scholarly journals Mechanical Cues: Bidirectional Reciprocity in the Extracellular Matrix Drives Mechano-Signalling in Articular Cartilage

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 13595
Author(s):  
Sophie Jane Gilbert ◽  
Cleo Selina Bonnet ◽  
Emma Jane Blain
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Proteolytic Enzymes ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Effect Change ◽  
Physiological Loading

The composition and organisation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly the pericellular matrix (PCM), in articular cartilage is critical to its biomechanical functionality; the presence of proteoglycans such as aggrecan, entrapped within a type II collagen fibrillar network, confers mechanical resilience underweight-bearing. Furthermore, components of the PCM including type VI collagen, perlecan, small leucine-rich proteoglycans—decorin and biglycan—and fibronectin facilitate the transduction of both biomechanical and biochemical signals to the residing chondrocytes, thereby regulating the process of mechanotransduction in cartilage. In this review, we summarise the literature reporting on the bidirectional reciprocity of the ECM in chondrocyte mechano-signalling and articular cartilage homeostasis. Specifically, we discuss studies that have characterised the response of articular cartilage to mechanical perturbations in the local tissue environment and how the magnitude or type of loading applied elicits cellular behaviours to effect change. In vivo, including transgenic approaches, and in vitro studies have illustrated how physiological loading maintains a homeostatic balance of anabolic and catabolic activities, involving the direct engagement of many PCM molecules in orchestrating this slow but consistent turnover of the cartilage matrix. Furthermore, we document studies characterising how abnormal, non-physiological loading including excessive loading or joint trauma negatively impacts matrix molecule biosynthesis and/or organisation, affecting PCM mechanical properties and reducing the tissue’s ability to withstand load. We present compelling evidence showing that reciprocal engagement of the cells with this altered ECM environment can thus impact tissue homeostasis and, if sustained, can result in cartilage degradation and onset of osteoarthritis pathology. Enhanced dysregulation of PCM/ECM turnover is partially driven by mechanically mediated proteolytic degradation of cartilage ECM components. This generates bioactive breakdown fragments such as fibronectin, biglycan and lumican fragments, which can subsequently activate or inhibit additional signalling pathways including those involved in inflammation. Finally, we discuss how bidirectionality within the ECM is critically important in enabling the chondrocytes to synthesise and release PCM/ECM molecules, growth factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes, under a specified load, to influence PCM/ECM composition and mechanical properties in cartilage health and disease.

scholarly journals Melatonin Prevents Osteoarthritis-Induced Cartilage Degradation via Targeting MicroRNA-140

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijian Zhang ◽  
Jun Lin ◽  
Xinfeng Zhou ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Angela Carley Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase ◽  
Surgically Induced ◽  
Metalloproteinase 9 ◽  
Synthesis And Degradation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the progressive destruction of articular cartilage, which is involved in the imbalance between extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation. MicroRNA-140-5p (miR-140) is specifically expressed in cartilage and plays an important role in OA-induced matrix degradation. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) whether intra-articular injection of melatonin could ameliorate surgically induced OA in mice and (2) whether melatonin could regulate matrix-degrading enzymes at the posttranscriptional level by targeting miR-140. In an in vitro OA environment induced by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), melatonin treatment improved cell proliferation of human chondrocytes, promoted the expression of cartilage ECM proteins (e.g., type II collagen and aggrecan), and inhibited the levels of IL-1β-induced proteinases, such as matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), MMP13, ADAMTS4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4), and ADAMTS5. Both the microarray and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments revealed that miR-140 was a melatonin-responsive microRNA and melatonin upregulated miR-140 expression, which was suppressed by IL-1β stimulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that intra-articular injection of melatonin prevented disruptions of cartilage matrix homeostasis and successfully alleviated the progression of surgery-induced OA in mice. Transfection of miR-140 antagomir completely counteracted the antiarthritic effects of melatonin by promoting matrix destruction. Our findings demonstrate that melatonin protects the articular cartilage from OA-induced degradation by targeting miR-140, and intra-articular administration of melatonin may benefit patients suffering from OA.

Facilitating In Vivo Articular Cartilage Repair by Tissue-Engineered Cartilage Grafts Produced From Auricular Chondrocytes

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 713-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chin-Chean Wong ◽  
Chih-Hwa Chen ◽  
Li-Hsuan Chiu ◽  
Yang-Hwei Tsuang ◽  
Meng-Yi Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Cartilage Repair ◽  
Articular Chondrocytes ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Articular Cartilage Repair ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Cell Conversion

Background: Insufficient cell numbers still present a challenge for articular cartilage repair. Converting heterotopic auricular chondrocytes by extracellular matrix may be the solution. Hypothesis: Specific extracellular matrix may convert the phenotype of auricular chondrocytes toward articular cartilage for repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: For in vitro study, rabbit auricular chondrocytes were cultured in monolayer for several passages until reaching status of dedifferentiation. Later, they were transferred to chondrogenic type II collagen (Col II)–coated plates for further cell conversion. Articular chondrogenic profiles, such as glycosaminoglycan deposition, articular chondrogenic gene, and protein expression, were evaluated after 14-day cultivation. Furthermore, 3-dimensional constructs were fabricated using Col II hydrogel-associated auricular chondrocytes, and their histological and biomechanical properties were analyzed. For in vivo study, focal osteochondral defects were created in the rabbit knee joints, and auricular Col II constructs were implanted for repair. Results: The auricular chondrocytes converted by a 2-step protocol expressed specific profiles of chondrogenic molecules associated with articular chondrocytes. The histological and biomechanical features of converted auricular chondrocytes became similar to those of articular chondrocytes when cultivated with Col II 3-dimensional scaffolds. In an in vivo animal model of osteochondral defects, the treated group (auricular Col II) showed better cartilage repair than did the control groups (sham, auricular cells, and Col II). Histological analyses revealed that cartilage repair was achieved in the treated groups with abundant type II collagen and glycosaminoglycans syntheses rather than elastin expression. Conclusion: The study confirmed the feasibility of applying heterotopic chondrocytes for cartilage repair via extracellular matrix–induced cell conversion. Clinical Relevance: This study proposes a feasible methodology to convert heterotopic auricular chondrocytes for articular cartilage repair, which may serve as potential alternative sources for cartilage repair.

Natural Scaffold, from Bovine Bone Marrow, Reproduces Native Microenvironment and Supports CD34+ and Stromal Cells

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 2400-2400
Author(s):  
Renata Giardini Rosa ◽  
Juares E. Romero Bianco ◽  
Gabriela Pereira dos Santos ◽  
Stephen D. Waldman ◽  
Joanna Weber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Tissue Regeneration ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Bovine Bone ◽  
Ecm Proteins ◽  
Histological Staining

Abstract Background: The idea of studying bone marrow outside its native environment is attractive and ideal. Due to the many functions of extracellular matrix (ECM), currently there is an interest in creating an environment that mimics the ECM present in the tissue, similar to the microenvironment in vivo. Molds replacing the ECM (scaffolds) have a porous structure and may assist the tissue regeneration by forming a suitable environment for adhesion, migration, proliferation and cellular differentiation. The appropriate ECM is a key factor as ECM proteins are site-specific and provide protein 'footprints' of previous resident cells. Because ECM proteins are among the most conserved proteins, the removal of xenogenic/allogenic cellular contents via decellularization could theoretically produce an essentially minimally immunogenic scaffold with a native intact structure for new tissue regeneration. Thus, the search for a scaffold that could be used to assess the behavior of cells and their interactions with the ECM in vitro/in vivo, and has different niches in its composition is highly desirable. Aims: In recent years, a large number of molecular and cytogenetic abnormalities have been identified in AML, MDS and multiple myeloma, many of these defects can serve as markers for diagnosis/prognosis or as therapeutic targets. However, there are still many unknown molecular factors involved in genetic abnormalities or signaling pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Another very important aspect of these diseases is that they all are related to the mutual interaction of neoplastic cells and the microenvironment of bone marrow. In the absence of an ideal model or even the difficulty in reproduce a native environment, we proposed the characterization of a natural scaffold, from bovine bone marrow, which can be used as a study model, previously patented by our laboratory. Materials and Methods: Bone marrow was decellularized by one or more incubations in an enzymatic digestion solution and polar solvent extractions, comprising an extracellular matrix with well-preserved 3D structure. Scaffolds were analyzed after the decelularization process for potential changes in structure (TEM, SEM, Histological staining, and immunohistochemistry for collagen III, IV, fibronectin) and mechanical properties. To verify if the scaffold would hold and support cell survival and extracellular matrix production, an in vitro study was performed using CD34+ (non-stromal) and HS-5 (stromal) cells. Cell-seeded decellularized scaffolds were cultured for 7-14 days and analyzed for Histological staining. Results: Histology sections (H&E staining), TEM and SEM demonstrated the structure and ultrastructure of the processed matrix and confirmed both cellular extraction and preservation of the macroscopic 3-D architecture of the collagen fibers, blood vessels, and preservation of an organized matrix. Also, the decellularized scaffold was quite comparable to the native tissue in terms of its mechanical properties. Immunohistochemistry of the scaffold showed that the main components of the ECM were preserved. The in vitro experiments of both stromal cells (HS-5) and non-stromal cells (CD34+) demonstrated that they were able to adhere and in the HS-5 case also produce ECM during 7-14 days of culture. In both cases, an increase in cell number was observed and CD34+ overtime formed cluster and with 14 days of culture the cluster formation increased in size. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the decellularization process was efficient in keeping a 3-D structure and mechanical properties with a well-organized-preserved ECM. In vitro experiments showed that both CD34+ and HS-5 were able to proliferate and adhere in specific sites of the scaffold, suggesting that they were able to recognize their native environment. HS-5 produced ECM indicating that the scaffold worked as an optimal microenvironment. In conclusion, the scaffold could be used as a model, which has the potential to mimic the native microenvironment to enable research/studies of factors that are involved in self-renewal and maintenance of neoplastic cells in bone marrow. Also, this model could be very useful for pharmacological testing of bone marrow in vitro. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Study of Osteoarthritis Treatment with Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor and Steroids

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongsik Cho ◽  
Andrew Walker ◽  
Jeb Williams ◽  
Karen A. Hasty
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Cyclooxygenase 2 ◽  
Cox Inhibitor ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Patients with osteoarthritis (OA), a condition characterized by cartilage degradation, are often treated with steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective NSAIDs. Due to their inhibition of the inflammatory cascade, the drugs affect the balance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory cytokines, resulting in preservation of extracellular matrix (ECM). To compare the effects of these treatments on chondrocyte metabolism, TNF-αwas incubated with cultured chondrocytes to mimic a proinflammatory environment with increasing production of MMP-1 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The chondrocytes were then treated with either a steroid (prednisone), a nonspecific COX inhibitor NSAID (piroxicam), or a COX-2 selective NSAID (celecoxib). Both prednisone and celecoxib decreased MMP-1 and PGE-2 production while the nonspecific piroxicam decreased only the latter. Both prednisone and celecoxib decreased gene expression of MMP-1 and increased expression of aggrecan. Increased gene expression of type II collagen was also noted with celecoxib. The nonspecific piroxicam did not show these effects. The efficacy of celecoxibin vivowas investigated using a posttraumatic OA (PTOA) mouse model.In vivo, celecoxib increases aggrecan synthesis and suppresses MMP-1. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that celecoxib and steroids exert similar effects on MMP-1 and PGE2 productionin vitroand that celecoxib may demonstrate beneficial effects on anabolic metabolismin vivo.

scholarly journals The Effect of Varying Concentrations and Application Periods of Chondroitinase ABC on Tissue-Engineered Cartilage

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Tong ◽  
Grace D. O'Connell ◽  
Terri-Ann N. Kelly ◽  
Clark T. Hung
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Treatment Option ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Cartilage Tissue ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Chondroitinase Abc ◽  
Engineered Cartilage

Osteoarthritis, a chronic malady characterized by joint pain and swelling, is caused by damage to articular cartilage and is perpetuated by low-grade inflammation.  Treatments for osteoarthritis do exist, but many treatments focus on coping with the disease rather than curing it.  Surgical options that replace damaged cartilage tissue with that of donor cartilage tissue or cartilage tissue from other parts of articular joints face complications especially when the tissue is not of the correct size or does not have native-like properties. A more suitable treatment option for osteoarthritis is to develop an in vitro tissue-engineered cartilage construct that can be grown using the patient’s own cells and to surgically remove the patient’s damaged cartilage and replace it with the tissue-engineered cartilage. A challenge in developing such a treatment option is producing tissue-engineered cartilage with mechanical properties akin to those of native human articular cartilage. This challenge may be overcome by maximizing the production of type II collagen by the chondrocytes in vitro. One way to maximize collagen production is through the application of chondroitinase ABC, an enzyme which temporarily suppresses proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix to create more space for type II collagen to develop. In this study, two two levels of cABC treatment were applied (“high” and “low”) to cartilage tissue constructs. The “low” cABC treated group received daily feeding of 0.075 U/mL from day 14 to 21 followed by a replacement of chondrogenic media without cABC.  The “high” cABC treated group received a single addition of 0.15 U/mL from day 14 to 16 followed by a replacement of chondrogenic media without cABC.  At the end of 42 days, the constructs were subjected to mechanical testing and biochemical analyses. These analyses showed that the high cABC treatment yielded more native-like mechanical properties when compared to the low cABC treatment and the control results.  Biochemical and histological analyses confirmed that the proteoglycan and collagen II content were higher in the low and high cABC treated groups when compared to the control. All analyses show that the most efficient application of chondroitinase ABC is through a two day duration treatment of a higher concentration (0.15 U/mL).

Smart Molecules: Organization and Morphology of the Self-Assembled Collagen Fibrils Formed From a Solution of Densly Packed Collagen Monomers

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nima Saeidi ◽  
Jeffrey W. Ruberti
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Liquid Crystalline ◽  
Alternative Hypothesis ◽  
Collagen Fibrils ◽  
The Self ◽  
Collagen Molecules ◽  
Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline

Load-bearing tissues owe their mechanical properties to the presence of highly-organized arrays of collagen fibrils. Aligned lamellae in cornea and aligned fascicles in tendon are the best examples of collagen fibrillar organization at the macroscopic level. The process by which collagen is organized in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is still unclear. But it is generally thought to be facilitated locally via “fibripositors” or cell surface “crypts”. According to this theory, fibroblasts create bounded “compartments” in the ECM through which they deposit organized groups of fibrils (in the form of lamellae in the cornea and in the form of fascicles in the tendon) [1, 2]. An alternative hypothesis proposed by Marie Giraud-Guille suggests that fibroblasts concentrate collagen monomers to form cholesteric liquid crystalline patterns that resemble those found in collagenous matrices in vivo [3–8]. Such organization has been demonstrated in vitro using extracted collagen monomers. However, the data presented in these studies focuses principally on the alignment of the collagen molecules and not on the organization and resulting morphology of condensed collagen fibrils. Considering that matrix mechanical properties in vivo are the result of the fibrillar alignment and not the alignment of individual molecules, further investigation of cholesterically organized condensed fibrils and their morphology is necessary.

scholarly journals Early cathepsin K degradation of type II collagen in vitro and in vivo in articular cartilage

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1461-1469 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.S. Mort ◽  
F. Beaudry ◽  
K. Théroux ◽  
A.A. Emmott ◽  
H. Richard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Cathepsin K ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Type Ii

scholarly journals The Role of MicroRNA-381 in Chondrogenesis and Interleukin-1-β Induced Chondrocyte Responses

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 1753-1766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changhe Hou ◽  
Fangang Meng ◽  
Zhiqi Zhang ◽  
Yan Kang ◽  
Weishen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Cartilage Degeneration ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Osteoarthritic Cartilage ◽  
Enhanced Expression

Aim: The molecular pathways regulating cartilage degradation are unclear. miR-381 was identified as a putative regulator of chondrogenesis related genes. Here, we examined its role in chondrogenesis and osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration. Methods: miR-381 expression was assessed in vitro in response to IL-1β stimulation in primary human (PHC) and mouse (PMC) chondrocytes, and ATDC5 derived chondrocytes; and in vivo in mouse embryos and human osteoarthritic cartilage. The effects of miR-381 on chondrogenesis and NF-kB signaling were assessed using a synthetic RNA mimic or inhibitor and luciferase assay, respectively. Upstream regulators of miR381 were probed using siRNA or overexpression plasmids for Sox9 and Runx2. Results: miR-381 expression was elevated in chondrogenic and hypertrophic ATDC5 cells. miR-381 was induced in vitro by IL-1β in ATDC5 cells, PMCs, and PHCs, and was expressed in areas of cartilage degradation or absorption in vivo. Overexpression of Runx2 or Sox9 increased miR-381 expression in ATDC5 cells. miR-381 suppressed expression of collagen, type II, alpha 1, and enhanced expression of metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), but did not regulate NFKBIA and NKRF activity. Conclusion: miR-381 was highly expressed during chondrogenesis and in arthritic cartilage. It may contribute to absorption of the cartilage matrix by repressing type II collagen and inducing MMP-13.

scholarly journals Cardiac Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel Enriched with Polyethylene Glycol Presents Improved Gelation Time and Increased On-Target Site Retention of Extracellular Vesicles

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9226
Author(s):  
Lidia Gómez-Cid ◽  
María Luisa López-Donaire ◽  
Diego Velasco ◽  
Víctor Marín ◽  
María Isabel González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Polyethylene Glycol ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Therapeutic Efficacy ◽  
Gelation Time ◽  
Target Site ◽  
Fourfold Increase

Stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have demonstrated multiple beneficial effects in preclinical models of cardiac diseases. However, poor retention at the target site may limit their therapeutic efficacy. Cardiac extracellular matrix hydrogels (cECMH) seem promising as drug-delivery materials and could improve the retention of EVs, but may be limited by their long gelation time and soft mechanical properties. Our objective was to develop and characterize an optimized product combining cECMH, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and EVs (EVs–PEG–cECMH) in an attempt to overcome their individual limitations: long gelation time of the cECMH and poor retention of the EVs. The new combined product presented improved physicochemical properties (60% reduction in half gelation time, p < 0.001, and threefold increase in storage modulus, p < 0.01, vs. cECMH alone), while preserving injectability and biodegradability. It also maintained in vitro bioactivity of its individual components (55% reduction in cellular senescence vs. serum-free medium, p < 0.001, similar to EVs and cECMH alone) and increased on-site retention in vivo (fourfold increase vs. EVs alone, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of EVs–PEG–cECMH is a potential multipronged product with improved gelation time and mechanical properties, increased on-site retention, and maintained bioactivity that, all together, may translate into boosted therapeutic efficacy.

scholarly journals The Complexity of Joint Regeneration: How an Advanced Implant could Fail by Its In Vivo Proven Bone Component

10.36850/e3 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paweena Diloksumpan ◽  
Florencia Abinzano ◽  
Mylène de Ruijter ◽  
Anneloes Mensinga ◽  
Saskia Plomp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Cartilage Damage ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Cartilage Regeneration ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Bone Anchor

Articular cartilage damage is a major challenge in healthcare due to the lack of long-term repair options. There are several promising regenerative implant-based approaches for the treatment, but the fixation of the implant remains a significant challenge. This study evaluated the potential for repair of an osteochondral implant produced through a novel combined bioprinting-based chondral-bone integration, with and without cells, in an equine model. Implants consisted of a melt electrowritten polycaprolactone (PCL) framework for the chondral compartment, which was firmly integrated with a bone anchor. The bone anchor was produced by extrusion-based printing of a low-temperature setting bioceramic material that had been proven to be effective for osteo-regeneration in an orthotopic, non-load bearing and non-articular site in the same species in an earlier in vivo study. Articular cartilage-derived progenitor cells were seeded into the PCL framework and cultured for 28 days in vitro in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9), resulting in the formation of abundant extracellular matrix rich in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and type II collagen. The constructs were implanted in the stifle joints of Shetland ponies with cell-free scaffolds as controls. Clinical signs were monitored, and progression of healing was observed non-invasively through radiographic examinations and quantitative gait analysis. Biochemical and histological analyses 6 months after implantation revealed minimal deposition of GAGs and type II collagen in the chondral compartment of the defect site for both types of implants. Quantitative micro-computed tomography showed collapse of the bone anchor with low volume of mineralized neo-bone formation in both groups. Histology confirmed that the PCL framework within the chondral compartment was still present. It was concluded that the collapse of the osteal anchor, resulting in loss of the mechanical support of the chondral compartment, strongly affected overall outcome, precluding evaluation of the influence of BMP-9 stimulated cells on in vivo cartilage regeneration.

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