Gene expression, cytoskeletal changes and extracellular matrix synthesis in human osteoblasts treated with cyclosporin A

[Objective] Runx2, a key transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation, is expressed in calcified atherosclerotic plaques. We have recently shown that Runx2 represses vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) differentiation and promotes their osteogenic differentiation. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been implicated in the progression to vulnerable plaque by inducing mononuclear cell chemotaxis and VSMCs apoptosis despite of its potent stimulatory effect on connective tissue cell the proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. To assess the role of Runx2 in the process of plaque development, we investigated the molecular mechanism of the CTGF gene expression by Runx2 in VSMCs. [Methods and Results] RT-PCR analyses showed that adenovirally overexpressed Runx2 significantly repressed the basal expression of the CTGF gene in human aortic SMCs (HASMCs). Consistent with this, knockdown of the Runx2 expression in HASMCs by small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased CTGF mRNA levels. Luciferase assays showed that Runx2 reduced the transcriptional activity of the CTGF promoter. Transfection of a series of 5′-deletion constructs revealed that Runx2 inhibited CTGF expression through the sequence element located at 5′ untranslated region of CTGF mRNA. We next examined the effects of Runx2 on the TGFβ-induced CTGF expression. Runx2 overexpression significantly repressed CTGF expression in HASMCs stimulated with TGFβ, and knockdown of Runx2 by siRNA enhanced the induction of CTGF expression in response to TGFβ. Runx2 repressed TGFβ-induced CTGF promoter activity through the sequence including Smad binding element (SBE). Overexpression of Runx2 significantly reduced TGFβ- and Smad3-mediated luciferase activity of Smad-dependent promoter which contains four copies of SBE. Biotinylated DNA pulldown assay using SBE of CTGF promoter showed that Runx2 formed a complex with Smad3 and Smad4. [Conclusion] Runx2 repressed basal and TGFβ-induced CTGF gene expression in VSMCs. Thus, in addition to the potential for inducing vascular calcification, Runx2 may affect plaque stability by modulating extracellular matrix synthesis through inhibiting CTGF gene expression and TGFβ signaling.

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Combining Innovative Bioink and Low Cell Density for the Production of 3D-Bioprinted Cartilage Substitutes: A Pilot Study

Stem Cells International ◽

10.1155/2020/2487072 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Christel Henrionnet ◽

Léa Pourchet ◽

Paul Neybecker ◽

Océane Messaoudi ◽

Pierre Gillet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Cell Encapsulation ◽

Type Ii Collagen ◽

Mitochondrial Activity ◽

Type Ii ◽

3D Bioprinting ◽

Matrix Synthesis ◽

M Cell ◽

Low Concentration

3D bioprinting offers interesting opportunities for 3D tissue printing by providing living cells with appropriate scaffolds with a dedicated structure. Biological advances in bioinks are currently promising for cell encapsulation, particularly that of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We present herein the development of cartilage implants by 3D bioprinting that deliver MSCs encapsulated in an original bioink at low concentration. 3D-bioprinted constructs (10×10×4 mm) were printed using alginate/gelatin/fibrinogen bioink mixed with human bone marrow MSCs. The influence of the bioprinting process and chondrogenic differentiation on MSC metabolism, gene profiles, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production at two different MSC concentrations (1 million or 2 million cells/mL) was assessed on day 28 (D28) by using MTT tests, real-time RT-PCR, and histology and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Then, the effect of the environment (growth factors such as TGF-β1/3 and/or BMP2 and oxygen tension) on chondrogenicity was evaluated at a 1 M cell/mL concentration on D28 and D56 by measuring mitochondrial activity, chondrogenic gene expression, and the quality of cartilaginous matrix synthesis. We confirmed the safety of bioextrusion and gelation at concentrations of 1 million and 2 million MSC/mL in terms of cellular metabolism. The chondrogenic effect of TGF-β1 was verified within the substitute on D28 by measuring chondrogenic gene expression and ECM synthesis (glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen) on D28. The 1 M concentration represented the best compromise. We then evaluated the influence of various environmental factors on the substitutes on D28 (differentiation) and D56 (synthesis). Chondrogenic gene expression was maximal on D28 under the influence of TGF-β1 or TGF-β3 either alone or in combination with BMP-2. Hypoxia suppressed the expression of hypertrophic and osteogenic genes. ECM synthesis was maximal on D56 for both glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen, particularly in the presence of a combination of TGF-β1 and BMP-2. Continuous hypoxia did not influence matrix synthesis but significantly reduced the appearance of microcalcifications within the extracellular matrix. The described strategy is very promising for 3D bioprinting by the bioextrusion of an original bioink containing a low concentration of MSCs followed by the culture of the substitutes in hypoxic conditions under the combined influence of TGF-β1 and BMP-2.

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Icariin Promotes Extracellular Matrix Synthesis and Gene Expression of Chondrocytes In Vitro

Phytotherapy Research ◽

10.1002/ptr.3733 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 26 (9) ◽

pp. 1385-1392 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Lei Zhang ◽

Xuan Zhang ◽

Kui-Feng Li ◽

Dong-Xiao Li ◽

Yu-Mei Xiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Matrix Synthesis

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Mechanical compression alters gene expression and extracellular matrix synthesis by chondrocytes cultured in collagen I gels

Biomaterials ◽

10.1016/s0142-9612(01)00245-9 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 1249-1259 ◽

Cited By ~ 125

Author(s):

Christopher J. Hunter ◽

Stacy M. Imler ◽

Prasanna Malaviya ◽

Robert M. Nerem ◽

Marc E. Levenston

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Collagen I ◽

Mechanical Compression ◽

Matrix Synthesis

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The Therapeutic Potential and Role of miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in Osteoarthritis

Current Gene Therapy ◽

10.2174/1566523219666190716092203 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 255-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Yuangang Wu ◽

Xiaoxi Lu ◽

Bin Shen ◽

Yi Zeng

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Gene Therapy ◽

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Inflammatory Reaction ◽

Noncoding Rna ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Rna Binding Proteins ◽

Protein Translation ◽

Cochrane Library

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease characterized by progressive degeneration, joint hyperplasia, narrowing of joint spaces, and extracellular matrix metabolism. Recent studies have shown that the pathogenesis of OA may be related to non-coding RNA, and its pathological mechanism may be an effective way to reduce OA. Objective: The purpose of this review was to investigate the recent progress of miRNA, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA) in gene therapy of OA, discussing the effects of this RNA on gene expression, inflammatory reaction, apoptosis and extracellular matrix in OA. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, for published studies involving the miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in OA. The outcomes included the gene expression, inflammatory reaction, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix. Results and Discussion: With the development of technology, miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA have been found in many diseases. More importantly, recent studies have found that RNA interacts with RNA-binding proteins to regulate gene transcription and protein translation, and is involved in various pathological processes of OA, thus becoming a potential therapy for OA. Conclusion: In this paper, we briefly introduced the role of miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in the occurrence and development of OA and as a new target for gene therapy.

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Extracellular matrix synthesis by skeletal muscle in culture. Proteins and effect of enzyme degradation.

Journal of Biological Chemistry ◽

10.1016/s0021-9258(18)33778-5 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 257 (19) ◽

pp. 11437-11442

Author(s):

R L Beach ◽

W V Burton ◽

W J Hendricks ◽

B W Festoff

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Matrix Synthesis ◽

Enzyme Degradation

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Toll-like receptor 2 induced senescence in intervertebral disc cells of patients with back pain can be attenuated by o-vanillin

Arthritis Research & Therapy ◽

10.1186/s13075-021-02504-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Matthew Mannarino ◽

Hosni Cherif ◽

Li Li ◽

Kai Sheng ◽

Oded Rabau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Back Pain ◽

Protein Expression ◽

Disc Degeneration ◽

Cell Senescence ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Matrix Synthesis ◽

Gene And Protein Expression ◽

Pain Patients ◽

In Cells

Abstract Background There is an increased level of senescent cells and toll-like teceptor-1, -2, -4, and -6 (TLR) expression in degenerating intervertebral discs (IVDs) from back pain patients. However, it is currently not known if the increase in expression of TLRs is related to the senescent cells or if it is a more general increase on all cells. It is also not known if TLR activation in IVD cells will induce cell senescence. Methods Cells from non-degenerate human IVD were obtained from spine donors and cells from degenerate IVDs came from patients undergoing surgery for low back pain. Gene expression of TLR-1,2,4,6, senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) markers was evaluated by RT-qPCR in isolated cells. Matrix synthesis was verified with safranin-O staining and Dimethyl-Methylene Blue Assay (DMMB) confirmed proteoglycan content. Protein expression of p16INK4a, SASP factors, and TLR-2 was evaluated by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and/or by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results An increase in senescent cells was found following 48-h induction with a TLR-2/6 agonist in cells from both non-degenerate and degenerating human IVDs. Higher levels of SASP factors, TLR-2 gene expression, and protein expression were found following 48-h induction with TLR-2/6 agonist. Treatment with o-vanillin reduced the number of senescent cells, and increased matrix synthesis in IVD cells from back pain patients. Treatment with o-vanillin after induction with TLR-2/6 agonist reduced gene and protein expression of SASP factors and TLR-2. Co-localized staining of p16INK4a and TLR-2 demonstrated that senescent cells have a high TLR-2 expression. Conclusions Taken together our data demonstrate that activation of TLR-2/6 induce senescence and increase TLR-2 and SASP expression in cells from non-degenerate IVDs of organ donors without degeneration and back pain and in cells from degenerating human IVD of patients with disc degeneration and back pain. The senescent cells showed high TLR-2 expression suggesting a link between TLR activation and cell senescence in human IVD cells. The reduction in senescence, SASP, and TLR-2 expression suggest o-vanillin as a potential disease-modifying drug for patients with disc degeneration and back pain.

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Adhesion Behaviour of Primary Human Osteoblasts and Fibroblasts on Polyether Ether Ketone Compared with Titanium under In Vitro Lipopolysaccharide Incubation

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma12172739 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (17) ◽

pp. 2739 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Korbinian Benz ◽

Andreas Schöbel ◽

Marisa Dietz ◽

Peter Maurer ◽

Jochen Jackowski

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Protein Level ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Sem Images ◽

Human Osteoblasts ◽

Polyether Ether Ketone ◽

Primary Human Osteoblasts ◽

Titanium Surfaces ◽

Ether Ketone

The aim of this in vitro pilot study was to analyse the adhesion behaviour of human osteoblasts and fibroblasts on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) when compared with titanium surfaces in an inflammatory environment under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) incubation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of primary human osteoblasts/fibroblasts on titanium/PEEK samples were created. The gene expression of the LPS-binding protein (LBP) and the LPS receptor (toll-like receptor 4; TLR4) was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunocytochemistry was used to obtain evidence for the distribution of LBP/TLR4 at the protein level of the extra-cellular-matrix-binding protein vinculin and the actin cytoskeleton. SEM images revealed that the osteoblasts and fibroblasts on the PEEK surfaces had adhesion characteristics comparable to those of titanium. The osteoblasts contracted under LPS incubation and a significantly increased LBP gene expression were detected. This was discernible at the protein level on all the materials. Whereas no increase of TLR4 was detected with regard to mRNA concentrations, a considerable increase in the antibody reaction was detected on all the materials. As is the case with titanium, the colonisation of human osteoblasts and fibroblasts on PEEK samples is possible under pro-inflammatory environmental conditions and the cellular inflammation behaviour towards PEEK is lower than that of titanium.

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Expression of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chains in endometrium of cyclic and pregnant gilts

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep.0.1260621 ◽

2003 ◽

pp. 621-627 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

RD Geisert ◽

MD Ashworth ◽

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Western Blot ◽

Protease Inhibitor ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Trypsin Inhibitor ◽

Serine Protease Inhibitor ◽

Oestrous Cycle ◽

Heavy Chains ◽

Formation Of Complexes

Attachment of the placenta to the uterus in pigs involves extracellular interaction between the expanding trophoblastic membrane and the thick glycocalyx present on the uterine epithelial microvilli. Formation of complexes between members of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor family may function in the maintenance of the extracellular matrix. This study investigated the change in the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chains (ITIH1, ITIH2, ITIH3 and ITIH4) during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in pigs. Gene expression of ITIH1, ITIH2, ITIH3 and ITIH4 was detected in the endometrium of cyclic and pregnant gilts; however, gene expression of ITIH was not altered throughout the oestrous cycle or early pregnancy. Western blot analysis with an ITIH antiserum identified the possible linkage forms of ITIH with the serine protease inhibitor, bikunin. Pregnancy altered the release of the various inter-alpha-inhibitor forms from the endometrium during the period of trophoblastic attachment. The results from this study indicate that the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor family plays an important role in maintenance of the uterine surface glycocalyx during placental attachment in pigs.

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