Emilin2 marks the target region for mesenchymal cell accumulation in bone regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Regeneration of injured tissue is dependent on stem/progenitor cells, which can undergo proliferation and maturation processes to replace the lost cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Bone has a higher regenerative capacity than other tissues, with abundant mesenchymal progenitor cells in the bone marrow, periosteum, and surrounding muscle. However, the treatment of bone fractures is not always successful; a marked number of clinical case reports have described nonunion or delayed healing for various reasons. Supplementation of exogenous stem cells by stem cell therapy is anticipated to improve treatment outcomes; however, there are several drawbacks including the need for special devices for the expansion of stem cells outside the body, low rate of cell viability in the body after transplantation, and oncological complications. The use of endogenous stem/progenitor cells, instead of exogenous cells, would be a possible solution, but it is unclear how these cells migrate towards the injury site. METHODS: The chemoattractant capacity of the elastin microfibril interface located protein 2 (Emilin2), generated by macrophages, was identified by the migration assay and LC-MS/MS. The functions of Emilin2 in bone regeneration were further studied using Emilin2-/- mice. RESULTS: The results show that in response to bone injury, there was an increase in Emilin2, an ECM protein. Produced by macrophages, Emilin2 exhibited chemoattractant properties towards mesenchymal cells. Emilin2-/- mice underwent delayed bone regeneration, with a decrease in mesenchymal cells after injury. Local administration of recombinant Emilin2 protein enhanced bone regeneration. CONCLUSION: Emilin2 plays a crucial role in bone regeneration by increasing mesenchymal cells. Therefore, Emilin2 can be used for the treatment of bone fracture by recruiting endogenous progenitor cells.

Ctdnep1 phosphatase is required for negative regulation of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells with bone resorption activity. Excessive osteoclast activity has been implicated in osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone destruction due to bone metastases from cancer, making osteoclasts essential target cells in bone and joint diseases. C-terminal domain nuclear envelope phosphatase 1 (Ctdnep1, formerly Dullard) is a negative regulator of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß superfamily signaling and regulates endochondral ossification in mesenchymal cells during skeletal development. In this study, we investigated the role of Ctdnep1 in the Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)-induced RAW264.7 osteoclast differentiation. Expression of Ctdnep1 did not change during osteoclast differentiation; Ctdnep1 protein localized to the cytoplasm before and after osteoclast differentiation. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Ctdnep1 increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated osteoclasts and the expression of osteoclast marker genes, including Acp5, Ctsk, and Nfatc1. Interestingly, the knockdown of Ctdnep1 increased the protein level of Nfatc1 in cells unstimulated with RANKL. Knockdown of Ctdnep1 also enhanced calcium-resorbing activity. Mechanistically, the knockdown of Ctdnep1 increased the phosphorylation of RANKL signaling components. These results suggest that Ctdnep1 negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the RANKL signaling pathway.

Gprc5a is a novel parathyroid hormone-inducible gene and negatively regulates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

Teriparatide is a peptide derived from a parathyroid hormone (PTH) and an osteoporosis therapeutic drug with potent bone formation-promoting activity. To identify novel druggable genes that act downstream of PTH signaling and are potentially involved in bone formation, we screened PTH target genes in mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Here we show that Gprc5a, encoding an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, is a novel PTH-inducible gene and negatively regulates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. PTH treatment induced Gprc5a expression in MC3T3-E1 cells, rat osteosarcoma ROS17/2.8 cells, and mouse femurs. Induction of Gprc5a expression by PTH occurred in the absence of protein synthesis and was mediated primarily via the cAMP pathway, suggesting that Gprc5a is a direct target of PTH signaling. Interestingly, Gprc5a expression was induced additively by co-treatment with PTH and 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol), or retinoic acid in MC3T3-E1 cells. Reporter analysis of a 1 kb fragment of human GPRC5A promoter revealed that the promoter fragment showed responsiveness to PTH via the cAMP response element, suggesting that GPRC5A is also a PTH-inducible gene in humans. Gprc5a knockdown promoted cell viability and proliferation, as demonstrated by MTT and BrdU assays. Gprc5a knockdown also promoted osteoblast differentiation, as indicated by gene expression analysis and mineralization assay. Mechanistic studies showed that Gprc5a interacted with BMPR1A and suppressed BMP signaling induced by BMP-2 and constitutively active BMP receptors, ALK2 (ACVR1) Q207D and ALK3 (BMPR1A) Q233D. Thus, our results suggest that Gprc5a is a novel gene induced by PTH that acts in an inhibitory manner on both cell proliferation and osteoblast differentiation and is a candidate for drug targets for osteoporosis.

Novel animal model of soft tissue tumor due to aberrant hedgehog signaling activation in pericyte lineage.

Pericytes are pluripotent cells that enclose the endothelium of small blood vessels in the whole body. These cells are thought to play a limited role in vascular development and blood pressure regulation; however, current evidence from numerous studies suggests several significant biologic aspects of pericytes in animals. One viewpoint is that pericytes are also known as potential cellular origin of multiple soft tissue tumors. Experimental evidence of the cellular origin of pericytic tumors is still insufficient, however, and their molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we used a conditional constitutively active Smoothened allele (Rosa-SmoM2) and Cre recombinase mice to activate hedgehog (Hh) signaling, exclusively in the monocyte/macrophage and osteoclast lineage (LysMcre) or in RANK expressing cells (RANKcre) that are recognized as osteoclast precursor cells. Mice conditionally expressing SmoM2 with LysMcre displayed no significant skeletal phenotype; surprisingly, however, RANKcre; Rosa-SmoM2 mice frequently developed progressive soft tissue tumors in regions of the leg. Genetic lineage tracing analysis uncovered a new domain of RANKcre-expressing cells in the skeletal muscle interstitial cells that display markers consistent with vascular pericytes. Neoplasms arising from these cells showed increased expression of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are molecular indicators of malignancy. Moreover, the tumors displayed strong bone invasive potency associated with osteoclastic bone resorption. Thus, these findings provide a novel insight into tumor pathology: Hh signal activated-pericytes can be a potential cellular origin of multiple soft tissue tumors.

Macrophages are requisite for angiogenesis of type H vessels during bone regeneration in mice.

Macrophages are progenitors of osteoclasts as well as regulators of bone metabolism. Macrophages mediate not only bone formation by osteoblasts under physiological conditions, but also bone regeneration after fracture. The mechanisms of macrophages regulation of bone formation and regeneration remain unclear, however. Here, we demonstrate that the liposome-encapsulated Clodronate (Clod-lip) injected mouse model with cortical bone defect induced by drill-hole injury and targeted depletion of phagocytic macrophages exhibits impaired angiogenesis of type H vessels that couple angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Moreover, we identify Tgfbi (encoding TGFBI), Plau (encoding uPA) and Tgfb1 (encoding TGF-ß1), through RNA-seq analysis, as genes of macrophage-secreted factors mediating angiogenesis and wound healing. The relevant mRNA was highly expressed in bone marrow-derived macrophages among bone cells, as determined through qRT-PCR. Finally, we disclose that treatment with uPA inhibitor or TGF-ß receptor I, receptor II inhibitor impairs bone regeneration after injury, confirming the importance of uPA and TGF-ß1 during bone regeneration. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of bone regeneration mediated by macrophages.

RANK- NFATc1 signaling forms positive feedback loop on rank gene expression via functional NFATc1 responsive element in rank gene promoter.

Receptor Activator of NF-κB (RANK) expressed on osteoclasts and their precursors is a receptor for RANK ligand (RANKL). Signals transduced by RANKL-RANK interaction induce genes essential for the differentiation and function of osteoclasts, partly through the direct binding of NFATc1, to target gene promoters. We have previously cloned a 6-kb fragment containing the 5'-flanking region of the mouse RANK gene and have demonstrated the presence of binding elements of hematological transcription factors, such as MITF, PU.1 and AP-1. Here, we demonstrated the presence of the functional NFATc1 responsive element on the RANK gene promoter. Transfection of an NFATc1-expression vector increased RANK mRNA that was subsequently nullified by NFATc1 knockdown. With the use of electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), an oligonucleotide (-388/-353) showed specific protein-DNA binding that was blockshifted with an anti-NFATc1 antibody and washed out with excess amounts of the cold consensus sequence. Co-transfection studies with the use of an NFATc1-expression vector and RANK promoter-reporter constructs showed that NFATc1 increased promoter activity 2-fold in RAW264.7 cells that was again nullified as disclosed by mutagenesis studies. Taken together, these results indicate that RANK transcription is positively regulated by the RANKL signal through the direct binding of NFATc1 to its specific binding site of the RANK gene promoter, and suggest the presence of a crucial positive feedback mechanism of gene expression that promotes accelerated terminal differentiation of RANK-positive committed precursors to mature osteoclasts.

Localization of DLL1- and NICD-positive osteoblasts in cortical bone during postnatal growth in rats.

The long bone midshaft expands by forming primary osteons at the periosteal surface of cortical bone in humans and rodents. Osteoblastic bone formation in the vascular cavity in the center of primary osteons is delayed during cortical bone development. The mechanisms of the formation of primary osteons is not fully understood, however. Focusing on NOTCH1 signaling, an inhibitory signaling on osteoblastic bone formation, our immunohistochemical analysis revealed Delta like1 (DLL1), a ligand of NOTCH1, and the NOTCH1 intracellular domain (NICD, an activated form of NOTCH1) immunoreactivity, in the cuboidal osteoblasts lining the bone surface in the vascular cavity of primary osteons during postnatal growth in rats. Interestingly, five days after treatment of primary osteoblasts with ascorbic acid and ß glycerophosphate, protein levels of both DLL1 and NICD increased transiently, indicating that DLL1 activates NOTCH1 in primary cultured osteoblasts. Thus, the results imply that DLL1-NOTCH1 signaling in osteoblasts is associated with primary osteonal bone formation.

New Insights into the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy: Proximal Renal Tubules Are Primary Target of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Kidney.

Diabetic nephropathy is a major source of end-stage renal failure, affecting about one-third cases of diabetes mellitus. It has long been accepted that diabetic nephropathy is mainly characterized by glomerular defects, while clinical observations have implied that renal tubular damage is closely linked to kidney dysfunction at the early stages of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we conducted pathohistological analyses focusing on renal tubular lesions in the early-stage diabetic kidney with the use of a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus mouse model. The results revealed that histological alterations in renal tubules, shown by a vacuolar nucleic structure, accumulations of PAS-positive substance, and accelerated restoration stress, occur initially without the presence of glomerular lesions in the early-stage diabetic kidney, and that these tubular defects are localized mainly in proximal renal tubules. Moreover, enhanced expression of RAGE, suggesting an aberrant activation of AGEs-RAGE signaling pathway, and accumulation of oxidative modified mitochondria through the impaired autophagy/lysosome system, were also seen in the damaged diabetic proximal renal tubules. Our findings indicate that proximal tubular defects are the initial pathological events increasingly linked to the progression of diabetic nephropathy, and that controlling renal tubular damage could be an effective therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Hedgehog Inhibitors Suppress Osteoclastogenesis in In Vitro Cultures, and Deletion of Smo in Macrophage/Osteoclast Lineage Prevents Age-Related Bone Loss.

The functional role of the Hedgehog (Hh)-signaling pathway has been widely investigated in bone physiology/development. Previous studies have, however, focused primarily on Hh functions in bone formation, while its roles in bone resorption have not been fully elucidated. Here, we found that cyclopamine (smoothened (Smo) inhibitor), GANT-58 (GLI1 inhibitor), or GANT-61 (GLI1/2 inhibitor) significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Although the inhibitory effects were exerted by cyclopamine or GANT-61 treatment during 0-48 h (early stage of osteoclast differentiation) or 48-96 h (late stage of osteoclast differentiation) after RANKL stimulation, GANT-58 suppressed osteoclast formation only during the early stage. These results suggest that the Smo-GLI1/2 axis mediates the whole process of osteoclastogenesis and that GLI1 activation is requisite only during early cellular events of osteoclastogenesis. Additionally, macrophage/osteoclast-specific deletion of Smo in mice was found to attenuate the aging phenotype characterized by trabecular low bone mass, suggesting that blockage of the Hh-signaling pathway in the osteoclast lineage plays a protective role against age-related bone loss. Our findings reveal a specific role of the Hh-signaling pathway in bone resorption and highlight that its inhibitors show potential as therapeutic agents that block osteoclast formation in the treatment of senile osteoporosis.

Knockdown of Lrp1 in RAW264 cells inhibits osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast-osteoblast interactions in vitro.

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a multifunctional cell surface protein, is expressed in bone marrow-derived macrophages. While LRP1 is thought to be a suppressor of osteoclast differentiation at late stages, its function at early stages remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that Lrp1 stable knockdown by lentiviral short hairpin RNA in macrophage cell line RAW264 cells inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and osteoclastic master transcription factor Nfatc1 mRNA expression as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, knockdown of the Lrp1 gene suppressed not only differentiation, but also proliferation, and inhibitory effects on osteoblastic ALP activity by osteoclast-derived humoral factors. Thus, we propose that LRP1 in macrophages is required for both differentiation into osteoclasts and osteoclast-osteoblast interactions.

Recent Insights into Long Bone Development: Central Role of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Regulating Growth Plate.

The longitudinal growth of long bone, regulated by an epiphyseal cartilaginous component known as the "growth plate", is generated by epiphyseal chondrocytes. The growth plate provides a continuous supply of chondrocytes for endochondral ossification, a sequential bone replacement of cartilaginous tissue, and any failure in this process causes a wide range of skeletal disorders. Therefore, the cellular and molecular characteristics of the growth plate are of interest to many researchers. Hedgehog (Hh), well known as a mitogen and morphogen during development, is one of the best known regulatory signals in the developmental regulation of the growth plate. Numerous animal studies have revealed that signaling through the Hh pathway plays multiple roles in regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of growth plate chondrocytes throughout the skeletal growth period. Furthermore, over the past few years, a growing body of evidence has emerged demonstrating that a limited number of growth plate chondrocytes transdifferentiate directly into the full osteogenic and multiple mesenchymal lineages during postnatal bone development and reside in the bone marrow until late adulthood. Current studies with the genetic fate mapping approach have shown that the commitment of growth plate chondrocytes into the skeletal lineage occurs under the influence of epiphyseal chondrocyte-derived Hh signals during endochondral bone formation. Here, we discuss the valuable observations on the role of the Hh signaling pathway in the growth plate based on mouse genetic studies, with some emphasis on recent advances.

Modulation of αvß3 Integrin via Transactivation of ß3 Integrin Gene on Murine Bone Marrow Macrophages by 1,25(OH)2D3, Retinoic Acid and Interleukin-4.

The interleukin (IL)-4, 1,25(OH)2D3 and retinoic acid, increase surface expression of functional integrin αvß3 on murine osteoclast precursors. All three agonists stimulate transcription of the ß3 gene, leading to increased steady-state levels of mRNA this protein. By contrast, mRNA levels of αv remain unchanged. In each instance, the increase in the surface expression of the integrin results in increased migration of the cells onto an αvß3 substrate. Because ß3 subunit, except platelet where ß3 subunit conform a dimer with αIIb, associates solely with αv subunit monogamously, while promiscuous αv subunit combines with various subunit, our present data support the idea that the ß3 subunit governs the surface-expressed functional integrin complex.

Activation of protein kinase C accelerates murine osteoclastogenesis partly via transactivation of RANK gene through functional AP-1 responsive element in RANK gene promoter.

Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) expressed on osteoclasts and their precursors is a receptor for RANK ligand (RANKL). Signals transduced by RANKL-RANK interaction induce genes essential for the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. We have cloned a basic promoter region of the mouse RANK gene and have analyzed the transcription machinery by transcription factors such as PU.1 (-480), and MITF (-100). Here, we examined the regulatory mechanisms of RANK gene transcription through AP-1 binding site, agagctca (-240). RANK mRNA expression in pre-osteoclastic RAW264.7 cells was induced by Phorbol12-myristate13-acetate (PMA) and suppressed by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C. In RAW264.7 cells, Fos knockdown by siRNA blocked the inducible effect of PMA on RANK expression. By EMSA, an oligonucleotide (-246/-238) showed DNA protein binding, the specificity of which was confirmed by block-shift assay with an anti-Fos antibody and by the addition of the excess of a cold consensus probe. Co-transfection with a Fos expression vector showed that Fos increased RANK promoter activity 6-fold in RAW264.7 cells, and the addition of PU.1 and MITF superinduced the activity more than twenty-fold by the addition of PU.1 and MITF. Mutagenesis of the putative AP-1 site (-240) blocked the inducible effect of Fos on promoter activity. Taken together, these results indicate that during the differentiation of bone marrow mono-nucleated cells into osteoclast precursors, RANK transcription is positively regulated by Fos/AP-1 through the binding element of its gene promoter, supporting the concept that Fos activation by continuous CSF-1 stimulation on macrophages triggers initial expression of RANK and, later, a positive feedback loop by RANKL-RANK interaction.

WAIF1 Is a Cell-Surface CTHRC1 Binding Protein Coupling Bone Resorption and Formation.

The osteoclast-derived collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) protein stimulates osteoblast differentiation, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we identified Wnt-activated inhibitory factor 1 (WAIF1)/5T4 as a cell-surface protein binding CTHRC1. The WAIF1-encoding Trophoblast glycoprotein (Tpbg) gene, which is abundantly expressed in the brain and bone but not in other tissues, showed the same expression pattern as Cthrc1. Tpbg downregulation in marrow stromal cells reduced CTHRC1 binding and CTHRC1-stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity through PKCδ activation of MEK/ERK, suggesting a novel WAIF1/PKCδ/ERK pathway triggered by CTHRC1. Unexpectedly, osteoblast lineage-specific deletion of Tpbg downregulated Rankl expression in mouse bones and reduced both bone formation and resorption; importantly, it impaired bone mass recovery following RANKL-induced resorption, reproducing the phenotype of osteoclast-specific Cthrc1 deficiency. Thus, the binding of osteoclast-derived CTHRC1 to WAIF1 in stromal cells activates PKCδ-ERK osteoblastogenic signaling and serves as a key molecular link between bone resorption and formation during bone remodeling. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Distribution of type VI collagen in association with osteoblast lineages in the groove of Ranvier during rat postnatal development.

In the groove of Ranvier (GOR), osteoblast lineages form bone bark, which develops into endosteal cortical bone. This ossification process is thought to be regulated by the microenvironment in the GOR. Type VI collagen (Col VI), an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein found in the periosteum/perichondrium, mediates osteoblast differentiation via the cell-surface receptor neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2) chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. In order to clarify the function of Col VI during osteoblast differentiation in the GOR, in the present study, we examined the distribution of Col VI and osteoblast lineages expressing NG2 in the rat tibia proximal end during postnatal growing periods by immunohistochemistry. Our data revealed that Col VI accumulated in the ECM of the GOR middle layer and that Col VI accumulation was reduced and disappeared in the inner and middle lower regions. Runt-related transcription factor 2-immunoreactive pre-osteoblasts expressed NG2 in Col VI-immunopositive areas. However, Osterix-immunoreactive mature osteoblasts were only found in the Col VI-immunonegative area. These findings indicate that Col VI provided a characteristic microenvironment in the GOR and that NG2-Col VI interactions may regulate the differentiation of osteoblast lineages prior to terminal maturation.

Accumulation of type VI collagen in the primary osteon of the rat femur during postnatal development.

In rodents, the long bone diaphysis is expanded by forming primary osteons at the periosteal surface of the cortical bone. This ossification process is thought to be regulated by the microenvironment in the periosteum. Type VI collagen (Col VI), a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the periosteum, is involved in osteoblast differentiation at early stages. In several cell types, Col VI interacts with NG2 on the cytoplasmic membrane to promote cell proliferation, spreading and motility. However, the detailed functions of Col VI and NG2 in the ossification process in the periosteum are still under investigation. In this study, to clarify the relationship between localization of Col VI and formation of the primary osteon, we examined the distribution of Col VI and osteoblast lineages expressing NG2 in the periosteum of rat femoral diaphysis during postnatal growing periods by immunohistochemistry. Primary osteons enclosing the osteonal cavity were clearly identified in the cortical bone from 2 weeks old. The size of the osteonal cavities decreased from the outer to the inner region of the cortical bone. In addition, the osteonal cavities of newly formed primary osteons at the outermost region started to decrease in size after rats reached the age of 4 weeks. Immunohistochemistry revealed concentrated localization of Col VI in the ECM in the osteonal cavity. Col VI-immunoreactive areas were reduced and they disappeared as the osteonal cavities became smaller from the outer to the inner region. In the osteonal cavities of the outer cortical regions, Runx2-immunoreactive spindle-shaped cells and mature osteoblasts were detected in Col VI-immunoreactive areas. The numbers of Runx2-immunoreactive cells were significantly higher in the osteonal cavities than in the osteogenic layers from 2 to 4 weeks. Most of these Runx2-immunoreactive cells showed NG2-immunoreactivity. Furthermore, PCNA-immunoreactivity was detected in the Runx2-immunoreactive spindle cells in the osteonal cavities. These results indicate that Col VI provides a characteristic microenvironment in the osteonal cavity of the primary osteon, and that differentiation and proliferation of the osteoblast lineage occur in the Col VI-immunoreactive area. Interaction of Col VI and NG2 may be involved in the structural organization of the primary osteon by regulating osteoblast lineages.

Conjunctival expression of the P2Y2 receptor and the effects of 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solution in dogs.

Conjunctival epithelial and goblet cell P2Y2 nucleotide receptors regulate ion transport and secretory function. Diquafosol is a P2Y2 purinergic receptor agonist that stimulates secretion of aqueous tear components from conjunctival epithelial cells and secretion of mucin from conjunctival goblet cells. In humans suffering from keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), topical administration of diquafosol improves corneal epithelial integrity and stabilises the tear film. The aim of the present study was to investigate P2Y2 receptor expression and to determine the effect of topical administration of diquafosol on mucin and aqueous tear production in dogs. Canine conjunctival P2Y2 receptor expression was evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. The effect of diquafosol on mucin secretion was evaluated by examining mucin-5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) concentration in tears. The effect of diquafosol on aqueous secretions was evaluated by performing the Schirmer tear test (STT) and phenol red thread test. Expression of the P2Y2 receptor was confirmed in canine bulbar and palpebral conjunctivae and receptors were identified at the conjunctival epithelial and goblet cell surface. Tear MUC5AC concentration significantly increased after administration of 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solution, although neither STT nor phenol red thread test values showed any significant change after diquafosol instillation. Topical ocular administration of 3% diquafosol might improve corneal epithelial disorders in dogs through stabilisation of the tear film, by virtue of an increase in MUC5AC secretion.