Bone-associated Cells Research Articles

Refining the identity of mesenchymal cell types associated with murine periosteal and endosteal bone

Single-cell RNA sequencing has led to novel designations for mesenchymal cells associated with bone as well as multiple designations for what appear to be the same cell type. The main goals of this study were to increase the amount of single cell RNA sequence data for osteoblasts and osteocytes, to compare cells from the periosteum to those inside bone, and to clarify the major categories of cell types associated with murine bone. We created an atlas of murine bone-associated cells by harmonizing published datasets with in-house data from cells targeted by Osx1-Cre and Dmp1-Cre driver strains. Cells from periosteal bone were analyzed separately from those isolated from the endosteum and trabecular bone. Over 100,000 mesenchymal cells were mapped to reveal 11 major clusters designated fibro-1, fibro-2, chondrocytes, articular chondrocytes, tenocytes, adipo-CAR, osteo-CAR, pre-osteoblasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteo-X, the latter defined in part by Postn expression. Osteo-X, osteo-CAR, and pre-osteoblasts were closely associated with osteoblasts at the trabecular bone surface. Wnt16 was expressed in multiple cell types from the periosteum but not in cells from endocortical or cancellous bone. Fibro-2 cells, which express markers of stem cells, localized to the periosteum but not trabecular bone in adult mice. Suppressing bone remodeling eliminated osteoblasts and altered gene expression in pre-osteoblasts but did not change the abundance or location of osteo-X or osteo-CAR cells. These results provide a framework for identifying bone cell types in murine single cell RNA sequencing datasets and suggest that osteoblast progenitors reside near the surface of remodeling bone.

CB2 regulates oxidative stress and osteoclastogenesis through NOX1-dependent signaling pathway in titanium particle-induced osteolysis

Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) induced by wear particles at the interface between the prosthesis and bone is a crucial issue of periprosthetic bone loss and implant failure. After wear and tear, granular material accumulates around the joint prosthesis, causing a chronic inflammatory response, progressive osteoclast activation and eventual loosening of the prosthesis. Although many studies have been conducted to address bone loss after joint replacement surgeries, they have not fully addressed these issues. Focusing on osteoclast activation induced by particles has important theoretical implications. Cannabinoid type II receptor (CB2) is a seven-transmembrane receptor that is predominantly distributed in the human immune system and has been revealed to be highly expressed in bone-associated cells. Previous studies have shown that modulation of CB2 has a positive effect on bone metabolism. However, the exact mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In our experiments, we found that NOX1-mediated ROS accumulation was involved in titanium particle-stimulated osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, we confirmed that CB2 blockade alleviated titanium particle-stimulated osteoclast activation by inhibiting the NOX1-mediated oxidative stress pathway. In animal experiments, downregulation of CB2 alleviated the occurrence of titanium particle-induced cranial osteolysis by inhibiting osteoclasts and scavenging intracellular ROS. Collectively, our results suggest that CB2 blockade may be an attractive and promising therapeutic scheme for particle-stimulated osteoclast differentiation and preventing PPO.

Persistent Contamination By Bone and Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages Obscures Functional Assessment of Tissue-Dependent Heterogeneity in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) serve as an essential support for the hematopoietic stem cell pool and are enriched for skeletal stem cells capable of regenerating bone, cartilage and adipose tissues. Purification of murine MSCs is essential to explore the functions of MSCs not only in skeletal generation but also in the regulation of the BMME. However, conventional protocols have not sufficed to purify murine MSCs, limiting the functional assessment of MSCs ex vivo. Careful evaluation of macrophage contribution in conventional ex vivo cultures of MSCs obtained from either bone marrow (BM-MSCs) or bone associated cells (BAC-MSCs) revealed abundant and persistent contamination with macrophages (BM mean 53.35%, BAC: mean 43.52% at passage3). Therefore, we developed a novel culture system by targeting three immunological markers; F4/80, Ly6C, and CD45. The functional and transcriptional analysis with this isolation procedure ensured clear dissection of macrophages and MSCs. MSCs were isolated from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) and bone (bone associated cells: BAC-MSCs).BM-MSCs display more proliferative progenitor like characteristics while the BAC-MSCs display dormant stem cell like characteristics. Previously Sox9 was reported to be a marker of murine undifferentiated mesenchymal precursors that possess tri-lineage differentiation capacity and are equivalent to CXCL12-expressing stromal cells from adult mice. Interestingly, Sox9 was significantly expressed in BACs (mean 4.75% in MSC (Lin-/CD45-/CD31-/Sca-1+/CD51+)) but not in BM cells (mean 0.733% in MSC (Lin-/CD45-/CD31-/Sca-1+/CD51+)) in vivo by flow cytometric analysis. In our ex vivo MSC cultures, we confirmed that BM-MSCs are enriched for Sox9 expressing cells, similar to that of BAC-MSCs indicating that we successfully purified a very rare multipotent stromal cell population from both BM and BACs. Comparing MSCs from culture that included macrophages to those that successfully purified MSCs, we learned that the coexistence of macrophages significantly reduced SOX9 and PDGFα (CD140a) expression by MSCs, regardless of whether they were derived from bone or bone marrow. This suggested that the presence of macrophages limits MSCs stem and progenitor activity. We also evaluated the functional aspects of these MSCs using our coculture system of MSCs and BM derived LSK (Lineage-/Sca-1+/c-Kit+) without any support of growth factors mainly to elucidate the hematopoietic cell support capacity of these MSCs. Interestingly, purified MSCs significantly enhanced reconstitution capacity of LSK cells in comparison to macrophage contaminated MSCs, especially for BM-MSCs. Macrophages also disrupted the reconstitution of stem/progenitor cells with BAC-MSC coculture even though mature blood cell reconstitution did not seem to be affected. Collectively, our novel ex vivo culture of primary MSCs can be useful to eliminate the artifacts of macrophage contributions to MSCs, which was observed in the conventional ex vivo cultures where high percentages of macrophage can persistently exist with MSCs possibly from CD45 negative macrophage progenitors. Moreover, the presence of macrophages and tissue source significantly alters the cell characteristics and fate of cultured MSCs, which could provide further understanding for MSC-macrophage crosstalk. In summary, our study highlights the importance of assessing the purity of primary MSC culture systems and heterogeneity based on tissue source, and they enable the isolation of highly purified MSCs to further study their role and macrophage crosstalk at homeostasis of BMME and in disease.

Ubiquitin-specific proteases: Vital regulatory molecules in bone and bone-related diseases

Stabilization of bone structure and function involves multiple cell-to-cell and molecular interactions, in which the regulatory functions of post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination and deubiquitination shouldn't be underestimated. As the largest family of deubiquitinating enzymes, the ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) participate in the development of bone homeostasis and bone-related diseases through multiple classical osteogenic and osteolytic signaling pathways, such as BMP/TGF-β pathway, NF-κB/p65 pathway, EGFR-MAPK pathway and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Meanwhile, USPs may also broadly regulate regulate hormone expression level, cell proliferation and differentiation, and may further influence bone homeostasis from gene fusion and nuclear translocation of transcription factors. The number of patients with bone-related diseases is currently enormous, making exploration of their pathogenesis and targeted therapy a hot topic. Pathological increases in the levels of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β and TNF-α lead to inflammatory bone diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. While impaired body metabolism greatly increases the probability of osteoporosis. Abnormal physiological activity of bone-associated cells results in a variety of bone tumors. The regulatory role of USPs in bone-related disease has received particular attention from academics in recent studies. In this review, we focuse on the roles and mechanisms of USPs in bone homeostasis and bone-related diseases, with the expectation of informing targeted therapies in the clinic.

Abstract 74: Osteoblasts efferocytosis in bone marrow microenvironment induces osteoblasts’ senescence and apoptosis

Abstract Increased cellular apoptosis is commonly seen in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but how clearance of apoptotic cells, especially neutrophils, impacts disease progression is unknown. Moreover, while dysfunction of bone marrow (BM) stromal cell populations has been described in patients with MDS, the mechanisms inducing stromal defects are not well understood. Our laboratory found that BM macrophages are defective in a murine model of MDS (Vav-Nup98 HoxD13, aka NHD13), with decreased efferocytotic rates and increased inflammatory mediators. The increased apoptotic burden and defective macrophages would be expected to recruit non-professional phagocytes (osteoblasts) in the bone and bone marrow. Based on these data, we hypothesize that OBs (osteoblasts) participate in the clearance of apoptotic cells in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) to maintain BM homeostasis. However, the increased osteoblastic efferocytosis burden in MDS contributes to OBs’ dysfunction as a mechanism of MDS-dependent BMME disruption that may lead to MDS progression. We isolated from wild-type (B6) mice bone-associated cells (BAC), which are enriched with OBs. In vitro co-culture with labeled human end-stage neutrophils at 1:1 and 1:10 (OB: PMN) increased OB apoptosis, while senescence was increased only in high-dose PMN co-culture. We found that these changes were cell-autonomous. In vivo injection of neutrophils into WT mice showed around 5-10% efferocytosis rate in OBs. In efferocytotic OBs, apoptosis rates were significantly increased. Together, these data show that OBs participate in efferocytosis and that efferocytosis disrupts OBs, causing apoptosis and senescence. To mimic the MDS microenvironment, we used a genetic model where one of the Isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) mutations found in MDS (R140Q) is targeted to hematopoietic cells via the Vav promoter (IDH2R140Q mice) as well as NHD13 mice, representing early and late MDS BMME respectively. We observed that 6-to-8 months old NHD13 mice experienced more end-stage neutrophils[CL1] in the BMME (4.6% rate of end-stage neutrophils in WT compared to 9.5% rate in NHD13 mice), where OB apoptosis was also increased in vivo. In IDH2R140Q mice at 3 months of age, we confirmed the presence of mutated IDH2 in bone marrow cells by increased intracellular levels of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate. At this early time point, IDH2R140Q mice did not have increased rates of apoptosis in CD45+ cells, and we found no increase in OB apoptosis. Analysis of IDH2R140Q mice at later time points is ongoing. Our data identify novel mechanisms to explain the relationship between defective myeloid cells and OB apoptosis in MDS that may contribute to the inflammatory MDS microenvironment, impact disease progression, and serve as future therapeutic approaches for MDS patients. Citation Format: Chunmo Chen, Emily R. Quarato, Yuko Kawano, Noah A. Salama, Hiroki Kawano, Michael W. Becker, Jeevisha Bajaj, Laura Calvi. Osteoblasts efferocytosis in bone marrow microenvironment induces osteoblasts’ senescence and apoptosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 74.

The Emerging Role of the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain in Skeletal Aging.

Maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for ensuring healthy mitochondria and normal cellular function. This process is primarily responsible for regulating processes that include mitochondrial OXPHOS, which generates ATP, as well as mitochondrial oxidative stress, apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, and mitophagy. Bone mesenchymal stem cells express factors that aid in bone formation and vascular growth. Positive regulation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow affects the differentiation of osteoclasts. Furthermore, the metabolic regulation of cells that play fundamental roles in various regions of the bone, as well as interactions within the bone microenvironment, actively participates in regulating bone integrity and aging. The maintenance of cellular homeostasis is dependent on the regulation of intracellular organelles, thus understanding the impact of mitochondrial functional changes on overall bone metabolism is crucially important. Recent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis can lead to morphological and functional abnormalities in senescent cells, particularly in the context of bone diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal diseases results in abnormal metabolism of bone-associated cells and a secondary dysregulated microenvironment within bone tissue. This imbalance in the oxidative system and immune disruption in the bone microenvironment ultimately leads to bone dysplasia. In this review, we examine the latest developments in mitochondrial respiratory chain regulation and its impacts on maintenance of bone health. Specifically, we explored whether enhancing mitochondrial function can reduce the occurrence of bone cell deterioration and improve bone metabolism. These findings offer prospects for developing bone remodeling biology strategies to treat age-related degenerative diseases.

Autophagy: An important target for natural products in the treatment of bone metabolic diseases.

Bone homeostasis depends on a precise dynamic balance between bone resorption and bone formation, involving a series of complex and highly regulated steps. Any imbalance in this process can cause disturbances in bone metabolism and lead to the development of many associated bone diseases. Autophagy, one of the fundamental pathways for the degradation and recycling of proteins and organelles, is a fundamental process that regulates cellular and organismal homeostasis. Importantly, basic levels of autophagy are present in all types of bone-associated cells. Due to the cyclic nature of autophagy and the ongoing bone metabolism processes, autophagy is considered a new participant in bone maintenance. Novel therapeutic targets have emerged as a result of new mechanisms, and bone metabolism can be controlled by interfering with autophagy by focusing on certain regulatory molecules in autophagy. In parallel, several studies have reported that various natural products exhibit a good potential to mediate autophagy for the treatment of metabolic bone diseases. Therefore, we briefly described the process of autophagy, emphasizing its function in different cell types involved in bone development and metabolism (including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts), and also summarized research advances in natural product-mediated autophagy for the treatment of metabolic bone disease caused by dysfunction of these cells (including osteoporosis, rheumatoid joints, osteoarthritis, fracture nonunion/delayed union). The objective of the study was to identify the function that autophagy serves in metabolic bone disease and the effects, potential, and challenges of natural products for the treatment of these diseases by targeting autophagy.

Enhanced osseointegration of dental implants with reduced graphene oxide coating

BackgroundThe implants of pure titanium (Ti) and its alloys can lead to implant failure because of their poor interaction with bone-associated cells during bone regeneration. Surface modification over implants has achieved successful implants for enhanced osseointegration. Herein, we report a robust strategy to implement bioactive surface modification for implant interface enabled by the combinatorial system of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-coated sandblasted, large-grit, and acid-etched (SLA) Ti to impart benefits to the implant.MethodsWe prepared SLA Ti (ST) implants with different surface modifications [i.e., rGO and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)] and investigated their dental tissue regenerating ability in animal models. We performed comparative studies in surface property, in vitro cellular behaviors, and in vivo osseointegration activity among different groups, including ST (control), rhBMP-2-immobilized ST (BI-ST), rhBMP-2-treated ST (BT-ST), and rGO-coated ST (R-ST).ResultsSpectroscopic, diffractometric, and microscopic analyses confirmed that rGO was coated well around the surfaces of Ti discs (for cell study) and implant fixtures (for animal study). Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the R-ST group showed significantly better effects in cell attachment and proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, matrix mineralization, expression of osteogenesis-related genes and protein, and osseointegration than the control (ST), BI-ST, and BT-ST groups.ConclusionHence, we suggest that the rGO-coated Ti can be a promising candidate for the application to dental or even orthopedic implants due to its ability to accelerate the healing rate with the high potential of osseointegration.

Interleukin-1/Toll-like Receptor Inhibition Can Restore the Disrupted Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Mouse Model of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are myeloid neoplasms characterized by bone marrow (BM) failure and associated with aging. We have previously shown that reversal of BM microenvironment (BMME) dysfunction in MDS mitigates MDS associated marrow failure and delays progression to acute leukemia. However, the exact mechanisms driving BMME dysfunction in MDS remain unknown. We recently reported that interleukin-1 (IL1) Receptor Type1 (IL1R1) signaling is a driver in myeloid bias via disruption of BMME in aging. In addition, we have found that IL1R1 signaling is involved in disease progression of AML. Therefore, to assess the role of IL1R1 signaling in MDS associated BMME dysfunction and marrow failure, we employed an age appropriate murine transplant model for MDS utilizing NUP98-HOXD13 (NHD13) transgenic mice.Methods: BM cells (NHD13 transgenic or wild type (WT), 7 weeks) and competitor cells were transplanted into irradiated aged recipients (WT or IL1R1 KO, 60 weeks), and subsequently monitored for development of marrow failure. When marrow failure developed, mice were euthanized and peripheral blood, BM, BM extracellular fluid (BMEF), and collagenase-1 digested bone associated cells were analyzed including flow cytometry, colony forming units (CFU) assay, and cytokine analyses. Next, BM from NHD13 (8-10 weeks) and competitor cells were transplanted into lethally irradiated aged recipients (WT, 50-60 weeks). At onset of marrow failure, mice were treated with inhibitors of IL1/Toll-like receptor signaling (IL1R antagonist, MCC950, or IL1R-associated kinase 4 protein (IRAK4) inhibitor) for fourteen days, and then euthanized and analyzed as above. Finally, we evaluated cytokine profile in the BM serum from the patients with MDS and normal donors.Results: Transplant of NHD13 BM cells into aged IL1R1 wt recipients (NHD13→IL1R1 wt) was not associated with a significant difference in survival rates or levels of NHD13 engraftment compared to NHD13 into IL1R1 ko recipients (NHD13→IL1R1 ko). IL1R1 wt developed macrocytic anemia compared to IL1R1 ko recipient (Hb 11.3±0.57 v.s 13.1±0.42 g/dL, n=12 and 9, p<0.05). In CFU-C assays, NHD13→IL1R1 wt and NHD13→IL1R1 ko demonstrated similar levels of CFU-activity whereas CFU-fibroblast (CFU-F) assays of IL1R1 wt recipients demonstrated lower numbers of large colonies (reported to contain highly proliferative mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)). Flow cytometry analysis of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) population in IL1R1 wt recipients showed increased myeloid progenitors and decreased long-term HSC (LT-HSC) compared to IL1R1 ko recipients. Cytokine/chemokine profiles revealed that the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNFα) and macrophage activating cytokines (MCP-1 and M-CSF) were significantly decreased in NHD13→IL1R1 ko compared to NHD13→IL1R1 wt. Next, we treated MDS model mice with inhibitors. The pharmacological targeting of IL1R1 signaling in vivo was associated with decreased NHD13 cell burden and improvement of macrocytic anemia. CFU-C assays demonstrated some decreases in NHD13 CFU capacity post-treatment. Interestingly, non-NHD13 HSPCs assessed by CFU capacity increased in IRAK4 inhibitor treated mice. Consistent with this, flow cytometric analyses of HSPC pools demonstrated decreased NHD13 HSPCs (LT-HSC and granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells) and increased non-NHD13 HSCs and myeloid progenitors compared to vehicle group. BMME cell populations showed that arteriolar endothelial cells and MSCs were also affected by drug treatment and both IL1R antagonist and MCC950 increased the number of large CFU-F colonies. Analysis of BMEF revealed the decreased IFNγ and IL-18 and upregulated M-CSF in MCC950 treated group. The cytokines of human BM serum revealed higher concentrations of soluble formed IL1R1, IL-18, CXCL1, and osteopontin in MDS compared to young or aged normal donors.Conclusions: Collectively, our findings demonstrate that IL1R1 signaling alters the BMME and contributes to the disease phenotype of MDS and that the effects of targeting IL1R1 pharmacologically have differing effects based on the modality of inhibition as well as the cell population. IL1R1 signaling can be a promising target to alleviate the complexity of MDS via improving inflammatory status in BMME. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The TrkA Antagonist AR786 Prevents Heterotopic Ossification

Soft tissue trauma can result in the pathologic formation of cartilage and bone outside of the skeleton, termed heterotopic ossification (HO). Therapeutic options for treatment of HO are lacking. We recently recognized the role of sensory nerve fibers in trauma-induced HO through nerve growth factor (NGF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) signaling whereby the deletion of NGF-TrkA signaling impairs axonal invasion and blunts osteochondral differentiation after HO induction in a mouse model. Given this observation, we hypothesized that utilization of a small molecule antagonist for TrkA in clinical development, AR786, would demonstrate therapeutic benefit in the prevention of HO. Association of NGF and innervation with human HO of the posterior longitudinal ligament (HOPLL) was analyzed by microarray and immunohistochemistry. In a mouse model, trauma-induced HO was generated by the combination of cutaneous burn and Achilles tenotomy in 10 week old C57BL/6J mice, which causes HO over a well characterized 9 week time period. NGF expression was examined by single cell sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from the innervating lumbar tracts were examined for pTrkA expression by immunohistochemistry. The phenotypic consequences of TrkA inhibition by AR786 on HO formation was next assessed (Vehicle, n=5 and AR786, n=5). Nerve innervation within the injury site was visualized using immunohistochemistry stained with Beta III Tubulin (TUBB3) and confocal microscopy. Abnormal chondrogenesis was assessed by cartilage histomorphometry, and immunohistochemical detection (SOX9 and COL2). Data were presented as Means ± SD. Results showed that NGF and associated downstream NGF signaling were increased among HOPLL patient cells. NGF immunoreactivity was present in perivascular cells adjacent to HO, fibroblastic cells, and bone-associated cells. Increased nerve fibers were present surrounding HO and axonal sprouting was confirmed by neural antigen S100 and neurofilament SM31 in human HO tissue sections. During HO progression in mice, NGF, proNGF, and pTrkA were upregulated following HO induction. Nerve frequency was significantly reduced with AR786 treated animals compared to vehicle control in uninjured (p<0.001, Vehicle; 548.2 ± 118.0 vs. AR786; 104.2 ± 47.9, µm3) and 3-weeks post-injury (p<0.001, Vehicle; 3255.6 ± 1405.1 vs. AR786; 462.8 ± 201.1, µm3). Consequently, reduced axonal ingrowth significantly delays in ectopic cartilage formation (p<0.01, Vehicle; 0.33 ± 0.07 vs. AR786; 0.07 ± 0.06, mm2). In conclusion, NGF-TrkA signaling mediates crucial functions in human and rodent HO, and inhibition of TrkA-expressing neural inputs by AR786 abrogates HO progression. These findings suggest that NGF-TrkA signaling inhibition can be a potential therapeutic use in HO patients as negative regulator of HO disease progression.

Local Irradiation Induces Systemic Inflammatory Response and Alteration of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche

Radiotherapy is used in the treatment of ~50% of tumors. We and others have reported long-term suppression of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the setting of total body irradiation; however, it has been shown that even relatively small irradiation volumes can result in systemic adverse events, such as myeloablation and secondary malignancies. The mechanisms underlying these effects are unclear. We hypothesize that localized radiation may activate a systemic inflammatory response that can acutely alter HSPCs and bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) components, including marrow stromal cells (MSCs), thereby contributing to late effects. We therefore established a murine model of targeted irradiation (TR) using a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP). Methods: We administered local irradiation to a single tibia of 6-8 week old C57BL/6 male mice using a single dose of 15 Gy. Subsequently, we analyzed peripheral blood, BM, BM extracellular fluid (BMEF), collagenase-1 digested bone associated cells of both the irradiated (TR) and non-irradiated, contralateral (CONT) tibiae at 2, 6, 48 hours, 1 and 3 weeks post-TR, performing phenotypic (flow cytometry) and cytokine analyses. For all studies, n = 10-13 mice/time point. Results: In the TR tibia at 2 hours, although total cell numbers were unchanged, there was a significant upregulation of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1β (IL1b), IL18), chemokines (CXCL2, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL3) and macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF). Of note, most of these changes normalized by 48 hours (M-CSF at 1 week). Changes in mediator expression were followed, at 6 hours post-TR, by significant increases in macrophage (macs) numbers, including CD206 phagocytic macs, neutrophils (PMNs) and cytotoxic lymphocytes, including CD8+ cells expressing CXCR3+, the receptor for CXCL9 and CXCL10. Interestingly, similar to the TR tibia, CXCL2 expression was also increased significantly in the CONT at 2 hours, followed (6 hours) by significant increases in macs and CD8+ cells, suggesting a systemic or abscopal effect. With respect to the effects of radiation on HSPCs, by 6 hours, most of the stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) populations in the TR marrow were significantly decreased; the decrease in long-term-HSCs was delayed until 48 hours post-TR. All populations remained severely depleted until 3 weeks post RT, demonstrating a rapid and sustained effect of TR on all HSPCs within the irradiation volume. In comparison, in the CONT tibia at 6 hours, CD41+ HSCs were expanded; this is consistent with previous demonstrations that CD41+ LT-HSCs expand with inflammatory signals and suggests that TR-induced signals induced a systemic impact on the non-irradiated HSPCs. By 1 week post-radiation, short term-HSCs were significantly decreased in the CONT marrow, likely due to mobilization since CFU-Cs were correspondingly significantly increased in the circulation. Finally, MSCs, previously shown to support HSCs, were found to be significantly increased in the TR tibia starting at 6 hours and peaking at 48 hours post-radiation. Surprisingly, MSCs were also expanded in the CONT marrow at 48 hours; this expansion was likely associated with the increased CXCL12 levels seen in both TR and CONT marrow, although the CXCL12 levels were higher in the irradiated tibia. Taken together, these changes indicate TR-induced global disruption of the HSC niche. Furthermore, in addition to the transient effects of localized irradiation, we observed a second wave of inflammatory signals, including a significant increase in CCL3, at 1 week post-TR and increased IL1b in the CONT marrow at 3 weeks, changes that may have contributed to the sustained loss of HSPC populations. Conclusions: We present the effects of local irradiation on global hematopoiesis, showing that, in addition to the anticipated acute local changes in the irradiated bone marrow, TR-induced persistent and, more importantly, systemic inflammation. We believe that using this murine model will allow us to dissect the contribution of direct (local) and indirect (systemic) responses to radiation on treatment effects, such as marrow failure and secondary malignancies. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Restoration of the Bone Marrow Microenvironment Improves Hematopoietic Function in a Murine Model of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

While data suggest that, in the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) is abnormal, the lack of examination of the BMME in a robust in vivo model has limited progress in the understanding of reciprocal MDS-BMME interactions. If microenvironmental defects contribute to disease progression, targeting the BM niche may offer an alternative approach for therapeutic benefit. We sought to define the MDS BMME in a well-established transgenic murine model that recapitulates hallmark features of human MDS. In this model, hematopoietic tissue-specific expression of the NUP98-HOXD13 (NHD13) fusion gene is driven by Vav regulatory elements, resulting in peripheral cytopenias by 16 weeks of age and mortality from transformation to leukemia at a median time of 11 months of age. Mice were analyzed at 15-36 weeks of age, when the MDS phenotype is prominent in the absence of leukemia. Flow cytometric quantification of BM stroma in 23-week old NHD13 mice showed a 6.5-fold increase in frequency of CD51+/Sca1- osteoblastic cells (OBC) compared to WT (p<0.05). CD51+/Sca1+ multipotent stromal cells (MSC) and CD31+/Sca1+ endothelial cells were also significantly increased in NHD13 compared to WT mice. This was not due to loss of hematopoietic cells in the marrow of NHD13 mice. While an expansion of functional MSCs and osteoblastic cells could result in skeletal changes, micro CT imaging of the femora and tibiae of 20-week old NHD13 mice revealed no differences in skeletal parameters compared to WT mice. These data suggest that the expanded osteolineage cells in NHD13 mice are not functional bone-forming cells. While stromal populations were not altered in bone-associated cells of 23-week old NHD13 compared to WT mice, 36-week old NHD13 mice also showed increased bone-associated OBCs, MSCs, and endothelial cells. Therefore, there are significant time-dependent shifts in critical stromal populations in this in vivo model of MDS, which may contribute to an abnormal BMME. To determine if the MDS BMME contributes to hematopoietic failure, NHD13 BM (CD45.2) was transplanted with WT competitor BM (CD45.1) in a 1:1 ratio into lethally irradiated NHD13 or WT (CD45.2) recipients, thus exposing the same MDS hematopoietic cells to either MDS or WT microenvironments. Using this transplantation paradigm, we previously reported improvement of hematopoiesis when NHD13 BM is exposed to a WT BMME. Surprisingly, CD45.1+ WT competitor-derived cells exhibited myeloid skewing when transplanted into NHD13 recipients compared to WT recipients, suggesting that interaction of WT BM with an MDS BMME can induce myeloid skewing, a feature of the NHD13 model. NHD13 BM was next transplanted non-competitively into lethally irradiated NHD13 and WT mice. At 10 weeks post-transplant, WT recipients had a 2.5-fold increase in peripheral leukocytes (p<0.05), significant improvement of anemia, and significant mitigation of BM long term-HSC loss compared to NHD13 recipients, suggesting that WT BMME components can rescue hematopoietic function in MDS. Together, our studies strongly suggest that a murine model recapitulates MDS microenvironmental abnormalities, and that exposure of MDS hematopoietic cells to a non-malignant microenvironment is sufficient to improve hematopoietic function. Thus, improvement of the BM microenvironment represents a novel therapeutic strategy to ameliorate hematopoietic function in MDS. DisclosuresBecker:Millenium: Research Funding. Calvi:Fate Therapeutics: Patents & Royalties.

Dual Role of Cyanidin-3-glucoside on the Differentiation of Bone Cells

Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is one of the major components of anthocyanin, a water-soluble phytochemical. Recent studies demonstrated the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities of C3G in various conditions, including cancer, although the precise effects of C3G on osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of C3G in the differentiation of bone-associated cells and its underlying mechanism. C3G inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)–mediated osteoclast differentiation and formation in a dose-dependent manner and downregulated the expression of osteoclast differentiation marker genes. Pretreatment with C3G considerably reduced the induction of extracellular signal–regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated kinases activation by RANKL in osteoclast precursor cells. Furthermore, C3G dramatically inhibited the expression of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1, which are important transcription factors for osteoclast differentiation and activation. The formation of osteoclasts in coculture of bone marrow cells and calvaria-derived osteoblasts was also inhibited by C3G treatment, although the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and RANKL (master factors for osteoclast differentiation and formation) and osteoprotegerin (a decoy receptor for RANKL) on osteoblasts was unaffected. The inhibitory effect of C3G on osteoclastogenesis is therefore targeted specifically to osteoclasts but not osteoblasts. Moreover, analysis of the expression levels of osteoblast differentiation marker genes and alizarin red staining showed that osteoblast differentiation and matrix formation increased after C3G treatment. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that C3G has a dual role in bone metabolism, as an effective inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation but also as an activator of osteoblast differentiation. Therefore, C3G may be used as a potent preventive or therapeutic agent for bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis.

Osteoblastic VEGF Coordinates Remodeling of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche

Osteoblasts (OBs) and the bone marrow (BM) vasculature constitute hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSC/HSPC) niches. Immature perivascular osteolineage cells enforce HSC quiescence while signals from mature OBs are capable of bone and vascular remodeling. We previously demonstrated that bone anabolic parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation increases HSPCs with short and long-term repopulating activity. Based upon the coupled nature of osteogenesis and angiogenesis as well as the multifaceted role blood vessels play in HSC regulation, we investigated effects of PTH on the BM vasculature. Both genetic PTH receptor activation in maturing OBs (Col1caPTH1R) and systemic PTH treatment increased functional blood vessel branching imaged intravitally in the calvaria (14±2 vs 34±3 and 14±2 vs 27±4 branchpoints, n=3-4 mice/group, 3-7 regions analyzed per mouse). These changes were confirmed histologically in long bones, where PTH-induced tortuosity was accompanied by the emergence of α smooth muscle actin (αSMA)+ bone-associated vascular networks, likely small-caliber arterioles, containing red blood cell rouleaux, while control marrow displayed sparse, non-bone-associated αSMA+ vessels. Further, PTH increased morphologically-heterogeneous BM microvessels (167±18 vs 348±39 per section, n=5 mice/group) and endothelial cell (EC) abundance (0.09±0.02% vs 0.2±0.02%, n=4-5 mice/group). VEGF-A and FGF2, known to be important proangiogenic signals in bone, were increased after PTH treatment of osteoblastic cell lines and primary osteolineage cells in vitro, and in bone-associated cells of mice treated in vivo. Because the perivascular milieu is heterogeneous and can support HSC quiescence or activation depending on vessel type and stimuli, we tested whether tuning BM angiogenic responses modulated effects of PTH on HSCs. Treatment with the anti-VEGF-A monoclonal antibody bevacizumab (αVEGF) precluded PTH-induced vascular branching in calvarial BM and reduced pre-established vascular branching in Col1caPTH1R mice (34±3 vs 21±1 branchpoints, n=4 mice/group, 3-5 regions analyzed per mouse), while PTH-induced bone anabolism, EC abundance and bone-associated αSMA+ small-caliber vessels were sustained. Moreover, αVEGF did not change the frequency of CD51+ PDGFRα+ or PDGFRα+ Sca1+ immature mesenchymal cells reported to regulate HSCs. The altered balance of marrow sinusoidal vs arteriolar structures we quantified in PTH + αVEGF-stimulated BM would be expected to improve HSC support based on niche remodeling, therefore we tested the hematopoietic consequences. αVEGF did not alter frequencies of phenotypically-defined HSCs in the BM or mature hematopoietic cells and platelets in the peripheral blood (PB). Remarkably, αVEGF augmented PTH-induced repopulation of the PB in primary BM transplantation (p = 0.0013, n=10 recipients/group) and sustained the repopulating ability (p < 0.0001, n=10 recipients/group) and BM engraftment (~70 fold) of cells in secondary transplantation. Competitive transplantation of HSPCs sorted from PTH + αVEGF-treated mice showed enhanced repopulating ability, confirming niche-mediated improvement of HSPC function. Unbiased analysis of sorted stem and progenitor cells demonstrated that PTH, alone or in combination with αVEGF, broadly reduced multipotent progenitor (MPP) gene expression, including markers of cell proliferation. Notably, microenvironmental activation with PTH alone uniquely decreased a cluster of transcripts associated with hematopoietic differentiation in MPPs, suggesting progenitor cell reeducation by PTH activation versus niche reapportioning by combined PTH and VEGF antagonism. Because PTH also increases FGF2, reported to expand HSCs and stabilize blood vessels, we tested whether FGF signaling is necessary for PTH to establish long-term HSC niches. In vivo FGF receptor 1 inhibition significantly reduced long-term hematopoietic repopulating ability of PTH + αVEGF-treated BM cells in secondary transplantation (p = 0.0046, n = 16-17 mice/group), suggesting VEGF-A and FGF2 have opposing HSC effects in the PTH-activated microenvironment. These data define the HSC niche as a regulatory network, and identify mature OBs as the cellular source of signals that serve to coordinate HSC-supportive niches, demonstrating functional cooperation of the different constituents of the bone marrow microenvironment. DisclosuresOff Label Use: Bevacizumab (trade name Avastin, Genentech/Roche) is used by the authors as a strategy to block VEGF-A in the bone marrow microenvironment.. Calvi:Fate Therapeutics: Patents & Royalties.

Preparation and characterization of polylactide/poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) hybrid fibers for potential application in bone tissue engineering.

The aim of this study was to develop a kind of osteogenic biodegradable composite graft consisting of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hPMSC) material for site-specific repair of bone defects and attenuation of clinical symptoms. The novel nano- to micro-structured biodegradable hybrid fibers were prepared by electrospinning. The characteristics of the hybrid membranes were investigated by a range of methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Morphological study with scanning electron microscopy showed that the average fiber diameter and the number of nanoscale pores on each individual fiber surface decreased with increasing concentration of poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCEC). The prepared polylactide (PLA)/PCEC fibrous membranes favored hPMSC attachment and proliferation by providing an interconnected, porous, three-dimensional mimicked extracellular environment. What is more, hPMSCs cultured on the electrospun hybrid PLA/PCEC fibrous scaffolds could be effectively differentiated into bone-associated cells by positive alizarin red staining. Given the good cellular response and excellent osteogenic potential in vitro, the electrospun PLA/PCEC fibrous scaffolds could be one of the most promising candidates for bone tissue engineering.

Erythroid Lineage Cells Are Found In Close Association With Bone In The Marrow Microenvironment

Osteolineage cells within the bone marrow microenvironment have been implicated in support and regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Recently, augmented hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling in osteoprogenitors has been shown to expand the HSC niche, and surprisingly these cells have also been demonstrated to express erythropoietin, the critical cytokine stimulating erythropoiesis. We therefore hypothesize that endosteal cells may represent an additional regulatory site for erythropoiesis. To further delineate the role of the osteolineage cells in the support of erythropoiesis, we isolated bone associated cells (BACs) with enzymatic digestion of adult C57bl/6 mice hind limbs after bone marrow flushing and depleted the BACs of CD45+ cells to enrich for osteogenic cells.We suspected some contribution of erythroid cells to CD45- BACs, however we were surprised to find that ter119+ cells represented a large percentage of BACs after enzymatic digestion. After CD45 depletion, ter119+ cells constituted about 30% percent compared to approximately 0.85% of CD45+ cells (33 ± 4.4vs. 0.85 ± 0.26, p= 0.0018) by flow cytometric analysis. Additionally, CD45 depleted BACs had approximately 46 fold higher osteocalcin expression than CD45+ cells (1300 ± 120 vs. 28 ± 9.5, p < 0.0001), while CD45/Ter119/CD31 depleted BACs had approximately 2000 fold higher osteocalcin expression than CD45/Ter119/CD31 (+) cells (2000 ± 520 vs. 0.98 ± 0.02, p= 0.0044) by qRT-PCR, confirming enrichment of the osteoblastic lineage by this immunophenotypic panel. These data suggest that there are a large number of erythroid lineage cells associated with the BACs along the endosteum. In the bone marrow of adult mice, ter119 + cells represented approximately 85% in the CD45- pool as compared to 5% in the CD45+ cell pool.To determine if the endosteum is an active site of erythropoiesis, we quantified erythroid progenitors and precursors in the BAC pool compared to whole bone marrow (wbm) and peripheral blood (pb) by both flow cytometric analysis and colony forming assays. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the presence of every phase of erythroid differentiation in the BAC pool, including the presence of phenotypic MEPs (wbm vs bac vs pb: 250 ± 30 vs 84 ± 22 vs 0), BFU-E (wbm vs bac vs pb: 300 ± 14 vs 110 ± 36 vs 0 ), CFU-E (wbm vs bac vs pb: 2900 ± 2 vs 430 ± 23 vs 1 ± 0.8) and proerythroblasts (wbm vs bac vs pb: 11000 ± 2500 vs 7600 ± 1600 vs 2300 ± 920) per million cells. The phenotypic frequency of CFU-E was particularly remarkable in the BACs (430 ± 23) as compared to peripheral blood (1 ± 0.8) , demonstrating that all stages of erythroid differentiation are found in tight association with the endosteum and are not due to contamination from circulating erythroid progenitors. Colony assays were performed for CFU-E (wbm vs. bac 108 ± 16 vs 6.3 ± 2 colonies per 20,000cells plated), BFU-E (wbm vs. bac 55 ±1.0 vs 2 ±1.0; colonies per 40,000 cells plated) and myeloid progenitors (wbm vs. bac 66 ± 28 vs 11 ± 2.5 ; colonies per 10,000 cells plated) also confirmed the presence of erythroid progenitors at endosteal sites.Together these results identify the endosteal surface as a site for erythroid differentiation. The presence of all phases of erythroid lineage differentiation in the BACs suggests a potential role for osteolineage cells for maintenance and regulation of erythropoiesis. Whether osteolineage cells contribute to erythroid lineage homeostasis and/or stress response, and whether activation or damage to osteolineage cells alters local erythroid differentiation remains to be demonstrated. However our data suggest further study of the endosteum and osteolineage cells as a potential and unexpected site of erythroid regulation, which could potentially be targeted to accelerate erythropoiesis and treat anemia. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Preparation of poly(ethylene glycol)/polylactide hybrid fibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Polylactide (PLA) electrospun fibers have been reported as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering application, however, the great hydrophobicity limits its broad application. In this study, the hybrid amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/hydrophobic PLA fibrous scaffolds exhibited improved morphology with regular and continuous fibers compared to corresponding blank PLA fiber mats. The prepared PEG/PLA fibrous scaffolds favored mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment and proliferation by providing an interconnected porous extracellular environment. Meanwhile, MSCs can penetrate into the fibrous scaffold through the interstitial pores and integrate well with the surrounding fibers, which is very important for favorable application in tissue engineering. More importantly, the electrospun hybrid PEG/PLA fibrous scaffolds can enhance MSCs to differentiate into bone-associated cells by comprehensively evaluating the representative markers of the osteogenic procedure with messenger ribonucleic acid quantitation and protein analysis. MSCs on the PEG/PLA fibrous scaffolds presented better differentiation potential with higher messenger ribonucleic acid expression of the earliest osteogenic marker Cbfa-1 and mid-stage osteogenic marker Col I. The significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity of the PEG/PLA fibrous scaffolds indicated that these can enhance the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblast-like cells. Furthermore, the higher messenger ribonucleic acid level of the late osteogenic differentiation markers OCN (osteocalcin) and OPN (osteopontin), accompanied by the positive Alizarin red S staining, showed better maturation of osteogenic induction on the PEG/PLA fibrous scaffolds at the mineralization stage of differentiation. After transplantation into the thigh muscle pouches of rats, and evaluating the inflammatory cells surrounding the scaffolds and the physiological characteristics of the surrounding tissues, the PEG/PLA scaffolds presented good biocompatibility. Based on the good cellular response and excellent osteogenic potential in vitro, as well as the biocompatibility with the surrounding tissues in vivo, the electrospun PEG/PLA fibrous scaffolds could be one of the most promising candidates in bone tissue engineering.

Bone Marrow Monocyte/Macrophages Provide Signals Necessary for Osteoblast Maintenance: Potential Role for Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling

There is considerable evidence showing that osteoblast lineage cells play a key role in regulating hematopoiesis. Less clear is the contribution of hematopoietic cells to osteoblast maintenance. We and others previously showed that treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) results in a striking loss of osteoblast number and function. Bone marrow transplantation experiments demonstrated that G-CSF does not directly suppress osteoblast function but acts through a transplantable hematopoietic intermediary. Earlier work from our lab suggested that mature neutrophils and B- and T-lymphocytes are dispensable for G-CSF-induced osteoblast loss. We therefore hypothesized that bone marrow monocytes play a role in regulating osteoblasts both during G-CSF treatment and at steady state. To begin to test this hypothesis, primary murine bone marrow stromal cultures—consisting of both adherent macrophages and mesenchymal-lineage stromal cells—were established and cultured three weeks in osteogenic media. Removal of macrophages from these cultures resulted in a striking reduction in osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by reduced alkaline phosphatase and sharply reduced expression of osteocalcin (92% reduction, p<.0001, n=6), a mature osteoblast marker. To investigate whether bone marrow monocytes play a role in supporting osteoblasts in vivo, we made use of transgenic mice expressing an inducible suicide gene in the monocyte compartment under control of the c-fms promoter. Induction of the suicide gene by administration of an exogenous ligand resulted in efficient deletion of monocytes and macrophages from the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Histomorphometry of long bones showed a striking decrease in osteoblast number in monocyte-ablated mice compared to controls, and osteocalcin mRNA decreased to nearly undetectable levels (n=7 each group). The loss of osteoblasts after monocyte ablation does not result from bystander killing, as other boneassociated cells such as osteoclasts and osteoprogenitors are not decreased. Monocyte ablation and osteoblast loss were associated with a 15-fold mobilization of hematopoietic progenitors (n=5 each group), comparable to levels attained after G-CSF treatment. Taken together, these in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that monocytes provide factors necessary for osteoblast survival or development and raise the possibility that G-CSF administration modulates these factors. As a first step toward identifying these factors, expression profiling of monocytes harvested from the bone marrow of untreated or G-CSF treated mice was performed. These data show that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is produced at high levels in resting bone marrow monocytes and is downregulated more than 2.5-fold by G-CSF. Moreover, expression of IGF binding protein 6 (IGFBP6), an IGF binding-protein family member that negatively regulates IGF signaling, is upregulated more than 6-fold in monocytes by G-CSF. Quantitative real time PCR confirmed that IGF- 1 mRNA is reduced >11-fold in bone marrow from monocyte-ablated transgenic mice (p<.05, n=2–3 each group) and >7-fold in wild type mice treated with G-CSF (p<.05, n=3 each group). In addition, IGFBP6 expression was increased ~100-fold in bone marrow during G-CSF treatment. Fractionation of hematopoietic cell populations confirmed that IGFBP6 mRNA and protein is induced in monocyte and granulocyte populations in the bone marrow during G-CSF treatment. Collectively, these data support a model in which monocytes provide signals required for osteoblast maintenance in adult bone marrow. IGF1 signaling is known to play a vital role in osteoblast development and maintenance. Thus, these data also suggest that G-CSF may modulate osteoblast number and function (and secondarily induce hematopoietic stem cell mobilization) through alteration of IGF1 and IGFBP6 expression by monocytes. Studies are underway to directly assess the affect of IGFBP6 on osteoblast survival and differentiation.

Endocytosis of Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase by Osteoblast-Like Cells Is Followed by Inactivation of the Enzyme

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) is generally used as a marker of osteoclasts. Yet, other bone-associated cells, such as osteoblasts and osteocytes, may also express activity of this enzyme. Osteoblasts containing TRACP activity are seen particularly in the vicinity of areas of bone resorption, suggesting that osteoclasts somehow induce TRACP activity in osteoblasts. In a recent study, we found that osteoblast-like cells appeared to have the capacity to endocytose TRACP released by osteoclast precursors. In the present study, we investigated the endocytosis of TRACP in more detail as well as the fate of the endocytosed enzyme. We found that incubation of osteoblast-like cells with TRACP-coated beads resulted in attachment of a high number of beads to the cells. After culturing osteoblast-like cells with medium conditioned by blood monocytes that contain TRACP, activity of the enzyme was found in the cells. Following replacement of the medium by normal medium that did not contain TRACP, a decrease in the level of TRACP activity in osteoblast-like cells occurred. Our data strongly suggest that osteoblast-like cells recognize TRACP released by osteoclast precursors and that upon endocytosis inactivation of the enzyme occurs. We propose that uptake of the enzyme is important for the control of enzyme activity, thereby preventing degradation of matrix constituents.

Factors regulating condylar cartilage growth under repeated load application

Mechanical loading can influence the biological behavior of the bone-associated cells leading to adaptive changes in skeletal mass and architecture. SOX9 and PTHrP genes are known to regulate chondrocyte differentiation and delay maturation, ultimately control the endochondral bone formation. To investigate the effects of repeated mechanical loading on bone, 280 Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this experiment. The animals were randomly allocated into experimental and control groups. Repeated mechanical loading was applied through a bite-jumping device in the experimental group. The experimental animals were sacrificed on 10 different time points together with the matched control. Total RNA was extracted from the mandibular condylar cartilage for PTHrP and SOX9 genes quantification using real-time RTPCR. Results showed that PTHrP expression was increased and reached a peak level on the seventh day after mechanical loading was given. Repeated mechanical loading triggered a significant increase of PTHrP expression leading to another peak increment. The expression of SOX9 was highly correlated with the PTHrP expression, and its pattern of expression was similar to that of PTHrP after repeated mechanical loading. In conclusions, repeated mechanical loading on the condyle triggers the expression of PTHrP and SOX9, which in turn promotes condylar cartilage growth.