedical Data SciencesSection Molecular EpidemiologyLUMCEinthovenweg 20Leiden2333 ZCThe Netherlands
| | - Joyce van Meurs
- Department of Internal MedicineErasmus MCDr. Molewaterplein 40Rotterdam3015GDThe Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedics & Sports MedicineErasmus MCDr. Molewaterplein 40Rotterdam3015GDThe Netherlands
| | - Janine N. Post
- Department of Developmental BioengineeringFaculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Department of Developmental BioengineeringFaculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
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2
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van Dalen M, Karperien M, Claessens MM, Post JN. Choice of Protein, Not Its Amyloid-Fold, Determines the Success of Amyloid-Based Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Regeneration. ACS Omega 2023; 8:24198-24209. [PMID: 37457450 PMCID: PMC10339334 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The formation of fibrocartilage during articular cartilage regeneration remains a clinical problem affecting adequate restoration of articular cartilage in joints. To stimulate chondrocytes to form articular cartilage, we investigated the use of amyloid fibril-based scaffolds. The proteins α-synuclein, β-lactoglobulin, and lysozyme were induced to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils and, during dialysis, formed micrometer scale amyloid networks that resemble the cartilage extracellular matrix. Our results show that lysozyme amyloid micronetworks supported chondrocyte viability and extracellular matrix deposition, while α-synuclein and β-lactoglobulin maintained cell viability. With this study, we not only confirm the possible use of amyloid materials for tissue regeneration but also demonstrate that the choice of protein, rather than its amyloid-fold per se, affects the cellular response and tissue formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice
C.E. van Dalen
- Developmental
BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University
of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel 7500 AE, The Netherlands
- Nanobiophysics,
Mesa+, University of Twente, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental
BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University
of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | | | - Janine N. Post
- Developmental
BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University
of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel 7500 AE, The Netherlands
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3
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Khurana S, Schivo S, Plass JRM, Mersinis N, Scholma J, Kerkhofs J, Zhong L, van de Pol J, Langerak R, Geris L, Karperien M, Post JN. An ECHO of Cartilage: In Silico Prediction of Combinatorial Treatments to Switch Between Transient and Permanent Cartilage Phenotypes With Ex Vivo Validation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:732917. [PMID: 34869253 PMCID: PMC8634894 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.732917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in cartilage biology is: what determines the switch between permanent cartilage found in the articular joints and transient hypertrophic cartilage that functions as a template for bone? This switch is observed both in a subset of OA patients that develop osteophytes, as well as in cell-based tissue engineering strategies for joint repair. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms regulating cell fate provides opportunities for treatment of cartilage disease and tissue engineering strategies. The objective of this study was to understand the mechanisms that regulate the switch between permanent and transient cartilage using a computational model of chondrocytes, ECHO. To investigate large signaling networks that regulate cell fate decisions, we developed the software tool ANIMO, Analysis of Networks with interactive Modeling. In ANIMO, we generated an activity network integrating 7 signal transduction pathways resulting in a network containing over 50 proteins with 200 interactions. We called this model ECHO, for executable chondrocyte. Previously, we showed that ECHO could be used to characterize mechanisms of cell fate decisions. ECHO was first developed based on a Boolean model of growth plate. Here, we show how the growth plate Boolean model was translated to ANIMO and how we adapted the topology and parameters to generate an articular cartilage model. In ANIMO, many combinations of overactivation/knockout were tested that result in a switch between permanent cartilage (SOX9+) and transient, hypertrophic cartilage (RUNX2+). We used model checking to prioritize combination treatments for wet-lab validation. Three combinatorial treatments were chosen and tested on metatarsals from 1-day old rat pups that were treated for 6 days. We found that a combination of IGF1 with inhibition of ERK1/2 had a positive effect on cartilage formation and growth, whereas activation of DLX5 combined with inhibition of PKA had a negative effect on cartilage formation and growth and resulted in increased cartilage hypertrophy. We show that our model describes cartilage formation, and that model checking can aid in choosing and prioritizing combinatorial treatments that interfere with normal cartilage development. Here we show that combinatorial treatments induce changes in the zonal distribution of cartilage, indication possible switches in cell fate. This indicates that simulations in ECHO aid in describing pathologies in which switches between cell fates are observed, such as OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Khurana
- Technical Medicine Centre, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Stefano Schivo
- Technical Medicine Centre, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.,Department of Formal Methods and Tools, CTIT Institute, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline R M Plass
- Technical Medicine Centre, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Nikolas Mersinis
- Technical Medicine Centre, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Jetse Scholma
- Technical Medicine Centre, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Johan Kerkhofs
- Biomechanics Research Unit, GIGA In Silico Medicine, ULiège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Leilei Zhong
- Technical Medicine Centre, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Jaco van de Pol
- Department of Formal Methods and Tools, CTIT Institute, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.,Dept. of Computer Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rom Langerak
- Department of Formal Methods and Tools, CTIT Institute, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Technical Medicine Centre, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- Technical Medicine Centre, Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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4
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Huang X, Zhong L, van Helvoort E, Lafeber F, Mastbergen S, Hendriks J, Post JN, Karperien M. The Expressions of Dickkopf-Related Protein 1 and Frizzled-Related Protein Are Negatively Correlated to Local Inflammation and Osteoarthritis Severity. Cartilage 2021; 12:496-504. [PMID: 30947534 PMCID: PMC8461161 DOI: 10.1177/1947603519841676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the presence of WNT antagonists Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), Frizzled-related protein (FRZB) and BMP antagonist Gremlin 1 (GREM1) in synovial fluid (SF) and serum, respectively, from end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and correlate their expression with other markers of OA. DESIGN In a cross-sectional study, SF and serum were collected from OA patients (n = 132). The concentrations of DKK1, FRZB and GREM1 in SF and serum were determined using immunoassays. Correlation measurements were performed between groups and previously assessed disease markers, such as synovium nitric oxide (NO), inerleukin-1β (IL1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). RESULTS The OA patients with the celecoxib treatment till surgery have higher median SF FRZB values compared with the control (no treatment); the celecoxib 3-days before surgery stopped treatment group has higher median serum FRZB values than the control and the naproxen treatment group. The combinational analysis of SF DKK1 and SF FRZB negatively correlated with macroscopic cartilage scores and histological synovium scores in OA patients. The expression of DKK1 and FRZB in SF showed the same expression trend as their expression in serum. Furthermore, the SF concentration of DKK1 was positively correlated with FRZB in both SF and serum. In contrast, it was negatively correlated with synovium NO and IL1β. SF FRZB was negatively correlated with synovium NO, IL1β, cartilage PGE2, and age. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest DKK1 and FRZB were negatively correlated with OA severity and multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data indicate that DKK1 and FRZB can be joint disease-specific biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Huang
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Leilei Zhong
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Eefje van Helvoort
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Floris Lafeber
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Simon Mastbergen
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Hendriks
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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5
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van Dalen ME, Vaneyck J, Semerdzhiev SA, Karperien M, Post JN, Claessens MMAE. Protein Adsorption Enhances Energy Dissipation in Networks of Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrils. Langmuir 2021; 37:7349-7355. [PMID: 34097425 PMCID: PMC8223478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels of amyloid fibrils are a versatile biomaterial for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. Their suitability for these applications has been partly ascribed to their excellent and potentially engineerable rheological properties. However, while in biomedical applications the gels have to function in compositionally complex physiological solutions, their rheological behavior is typically only characterized in simple buffers. Here we show that the viscoelastic response of networks of amyloid fibrils of the protein lysozyme in biologically relevant solutions substantially differs from the response in simple buffers. We observe enhanced energy dissipation in both cell culture medium and synovial fluid. We attribute this energy dissipation to interactions of the amyloid fibrils with other molecules in these solutions and especially to the adsorption of the abundantly present protein serum albumin. This finding provides the basis for a better understanding of the performance of amyloid hydrogels in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice
C. E. van Dalen
- Nanobiophysics,
Faculty of Science and Technology, Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
- Developmental
BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Vaneyck
- Nanobiophysics,
Faculty of Science and Technology, Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Slav A. Semerdzhiev
- Nanobiophysics,
Faculty of Science and Technology, Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental
BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Janine N. Post
- Developmental
BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Mireille M. A. E. Claessens
- Nanobiophysics,
Faculty of Science and Technology, Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
- E-mail:
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6
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Fu Y, Paggi CA, Dudakovic A, van Wijnen AJ, Post JN, Karperien M. Engineering Cartilage Tissue by Co-culturing of Chondrocytes and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2221:53-70. [PMID: 32979198 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0989-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Co-culture of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has been shown to be beneficial in engineering cartilage tissue in vitro. In these co-cultures, MSCs increase the proliferation and matrix deposition of chondrocytes. The MSCs accomplish this beneficial effect by so-called trophic actions. Thus, large cartilage constructs can be made with a relatively small number of chondrocytes. In this chapter, we describe different methods for making co-cultures of MSCs and chondrocytes. We also provide detailed protocols for analyzing MSC-chondrocyte co-cultures with cell tracking, proliferation assays, species-specific polymerase chain reactions (PCR), rheological analysis, compression analysis, RNA-sequencing analysis, short tandem repeats analysis, and biochemical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Fu
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo A Paggi
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Amel Dudakovic
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andre J van Wijnen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Janine N Post
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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7
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Schivo S, Khurana S, Govindaraj K, Scholma J, Kerkhofs J, Zhong L, Huang X, van de Pol J, Langerak R, van Wijnen AJ, Geris L, Karperien M, Post JN. ECHO, the executable CHOndrocyte: A computational model to study articular chondrocytes in health and disease. Cell Signal 2020; 68:109471. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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8
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Huang X, Zhong L, Hendriks J, Post JN, Karperien M. Different response of human chondrocytes from healthy looking areas and damaged regions to IL1β stimulation under different oxygen tension. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:84-93. [PMID: 30255592 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Due to its avascular nature, articular cartilage is relatively hypoxic. The aim of this study was to elucidate the functional changes of macroscopically healthy looking areas chondrocytes (MHC) and macroscopically damaged regions chondrocytes (MDC) at a cellular level in response to the inflammatory cytokine IL1β under different oxygen tension levels. In this study, two-dimensional (2-D) expanded MHC and MDC were redifferentiated in 3-D pellet cultures in chondrogenic differentiation medium, supplemented with or without IL1β at conventional culture (normoxia) or 2.5% O2 (hypoxia) for 3 weeks. qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to detect the expression of anabolic and catabolic gene expression. Alcian blue/Safranin O staining and GAG assay were used to measure cartilage matrix production. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by EdU staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. The results showed that hypoxia enhanced matrix production in both MHC and MDC and this effect was stronger on MDC. Under normoxia, MHC showed higher expression of cartilage markers and lower catabolic genes expression than MDC. Interestingly, hypoxia diminished the difference between MHC and MDC. IL1β potently induced MMPs expression regardless of cell population and oxygen tension. The fold induction of these MMPs in hypoxia was however much higher than in normoxia. In addition, hypoxia promoted the expression of HIF1α and HIF2α in MHC, while it only enhanced HIF1α expression but decreased the HIF2α expression in MDC. We concluded that hypoxia stimulated the redifferentiation of cultured chondrocytes, particularly in MDC derived from macroscopically diseased cartilage. Oxygen tension may profoundly and differentially influence inflammation-associated cartilage injury and diseases by regulating the expression of HIF1α and HIF2α. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:XX-XX, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Huang
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Leilei Zhong
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Hendriks
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
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9
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Govindaraj K, Hendriks J, Lidke DS, Karperien M, Post JN. Changes in Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) as an indicator of SOX9 transcription factor activity. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms 2019; 1862:107-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Huang X, Zhong L, Post JN, Karperien M. Co-treatment of TGF-β3 and BMP7 is superior in stimulating chondrocyte redifferentiation in both hypoxia and normoxia compared to single treatments. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10251. [PMID: 29980690 PMCID: PMC6035177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling by members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, such as TGF-β3 and BMP7, and oxygen tension play a pivotal role in chondrocyte biology. The objective of this research was to investigate the endogenous BMP7 expression in human osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage and the effect of oxygen tension on the single or combined treatment with TGF-β3 and BMP7 on OA chondrocyte redifferentiation in three dimensional (3D) pellet cultures. The results showed the expression of BMP7 and its intracellular signaling target SMAD1/5/8 was decreased in early OA, while it was increased in later stages of OA. The combined treatment with TGF-β3 and BMP7, both in normoxia and hypoxia, was more effective than TGF-β3 or BMP7 alone in redifferentiating chondrocytes. This was reflected by Alcian blue/Safranin O staining and collagen type II protein expression, as well as by gene expression. Hypoxia elevated TGF-β3 and BMP7-induced matrix formation of OA chondrocytes and alleviated the catabolic gene expression. Interestingly, cells cultured under normoxia displayed mild signs of an inflammatory stress response, which was effectively counteracted by culturing the cells under low oxygen tension. Our data underscores the important modulatory role of oxygen tension on the chondrocyte's responsiveness to TGF-β3 and/or BMP7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Huang
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Leilei Zhong
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
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11
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Huang X, Post JN, Zhong L, Leijten J, Larsson S, Karperien M, Struglics A. Dickkopf-related protein 1 and gremlin 1 show different response than frizzled-related protein in human synovial fluid following knee injury and in patients with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2018. [PMID: 29526783 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.02.904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the involvement of the wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), frizzled-related protein (FRZB) and gremlin 1 (GREM1) in knee injury and osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN The antagonists were immunoassayed in synovial fluid from a cross-sectional cohort of nine knee healthy reference subjects, patients with recent (0-77 days, n = 158) or old (1-37 years, n = 50) knee injuries, and OA (n = 22). Cartilage (ARGS-aggrecan, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and C2C type II collagen) and other biomarkers were assessed in synovial fluid in a subset of samples. Statistical analysis was by Kendall's tau (τ) correlation, Mann-Whitney U test, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS Compared to references, median concentration of GREM1 (but not DKK1 and FRZB) was elevated 1.5-fold immediately after injury, and FRZB was reduced 1000-folds in OA. All three antagonists decreased with increasing time after injury as well as with increasing age, but the temporal change after injury was less accentuated for FRZB (peaked 8-22 days after injury) compared to that of DKK1 and GREM1 (peaked immediately after injury). In the recent injury group, there was a correlation between GREM1 and DKK1 (τ = 0.172); FRZB concentrations correlated with concentrations of cartilage biomarkers (τ between 0.257 and 0.369), while DKK1 and GREM1 were inversely correlated (τ between -0.177 and -0.217) with these markers. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate separate roles for the antagonists, where DKK1 and GREM1 had similarities in response to injury and in OA, with a different response for FRZB.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Huang
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - J N Post
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - L Zhong
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - J Leijten
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - S Larsson
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopaedics, Lund, Sweden.
| | - M Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - A Struglics
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopaedics, Lund, Sweden.
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12
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Huang X, Zhong L, Hendriks J, Post JN, Karperien M. The Effects of the WNT-Signaling Modulators BIO and PKF118-310 on the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020561. [PMID: 29438298 PMCID: PMC5855783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells, mainly from bone marrow, and an ideal source of cells in bone and cartilage tissue engineering. A study of the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs is of particular interest for MSCs-based cartilage regeneration. In this study, we aimed to optimize the conditions for the chrondogenic differentiation of MSCs by regulating WNT signaling using the small molecule WNT inhibitor PKF118-310 and activator BIO. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were isolated from bone marrow aspirates and cultured in hMSCs proliferation medium. Pellet culture was subsequently established for three-dimensional chondrogenic differentiation of 5 weeks. WNT signaling was increased by the small molecule glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor 6-bromoindirubin-3-oxim (BIO) and decreased by the WNT inhibitor PKF118-310 (PKF). The effects of BIO and PKF on the chondrogenesis of hMSCs was examined by real-time PCR, histological methods, and ELISA. We found that activation of canonical WNT-signaling by BIO significantly downregulated the expression of cartilage-specific genes SOX9, COL2A1, and ACAN, and matrix metalloproteinase genes MMP1/3/9/13, but increased ADAMTS 4/5. Inhibition of WNT signaling by PKF increased the expression of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, and MMP9, but decreased MMP13 and ADAMTS4/5. In addition, a high level of WNT signaling induced the expression of hypertrophic markers COL10A1, ALPL, and RUNX2, the dedifferentiation marker COL1A1, and glycolysis genes GULT1 and PGK1. Deposition of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II in the pellet matrix was significantly lost in the BIO-treated group and increased in the PKF-treated group. The protein level of COL10A1 was also highly induced in the BIO group. Interestingly, BIO decreased the number of apoptotic cells while PKF significantly induced apoptosis during chondrogenesis. The natural WNT antagonist DKK1 and the protein level of MMP1 in the pellet culture medium were decreased after PKF treatment. All of these chondrogenic effects appeared to be mediated through the canonical WNT signaling pathway, since the target gene Axin2 and other WNT members, such as TCF4 and β-catenin, were upregulated by BIO and downregulated by PKF, respectively, and BIO induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin while PKF inhibited β-catenin translocation into the nucleus. We concluded that addition of BIO to a chondrogenic medium of hMSCs resulted in a loss of cartilage formation, while PKF induced chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage matrix deposition and inhibited hypertrophic differentiation. However, BIO promoted cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis while PKF induced cell apoptosis. This result indicates that either an overexpression or overinhibition of WNT signaling to some extent causes harmful effects on chondrogenic differentiation. Cartilage tissue engineering could benefit from the adjustment of the critical level of WNT signaling during chondrogenesis of hMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Huang
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
| | - Leilei Zhong
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Hendriks
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
| | - Janine N Post
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
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13
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Zhong L, Schivo S, Huang X, Leijten J, Karperien M, Post JN. Nitric Oxide Mediates Crosstalk between Interleukin 1β and WNT Signaling in Primary Human Chondrocytes by Reducing DKK1 and FRZB Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112491. [PMID: 29165387 PMCID: PMC5713457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) and Wingless-Type MMTV Integration Site Family (WNT) signaling are major players in Osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. Despite having a large functional overlap in OA onset and development, the mechanism of IL1β and WNT crosstalk has remained largely unknown. In this study, we have used a combination of computational modeling and molecular biology to reveal direct or indirect crosstalk between these pathways. Specifically, we revealed a mechanism by which IL1β upregulates WNT signaling via downregulating WNT antagonists, DKK1 and FRZB. In human chondrocytes, IL1β decreased the expression of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and Frizzled related protein (FRZB) through upregulation of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), thereby activating the transcription of WNT target genes. This effect could be reversed by iNOS inhibitor 1400W, which restored DKK1 and FRZB expression and their inhibitory effect on WNT signaling. In addition, 1400W also inhibited both the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and cytokine-induced apoptosis. We concluded that iNOS/NO play a pivotal role in the inflammatory response of human OA through indirect upregulation of WNT signaling. Blocking NO production may inhibit the loss of the articular phenotype in OA by preventing downregulation of the expression of DKK1 and FRZB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhong
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Stefano Schivo
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
- Formal Methods and Tools, CTIT, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Janine N Post
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
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14
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Bakker B, Eijkel GB, Heeren RMA, Karperien M, Post JN, Cillero-Pastor B. Oxygen-Dependent Lipid Profiles of Three-Dimensional Cultured Human Chondrocytes Revealed by MALDI-MSI. Anal Chem 2017; 89:9438-9444. [PMID: 28727417 PMCID: PMC5588094 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Articular
cartilage is exposed to a gradient of oxygen levels ranging
from 5% at the surface to 1% in the deepest layers. While most cartilage
research is performed in supraphysiological oxygen levels (19–21%),
culturing chondrocytes under hypoxic oxygen levels (≤8%) promotes
the chondrogenic phenotype. Exposure of cells to various oxygen levels
alters their lipid metabolism, but detailed studies examining how
hypoxia affects lipid metabolism in chondrocytes are lacking. To better
understand the chondrocyte’s behavior in response to oxygen,
we cultured 3D pellets of human primary chondrocytes in normoxia (20%
oxygen) and hypoxia (2.5% oxygen) and employed matrix-assisted laser
desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) in order
to characterize the lipid profiles and their spatial distribution.
In this work we show that chondrocytes cultured in hypoxia and normoxia
can be differentiated by their lipid profiles. Among other species,
phosphatidylglycerol species were increased in normoxic pellets, whereas
phosphatidylinositol species were the most prominent lipids in hypoxic
pellets. Moreover, spatial mapping revealed that phospahtidylglyycerol
species were less prominent in the center of pellets where the oxygen
level is lower. Additional analysis revealed a higher abundance of
the mitochondrial-specific lipids, cardiolipins, in normoxic conditions.
In conclusion MALDI-MSI described specific lipid profiles that could
be used as sensors of oxygen level changes and may especially be relevant
for retaining the chondrogenic phenotype, which has important implications
for the treatment of bone and cartilage diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Bakker
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente , 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Gert B Eijkel
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I), Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht University , 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ron M A Heeren
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I), Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht University , 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente , 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente , 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Berta Cillero-Pastor
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I), Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht University , 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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15
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Zhong L, Huang X, Rodrigues ED, Leijten JCH, Verrips T, El Khattabi M, Karperien M, Post JN. Endogenous DKK1 and FRZB Regulate Chondrogenesis and Hypertrophy in Three-Dimensional Cultures of Human Chondrocytes and Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 25:1808-1817. [PMID: 27733096 PMCID: PMC5124737 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic differentiation occurs during in vitro chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), decreasing the quality of the cartilage construct. Previously we identified WNT pathway antagonists Dickkopf 1 homolog (DKK1) and frizzled-related protein (FRZB) as key factors in blocking hypertrophic differentiation of human MSCs (hMSCs). In this study, we investigated the role of endogenously expressed DKK1 and FRZB in chondrogenesis of hMSC and chondrocyte redifferentiation and in preventing cell hypertrophy using three relevant human cell based systems, isolated hMSCs, isolated primary human chondrocytes (hChs), and cocultures of hMSCs with hChs for which we specifically designed neutralizing nano-antibodies. We selected and tested variable domain of single chain heavy chain only antibodies (VHH) for their ability to neutralize the function of DKK1 or FRZB. In the presence of DKK1 and FRZB neutralizing VHH, glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II staining were significantly reduced in monocultured hMSCs and monocultured chondrocytes. Furthermore, in cocultures, cells in pellets showed hypertrophic differentiation. In conclusion, endogenous expression of the WNT antagonists DKK1 and FRZB is necessary for multiple steps during chondrogenesis: first DKK1 and FRZB are indispensable for the initial steps of chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs, second they are necessary for chondrocyte redifferentiation, and finally in preventing hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhong
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA-Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA-Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Emilie Dooms Rodrigues
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA-Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen C H Leijten
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA-Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marcel Karperien
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA-Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA-Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
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16
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Kerkhofs J, Leijten J, Bolander J, Luyten FP, Post JN, Geris L. A Qualitative Model of the Differentiation Network in Chondrocyte Maturation: A Holistic View of Chondrocyte Hypertrophy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162052. [PMID: 27579819 PMCID: PMC5007039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of chondrocytes towards hypertrophy is a natural process whose control is essential in endochondral bone formation. It is additionally thought to play a role in several pathophysiological processes, with osteoarthritis being a prominent example. We perform a dynamic analysis of a qualitative mathematical model of the regulatory network that directs this phenotypic switch to investigate the influence of the individual factors holistically. To estimate the stability of a SOX9 positive state (associated with resting/proliferation chondrocytes) versus a RUNX2 positive one (associated with hypertrophy) we employ two measures. The robustness of the state in canalisation (size of the attractor basin) is assessed by a Monte Carlo analysis and the sensitivity to perturbations is assessed by a perturbational analysis of the attractor. Through qualitative predictions, these measures allow for an in silico screening of the effect of the modelled factors on chondrocyte maintenance and hypertrophy. We show how discrepancies between experimental data and the model’s results can be resolved by evaluating the dynamic plausibility of alternative network topologies. The findings are further supported by a literature study of proposed therapeutic targets in the case of osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Kerkhofs
- Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Biomechanics section, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, the Leuven R&D division of skeletal tissue engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Prometheus, the Leuven R&D division of skeletal tissue engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johanna Bolander
- Prometheus, the Leuven R&D division of skeletal tissue engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank P. Luyten
- Prometheus, the Leuven R&D division of skeletal tissue engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Janine N. Post
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for biomedical technology and technical medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Biomechanics section, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, the Leuven R&D division of skeletal tissue engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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17
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Schivo S, Scholma J, van der Vet PE, Karperien M, Post JN, van de Pol J, Langerak R. Modelling with ANIMO: between fuzzy logic and differential equations. BMC Syst Biol 2016; 10:56. [PMID: 27460034 PMCID: PMC4962523 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-016-0286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computational support is essential in order to reason on the dynamics of biological systems. We have developed the software tool ANIMO (Analysis of Networks with Interactive MOdeling) to provide such computational support and allow insight into the complex networks of signaling events occurring in living cells. ANIMO makes use of timed automata as an underlying model, thereby enabling analysis techniques from computer science like model checking. Biology experts are able to use ANIMO via a user interface specifically tailored for biological applications. In this paper we compare the use of ANIMO with some established formalisms on two case studies. RESULTS ANIMO is a powerful and user-friendly tool that can compete with existing continuous and discrete paradigms. We show this by presenting ANIMO models for two case studies: Drosophila melanogaster circadian clock, and signal transduction events downstream of TNF α and EGF in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. The models were originally developed with ODEs and fuzzy logic, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Two biological case studies that have been modeled with respectively ODE and fuzzy logic models can be conveniently modeled using ANIMO. The ANIMO models require less parameters than ODEs and are more precise than fuzzy logic. For this reason we position the modelling paradigm of ANIMO between ODEs and fuzzy logic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Schivo
- Formal Methods and Tools, Faculty of EEMCS, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Jetse Scholma
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Paul E van der Vet
- Human Media Interaction, Faculty of EEMCS, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco van de Pol
- Formal Methods and Tools, Faculty of EEMCS, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Rom Langerak
- Formal Methods and Tools, Faculty of EEMCS, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands.
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18
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Scholma J, Fuhler GM, Joore J, Hulsman M, Schivo S, List AF, Reinders MJT, Peppelenbosch MP, Post JN. Improved intra-array and interarray normalization of peptide microarray phosphorylation for phosphorylome and kinome profiling by rational selection of relevant spots. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26695. [PMID: 27225531 PMCID: PMC4881024 DOI: 10.1038/srep26695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Massive parallel analysis using array technology has become the mainstay for analysis of genomes and transcriptomes. Analogously, the predominance of phosphorylation as a regulator of cellular metabolism has fostered the development of peptide arrays of kinase consensus substrates that allow the charting of cellular phosphorylation events (often called kinome profiling). However, whereas the bioinformatical framework for expression array analysis is well-developed, no advanced analysis tools are yet available for kinome profiling. Especially intra-array and interarray normalization of peptide array phosphorylation remain problematic, due to the absence of “housekeeping” kinases and the obvious fallacy of the assumption that different experimental conditions should exhibit equal amounts of kinase activity. Here we describe the development of analysis tools that reliably quantify phosphorylation of peptide arrays and that allow normalization of the signals obtained. We provide a method for intraslide gradient correction and spot quality control. We describe a novel interarray normalization procedure, named repetitive signal enhancement, RSE, which provides a mathematical approach to limit the false negative results occuring with the use of other normalization procedures. Using in silico and biological experiments we show that employing such protocols yields superior insight into cellular physiology as compared to classical analysis tools for kinome profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jetse Scholma
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA institute for biomedical technology and technical medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, NL-7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Gwenny M Fuhler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 's Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Joore
- Pepscope BV, Dantelaan 83, 3533 VB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Hulsman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Delft Bioinformatics Lab. Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 4, NL-2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Schivo
- Department of Formal Methods and Tools, CTIT institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, NL-7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Alan F List
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Marcel J T Reinders
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab. Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 4, NL-2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 's Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA institute for biomedical technology and technical medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, NL-7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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19
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Zhong L, Huang X, Karperien M, Post JN. The Regulatory Role of Signaling Crosstalk in Hypertrophy of MSCs and Human Articular Chondrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:19225-47. [PMID: 26287176 PMCID: PMC4581295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160819225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes is a main barrier in application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage repair. In addition, hypertrophy occurs occasionally in osteoarthritis (OA). Here we provide a comprehensive review on recent literature describing signal pathways in the hypertrophy of MSCs-derived in vitro differentiated chondrocytes and chondrocytes, with an emphasis on the crosstalk between these pathways. Insight into the exact regulation of hypertrophy by the signaling network is necessary for the efficient application of MSCs for articular cartilage repair and for developing novel strategies for curing OA. We focus on articles describing the role of the main signaling pathways in regulating chondrocyte hypertrophy-like changes. Most studies report hypertrophic differentiation in chondrogenesis of MSCs, in both human OA and experimental OA. Chondrocyte hypertrophy is not under the strict control of a single pathway but appears to be regulated by an intricately regulated network of multiple signaling pathways, such as WNT, Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), Indian hedgehog (IHH), Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Insulin like growth factor (IGF) and Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). This comprehensive review describes how this intricate signaling network influences tissue-engineering applications of MSCs in articular cartilage (AC) repair, and improves understanding of the disease stages and cellular responses within an OA articular joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhong
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
| | - Janine N Post
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
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20
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Georgi N, Taipaleenmaki H, Raiss CC, Groen N, Portalska KJ, van Blitterswijk C, de Boer J, Post JN, van Wijnen AJ, Karperien M. MicroRNA Levels as Prognostic Markers for the Differentiation Potential of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Donors. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1946-55. [PMID: 25915705 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hMSCs) to differentiate into various mesenchymal cell lineages makes them a promising cell source for the use in tissue repair strategies. Since the differentiation potential of hMSCs differs between donors, it is necessary to establish biomarkers for the identification of donors with high differentiation potential. In this study, we show that microRNA (miRNA) expression levels are effective for distinguishing donors with high differentiation potential from low differentiation potential. Twenty hMSC donors were initially tested for marker expression and differentiation potential. In particular, the chondrogenic differentiation potential was evaluated on the basis of histological matrix formation, mRNA expression levels of chondrogenic marker genes, and quantitative glycosaminoglycan deposition. Three donors out of twenty were identified as donors with high chondrogenic potential, whereas nine showed moderate and eight showed low chondrogenic potential. Expression profiles of miRNAs involved in chondrogenesis and cartilage homeostasis were used for the distinction between high-performance hMSCs and low-performance hMSCs. Global mRNA expression profiles of the donors before the onset of chondrogenic differentiation revealed minor differences in gene expression between low and high chondrogenic performers. However, analysis of miRNA expression during a 7-day differentiation period identified miR-210 and miR-630 as positive regulators of chondrogenesis. In contrast, miR-181 and miR-34a, which are negative regulators of chondrogenesis, were upregulated during differentiation in low-performing donors. In conclusion, profiling of hMSC donors for a specific panel of miRNAs may have a prognostic value for selecting donors with high differentiation potential to improve hMSC-based strategies for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Georgi
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Hanna Taipaleenmaki
- 2 Heisenberg-Group for Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Trauma-, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian C Raiss
- 3 Nanobiophysics Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Groen
- 4 Department of Tissue Regeneration, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Karolina Janaeczek Portalska
- 4 Department of Tissue Regeneration, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- 4 Department of Tissue Regeneration, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jan de Boer
- 4 Department of Tissue Regeneration, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Janine N Post
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Andre J van Wijnen
- 5 Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Marcel Karperien
- 1 Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente , Enschede, the Netherlands
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Georgi N, Cillero-Pastor B, Eijkel GB, Periyasamy PC, Kiss A, van Blitterswijk C, Post JN, Heeren RMA, Karperien M. Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells under Hypoxia and Normoxia: Lipid Profiles Revealed by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Multivariate Analysis. Anal Chem 2015; 87:3981-8. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Georgi
- Developmental
BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology
and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522
NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Berta Cillero-Pastor
- Biomolecular
Imaging
Mass Spectrometry, FOM Institute AMOLF, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Maastricht Multimodal
Molecular Imaging Institute, M4I, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert B. Eijkel
- Biomolecular
Imaging
Mass Spectrometry, FOM Institute AMOLF, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Parthiban C. Periyasamy
- Developmental
BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology
and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522
NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Andras Kiss
- Biomolecular
Imaging
Mass Spectrometry, FOM Institute AMOLF, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- Department
of Tissue Regeneration, MIRA Institute for Biomedical
Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522
NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Janine N. Post
- Developmental
BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology
and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522
NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ron M. A. Heeren
- Biomolecular
Imaging
Mass Spectrometry, FOM Institute AMOLF, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Maastricht Multimodal
Molecular Imaging Institute, M4I, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Developmental
BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology
and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522
NB Enschede, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Coculture of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in pellets has been shown to be beneficial in engineering cartilage tissue in vitro. In these cultures trophic effects of MSCs increase the proliferation and matrix deposition of chondrocytes. Thus, large cartilage constructs can be made with a relatively small number of chondrocytes. In this chapter, we describe the methods for making coculture pellets of MSCs and chondrocytes. We also provide detailed protocols for analyzing coculture pellets with cell tracking, proliferation assays, species specific polymerase chain reactions (PCR), short tandem repeats analysis, and histological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Schivo S, Scholma J, Wanders B, Camacho RAU, van der Vet PE, Karperien M, Langerak R, van de Pol J, Post JN. Modeling Biological Pathway Dynamics With Timed Automata. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2014; 18:832-9. [DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2013.2292880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Scholma J, Schivo S, Urquidi Camacho RA, van de Pol J, Karperien M, Post JN. Biological networks 101: computational modeling for molecular biologists. Gene 2013; 533:379-84. [PMID: 24125950 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Computational modeling of biological networks permits the comprehensive analysis of cells and tissues to define molecular phenotypes and novel hypotheses. Although a large number of software tools have been developed, the versatility of these tools is limited by mathematical complexities that prevent their broad adoption and effective use by molecular biologists. This study clarifies the basic aspects of molecular modeling, how to convert data into useful input, as well as the number of time points and molecular parameters that should be considered for molecular regulatory models with both explanatory and predictive potential. We illustrate the necessary experimental preconditions for converting data into a computational model of network dynamics. This model requires neither a thorough background in mathematics nor precise data on intracellular concentrations, binding affinities or reaction kinetics. Finally, we show how an interactive model of crosstalk between signal transduction pathways in primary human articular chondrocytes allows insight into processes that regulate gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jetse Scholma
- Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, 7522NH Enschede, The Netherlands
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25
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Leijten JCH, Bos SD, Landman EBM, Georgi N, Jahr H, Meulenbelt I, Post JN, van Blitterswijk CA, Karperien M. GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 mRNA levels correlate with osteoarthritis and are regulated by osteoarthritis-associated factors. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R126. [PMID: 24286177 PMCID: PMC3978825 DOI: 10.1186/ar4306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Osteoarthritis is, at least in a subset of patients, associated with hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes. Recently, we identified the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) signaling antagonists Gremlin 1 (GREM1), frizzled-related protein (FRZB) and dickkopf 1 homolog (Xenopus laevis) (DKK1) as articular cartilage’s natural brakes of hypertrophic differentiation. In this study, we investigated whether factors implicated in osteoarthritis or regulation of chondrocyte hypertrophy influence GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 expression levels. Methods GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 mRNA levels were studied in articular cartilage from healthy preadolescents and healthy adults as well as in preserved and degrading osteoarthritic cartilage from the same osteoarthritic joint by quantitative PCR. Subsequently, we exposed human articular chondrocytes to WNT, BMP, IL-1β, Indian hedgehog, parathyroid hormone-related peptide, mechanical loading, different medium tonicities or distinct oxygen levels and investigated GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 expression levels using a time-course analysis. Results GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 mRNA expression were strongly decreased in osteoarthritis. Moreover, this downregulation is stronger in degrading cartilage compared with macroscopically preserved cartilage from the same osteoarthritic joint. WNT, BMP, IL-1β signaling and mechanical loading regulated GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 mRNA levels. Indian hedgehog, parathyroid hormone-related peptide and tonicity influenced the mRNA levels of at least one antagonist, while oxygen levels did not demonstrate any statistically significant effect. Interestingly, BMP and WNT signaling upregulated the expression of each other’s antagonists. Conclusions Together, the current study demonstrates an inverse correlation between osteoarthritis and GREM1, FRZB and DKK1 gene expression in cartilage and provides insight into the underlying transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, we show that BMP and WNT signaling are linked in a negative feedback loop, which might prove essential in articular cartilage homeostasis by balancing BMP and WNT activity.
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Ma B, Landman EBM, Miclea RL, Wit JM, Robanus-Maandag EC, Post JN, Karperien M. WNT signaling and cartilage: of mice and men. Calcif Tissue Int 2013; 92:399-411. [PMID: 23212543 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-012-9675-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In adult articular cartilage, the extracellular matrix is maintained by a balance between the degradation and the synthesis of matrix components. Chondrocytes that sparsely reside in the matrix and rarely proliferate are the key cellular mediators for cartilage homeostasis. There are indications for the involvement of the WNT signaling pathway in maintaining articular cartilage. Various WNTs are involved in the subsequent stages of chondrocyte differentiation during development, and deregulation of WNT signaling was observed in cartilage degeneration. Even though gene expression and protein synthesis can be activated upon injury, articular cartilage has a limited ability of self-repair and efforts to regenerate articular cartilage have so far not been successful. Because WNT signaling was found to be involved in the development and maintenance of cartilage as well as in the degeneration of cartilage, interfering with this pathway might contribute to improving cartilage regeneration. However, most of the studies on elucidating the role of WNT signaling in these processes were conducted using in vitro or in vivo animal models. Discrepancies have been found in the role of WNT signaling between chondrocytes of mouse and human origin, and extrapolation of results from mouse models to the human situation remains a challenge. Elucidation of detailed WNT signaling functions will provide knowledge to improve cartilage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
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27
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Chapin RE, Boekelheide K, Cortvrindt R, van Duursen MBM, Gant T, Jegou B, Marczylo E, van Pelt AMM, Post JN, Roelofs MJE, Schlatt S, Teerds KJ, Toppari J, Piersma AH. Assuring safety without animal testing: the case for the human testis in vitro. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 39:63-8. [PMID: 23612449 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
From 15 to 17 June 2011, a dedicated workshop was held on the subject of in vitro models for mammalian spermatogenesis and their applications in toxicological hazard and risk assessment. The workshop was sponsored by the Dutch ASAT initiative (Assuring Safety without Animal Testing), which aims at promoting innovative approaches toward toxicological hazard and risk assessment on the basis of human and in vitro data, and replacement of animal studies. Participants addressed the state of the art regarding human and animal evidence for compound mediated testicular toxicity, reviewed existing alternative assay models, and brainstormed about future approaches, specifically considering tissue engineering. The workshop recognized the specific complexity of testicular function exemplified by dedicated cell types with distinct functionalities, as well as different cell compartments in terms of microenvironment and extracellular matrix components. This complexity hampers quick results in the realm of alternative models. Nevertheless, progress has been achieved in recent years, and innovative approaches in tissue engineering may open new avenues for mimicking testicular function in vitro. Although feasible, significant investment is deemed essential to be able to bring new ideas into practice in the laboratory. For the advancement of in vitro testicular toxicity testing, one of the most sensitive end points in regulatory reproductive toxicity testing, such an investment is highly desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Chapin
- Drug Safety R&D, Pfizer, Inc., Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
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Ma B, Zhong L, van Blitterswijk CA, Post JN, Karperien M. T cell factor 4 is a pro-catabolic and apoptotic factor in human articular chondrocytes by potentiating nuclear factor κB signaling. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:17552-8. [PMID: 23603903 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.453985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors are downstream effectors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which has been implicated in the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to investigate the role of TCF/LEF transcription factors in human articular chondrocytes. Primary human osteoarthritic cartilage predominantly expressed TCF4 and to a lesser extent, LEF1 and TCF3 mRNA. Overexpression of TCF4, but not of TCF3 or LEF1, induced MMP-1, -3, and -13 expression and generic MMP activity in human chondrocytes. This was due to potentiating NF-κB signaling by a protein-protein interaction between TCF4 and NF-κB p65 activating established NF-κB target genes such as MMPs and IL-6. LEF1 competed with TCF4 for binding to NF-κB p65. IκB-α was able to counteract the effect of TCF4 on NF-κB target gene expression. Finally, we showed that TCF4 mRNA expression was elevated in OA cartilage compared with healthy cartilage and induced chondrocyte apoptosis at least partly through activating caspase 3/7. Our findings suggest that increased TCF4 expression may contribute to cartilage degeneration in OA by augmenting NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede 7522NB, The Netherlands
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Ma B, Leijten JCH, Wu L, Kip M, van Blitterswijk CA, Post JN, Karperien M. Gene expression profiling of dedifferentiated human articular chondrocytes in monolayer culture. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2013; 21:599-603. [PMID: 23376013 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE When primary chondrocytes are cultured in monolayer, they undergo dedifferentiation during which they lose their phenotype and their capacity to form cartilage. Dedifferentiation is an obstacle for cell therapy for cartilage degeneration. In this study, we aimed to systemically evaluate the changes in gene expression during dedifferentiation of human articular chondrocytes to identify underlying mechanisms. METHODS RNA was isolated from monolayer-cultured primary human articular chondrocytes at serial passages. Gene expression was analyzed by microarray. Based on the microarray analysis, relevant genes and pathways were identified. Their functions in chondrocyte dedifferentiation were further investigated. RESULTS In vitro expanded human chondrocytes showed progressive changes in gene expression. Strikingly, an overall decrease in total gene expression was detected, which was both gradual and cumulative. DNA methylation was in part responsible for the expression downregulation of a number of genes. Genes involved in many pathways such as the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathways exhibited significant changes in expression. Inhibition of ERK pathway did not show dramatic effects in counteracting dedifferentiation process. BMP-2 was able to decelerate the dedifferentiation and reinforce the maintenance of chondrocyte phenotype in monolayer culture. CONCLUSION Our study not only improves our knowledge of the intricate signaling network regulating maintenance of chondrocyte phenotype, but also contributes to improved chondrocyte expansion and chondrogenic performance for cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ma
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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30
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Emons J, Dutilh BE, Decker E, Pirzer H, Sticht C, Gretz N, Rappold G, Cameron ER, Neil JC, Stein GS, van Wijnen AJ, Wit JM, Post JN, Karperien M. Genome-wide screening in human growth plates during puberty in one patient suggests a role for RUNX2 in epiphyseal maturation. J Endocrinol 2011; 209:245-54. [PMID: 21307122 PMCID: PMC5268842 DOI: 10.1530/joe-10-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In late puberty, estrogen decelerates bone growth by stimulating growth plate maturation. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of estrogen action using two pubertal growth plate specimens of one girl at Tanner stage B2 and Tanner stage B3. Histological analysis showed that progression of puberty coincided with characteristic morphological changes: a decrease in total growth plate height (P=0.002), height of the individual zones (P<0.001), and an increase in intercolumnar space (P<0.001). Microarray analysis of the specimens identified 394 genes (72% upregulated and 28% downregulated) that changed with the progression of puberty. Overall changes in gene expression were small (average 1.38-fold upregulated and 1.36-fold downregulated genes). The 394 genes mapped to 13 significantly changing pathways (P<0.05) associated with growth plate maturation (e.g. extracellular matrix, cell cycle, and cell death). We next scanned the upstream promoter regions of the 394 genes for the presence of evolutionarily conserved binding sites for transcription factors implicated in growth plate maturation such as estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor, ELK1, STAT5B, cyclic AMP response element (CREB), and RUNX2. High-quality motif sites for RUNX2 (87 genes), ELK1 (43 genes), and STAT5B (31 genes), but not ER, were evolutionarily conserved, indicating their functional relevance across primates. Moreover, we show that some of these sites are direct target genes of these transcription factors as shown by ChIP assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Emons
- Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Wu L, Leijten JCH, Georgi N, Post JN, van Blitterswijk CA, Karperien M. Trophic effects of mesenchymal stem cells increase chondrocyte proliferation and matrix formation. Tissue Eng Part A 2011; 17:1425-36. [PMID: 21247341 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2010.0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that coculture of primary chondrocytes (PCs) with various sources of multipotent cells results in a higher relative amount of cartilage matrix formation than cultures containing only chondrocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying this observation. We used coculture pellet models of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human PCs or bovine PCs (bPCs) and studied the fate and the contribution to cartilage formation of the individual cell populations during coculture. Enhanced cartilage matrix deposition was confirmed by histology and quantification of total glycosaminoglycan deposition. Species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that cartilage matrix gene expression was mainly from bovine origin when bPCs were used. Short tandem repeat analysis and species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of genomic DNA demonstrated the near-complete loss of MSCs in coculture pellets after 4 weeks of culture. In coculture pellets of immortalized MSCs and bPCs, chondrocyte proliferation was increased, which was partly mimicked using conditioned medium, and simultaneously preferential apoptosis of immortalized MSCs was induced. Taken together, our data clearly demonstrate that in pellet cocultures of MSCs and PCs, the former cells disappear over time. Increased cartilage formation in these cocultures is mainly due to a trophic role of the MSCs in stimulating chondrocyte proliferation and matrix deposition by chondrocytes rather than MSCs actively undergoing chondrogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wu
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Lidke DS, Huang F, Post JN, Rieger B, Wilsbacher J, Thomas JL, Pouysségur J, Jovin TM, Lenormand P. ERK nuclear translocation is dimerization-independent but controlled by the rate of phosphorylation. J Biol Chem 2009; 285:3092-102. [PMID: 19920141 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.064972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon activation, ERKs translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. This process is required for the induction of many cellular responses, yet the molecular mechanisms that regulate ERK nuclear translocation are not fully understood. We have used a mouse embryo fibroblast ERK1-knock-out cell line expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged ERK1 to probe the spatio-temporal regulation of ERK1. Real time fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy revealed that ERK1 nuclear accumulation increased upon serum stimulation, but the mobility of the protein in the nucleus and cytoplasm remained unchanged. Dimerization of ERK has been proposed as a requirement for nuclear translocation. However, ERK1-Delta4, the mutant shown consistently to be dimerization-deficient in vitro, accumulated in the nucleus to the same level as wild type (WT), indicating that dimerization of ERK1 is not required for nuclear entry and retention. Consistent with this finding, energy migration Förster resonance energy transfer and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements in living cells did not detect dimerization of GFP-ERK1-WT upon activation. In contrast, the kinetics of nuclear accumulation and phosphorylation of GFP-ERK1-Delta4 were slower than that of GFP-ERK1-WT. These results indicate that the differential shuttling behavior of the mutant is a consequence of delayed phosphorylation of ERK by MEK rather than dimerization. Our data demonstrate for the first time that a delay in cytoplasmic activation of ERK is directly translated into a delay in nuclear translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane S Lidke
- Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Valero A, Post JN, van Nieuwkasteele JW, Ter Braak PM, Kruijer W, van den Berg A. Gene transfer and protein dynamics in stem cells using single cell electroporation in a microfluidic device. Lab Chip 2008; 8:62-7. [PMID: 18094762 DOI: 10.1039/b713420g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
There is great interest in genetic modification of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), not only for research purposes but also for use in (autologous) patient-derived-patient-used transplantations. A major drawback of bulk methods for genetic modifications of (stem) cells, like bulk-electroporation, is its limited yield of DNA transfection (typically then 10%). This is even more limited when cells are present at very low numbers, as is the case for stem cells. Here we present an alternative technology to transfect cells with high efficiency (>75%), based on single cell electroporation in a microfluidic device. In a first experiment we show that we can successfully transport propidium iodide (PI) into single mouse myoblastic C2C12 cells. Subsequently, we show the use of this microfluidic device to perform successful electroporation of single mouse myoblastic C2C12 cells and single human MSC with vector DNA encoding a green fluorescent-erk1 fusion protein (EGFP-ERK1 (MAPK3)). Finally, we performed electroporation in combination with live imaging of protein expression and dynamics in response to extracellular stimuli, by fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). We observed nuclear translocation of EGFP-ERK1 in both cell types within 15 min after FGF-2 stimulation. Due to the successful and promising results, we predict that microfluidic devices can be used for highly efficient small-scale 'genetic modification' of cells, and biological experimentation, offering possibilities to study cellular processes at the single cell level. Future applications might be small-scale production of cells for therapeutic application under controlled conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Valero
- BIOS/Lab-on-a-Chip group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
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Post JN, Luchman HA, Mercer FC, Paterno GD, Gillespie LL. Developmentally regulated cytoplasmic retention of the transcription factor XMI-ER1 requires sequence in the acidic activation domain. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2005; 37:463-77. [PMID: 15474990 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2004.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2004] [Revised: 07/28/2004] [Accepted: 07/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Xmi-er1 is a fibroblast growth factor regulated immediate-early gene that is activated during mesoderm induction in Xenopus embryonic explants. This gene encodes a nuclear protein with potent transcriptional regulator activity and overexpression of XMI-ER1 in Xenopus embryos inhibits mesoderm induction and leads to truncations along the anteroposterior axis. We showed previously that XMI-ER1 is retained in the cytoplasm during cleavage stages and only begins to appear in the nucleus at mid-blastula. Such developmentally regulated nuclear translocation may represent an important mechanism for regulating XMI-ER1 activity in the early embryo. Here, we investigate different mechanisms that might control nuclear translocation of XMI-ER1. Using alpha-amanitin to inhibit transcription, we show that nuclear localization is not dependent on zygotic transcription. Nor is it the result of a developmentally regulated import pathway, as the XMI-ER1 nuclear localization signal (NLS) fused to beta-galactosidase (betagal) was able to direct nuclear translocation prior to mid-blastula. Fusion of an additional, heterologous NLS to the N-terminus of XMI-ER1 was not sufficient to overcome cytoplasmic retention, indicating that retention does not involve NLS masking, but rather binding to a cytoplasmic anchor. The anchoring molecule is not an RNA, as microinjection of RNase A did not affect the timing of nuclear translocation. Western blot analysis using antibodies that recognize phosphorylated residues revealed that, while XMI-ER1 is not itself phosphorylated, it is associated with two differentially phosphorylated proteins, suggesting that the anchoring mechanism may involve interaction with a cytoplasmic protein(s). A series of XMI-ER1 deletion mutants was utilized to map the putative retention domain. Our analysis revealed that amino acids 144-175, containing the fourth acidic stretch of the acidic activation domain, are required for retention. These results suggest that XMI-ER1 is retained in the cytoplasm of the early embryo by interaction of the region containing amino acids 144-175 with a cytoplasmic anchor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine N Post
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratories, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Nfld, A1B 3V6, Canada
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Post JN, Lidke KA, Rieger B, Arndt-Jovin DJ. One- and two-photon photoactivation of a paGFP-fusion protein in liveDrosophilaembryos. FEBS Lett 2004; 579:325-30. [PMID: 15642339 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.11.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2004] [Revised: 11/22/2004] [Accepted: 11/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We constructed a photoactivatable Drosophila histone 2 A variant green fluorescent fusion protein (H2AvD-paGFP) for tracking chromatin loci in living Drosophila embryos. Activation of paGFP was achieved by irradiation from a single-photon diode laser at 408 nm, but activated nuclei failed to divide. Photoconversion could also be achieved by two-photon fs pulses in the range of 780-840 nm. Viability in whole-mount embryos could only be maintained at 820 nm, at which we could activate, simultaneously track and quantitate the mobility of multiple fluorescent loci. This report constitutes the first demonstration of two-photon activation of paGFP and the use of a paGFP-fusion protein in investigations of whole organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine N Post
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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Lidke DS, Nagy P, Heintzmann R, Arndt-Jovin DJ, Post JN, Grecco HE, Jares-Erijman EA, Jovin TM. Quantum dot ligands provide new insights into erbB/HER receptor-mediated signal transduction. Nat Biotechnol 2004; 22:198-203. [PMID: 14704683 DOI: 10.1038/nbt929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 544] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2003] [Accepted: 11/24/2003] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The erbB/HER family of transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) mediate cellular responses to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and related ligands. We have imaged the early stages of RTK-dependent signaling in living cells using: (i) stable expression of erbB1/2/3 fused with visible fluorescent proteins (VFPs), (ii) fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) bearing epidermal growth factor (EGF-QD) and (iii) continuous confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Here we demonstrate that EGF-QDs are highly specific and potent in the binding and activation of the EGF receptor (erbB1), being rapidly internalized into endosomes that exhibit active trafficking and extensive fusion. EGF-QDs bound to erbB1 expressed on filopodia revealed a previously unreported mechanism of retrograde transport to the cell body. When erbB2-monomeric yellow fluorescent protein (mYFP) or erbB3-monomeric Citrine (mCitrine) were coexpressed with erbB1, the rates and extent of endocytosis of EGF-QD and the RTK-VFP demonstrated that erbB2 but not erbB3 heterodimerizes with erbB1 after EGF stimulation, thereby modulating EGF-induced signaling. QD-ligands will find widespread use in basic research and biotechnological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane S Lidke
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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Lidke DS, Nagy P, Barisas BG, Heintzmann R, Post JN, Lidke KA, Clayton AHA, Arndt-Jovin DJ, Jovin TM. Imaging molecular interactions in cells by dynamic and static fluorescence anisotropy (rFLIM and emFRET). Biochem Soc Trans 2003; 31:1020-7. [PMID: 14505472 DOI: 10.1042/bst0311020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We report the implementation and exploitation of fluorescence polarization measurements, in the form of anisotropy fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (rFLIM) and energy migration Förster resonance energy transfer (emFRET) modalities, for wide-field, confocal laser-scanning microscopy and flow cytometry of cells. These methods permit the assessment of rotational motion, association and proximity of cellular proteins in vivo. They are particularly applicable to probes generated by fusions of visible fluorescence proteins, as exemplified by studies of the erbB receptor tyrosine kinases involved in growth-factor-mediated signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Lidke
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Abstract
Xenopus early response 1 (XER1) is a fibroblast growth factor-inducible transcription factor whose developmentally regulated nuclear localization is thought to be important in the control of cell differentation during embryonic development [Luchman et al., Mech. Dev. 80 (1999) 111-114]. Analysis of the XER1 amino acid sequence revealed four regions which contain potential nuclear localization sequences (NLSs). Using mutant XER1 proteins and portions of XER1 fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) transfected into NIH 3T3 cells, we have determined that only one of these, NLS4, located near the carboxy-terminus of XER1, is necessary and sufficient for targeting exclusively to the nucleus. Of the other three predicted NLS sequences, only NLS1, consisting of the sequence (138)RPRRCK(143) was shown to function as a cryptic, weak NLS. NLS4 contains a core region consisting of the sequence (463)RPIKRQRMD(471) which is similar to the core NLS directing the human c-MYC protein to the nucleus. The core sequence is flanked by a predicted cdc2/protein kinase A phosphorylation motif, however mutation of the serine(472) to alanine or aspartic acid had no detectable effect on accumulation of GFP-XER1 fusion proteins in the nucleus, demonstrating that this putative phosphorylation site plays no role in regulating nuclear transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Post
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 300 Prince Phillip Drive, St. John's, NF, Canada
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