Bone Precursor Cells Research Articles

Glucocorticoid receptor and Histone deacetylase 6 mediate the differential effect of dexamethasone during osteogenesis of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).

Lineage commitment and differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts in vitro is enhanced by a potent synthetic form of glucocorticoid (GC), dexamethasone (Dex). Paradoxically, when used chronically in patients, GCs exert negative effects on bone, a phenomenon known as glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in clinical practice. The mechanism on how GC differentially affects bone precursor cells to become mature osteoblasts during osteogenesis remains elusive. In this study, the dose and temporal regulation of Dex on MSC differentiation into osteoblasts were investigated. We found that continuous Dex treatment led to a net reduction of the maturation potential of differentiating osteoblasts. This phenomenon correlated with a decrease in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression, hastened degradation, and impaired sub cellular localization. Similarly, Histone Deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) expression was found to be regulated by Dex, co-localized with GR and this GR-HDAC6 complex occupied the promoter region of the osteoblast late marker osteocalcin (OCN). Combinatorial inhibition of HDAC6 and GR enhanced OCN expression. Together, the cross-talk between the Dex effector molecule GR and the inhibitory molecule HDAC6 provided mechanistic explanation of the bimodal effect of Dex during osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. These findings may provide new directions of research to combat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

The parathyroid hormone-related protein is secreted during the osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells and inhibits the alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of DLX3.

The dental follicle is involved in tooth eruption and it expresses a great amount of the parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). PTHrP as an extracellular protein is required for a multitude of different regulations of enchondral bone development and differentiation of bone precursor cells and of the development of craniofacial tissues. The dental follicle contains also precursor cells (DFCs) of the periodontium. Isolated DFCs differentiate into periodontal ligament cells, alveolar osteoblast and cementoblasts. However, the role of PTHrP during the human periodontal development remains elusive. Our study evaluated the influence of PTHrP on the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs under in vitro conditions for the first time. The PTHrP protein was highly secreted after 4days of the induction of the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs with dexamethasone (2160.5pg/ml±345.7SD. in osteogenic differentiation medium vs. 315.7pg/ml±156.2SD. in standard cell culture medium; Student's t Test: p<0.05 (n=3)). We showed that the supplementation of the osteogenic differentiation medium with PTHrP inhibited the alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of the transcription factor DLX3, but the depletion of PTHrP did not support the differentiation of DFCs. Previous studies have shown that Indian Hedgehog (IHH) induces PTHrP and that PTHrP, in turn, inhibits IHH via a negative feedback loop. We showed that SUFU (Suppressor Of Fused Homolog) was not regulated during the osteogenic differentiation in DFCs. So, neither the hedgehog signaling pathway induced PTHrP nor PTHrP suppressed the hedgehog signaling pathway during the osteogenic differentiation in DFCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that PTHrP regulates independently of the hedgehog signaling pathway the osteogenic differentiated in DFCs.

Nonmulberry Silk Fibroin Scaffold Shows Superior Osteoconductivity Than Mulberry Silk Fibroin in Calvarial Bone Regeneration.

Recent years have witnessed the advancement of silk biomaterials in bone tissue engineering, although clinical application of the same is still in its infancy. In this study, the potential of pure nonmulberry Antheraea mylitta (Am) fibroin scaffold, without preloading with bone precursor cells, to repair calvarial bone defect in a rat model is explored and compared with its mulberry counterpart Bombyx mori (Bm) silk fibroin. After 3 months of implantation, Am scaffold culminates in a completely ossified regeneration with a progressive increase in mineralization at the implanted site. On the other hand, the Bm scaffold fails to repair the damaged bone, presumably due to its low osteoconductivity and early degradation. The deposition of bone matrix on scaffolds is evaluated by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. These results are corroborated by in vitro studies of enzymatic degradation, colony formation, and secondary conformational features of the scaffold materials. The greater biocompatibility and mineralization in pure nonmulberry fibroin scaffolds warrants the use of these scaffolds as an "ideal bone graft" biomaterial for effective repair of critical size defects.

Osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells and monocytes in a miniaturized three-dimensional culture with mineral granules

The pathologies of the skeleton have a significant socioeconomic impact on our population. Although therapies have improved the treatment of osteosarcoma and osteoporosis, their efficacy still remains limited. In this context, we developed a miniaturized 3-D culture model of bone cells on calcium phosphate ceramics. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were three-dimensionally cultured on particles of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP, 125–200μm) in osteogenic media. The MSCs seeded on the BCP particles adhered and proliferated, producing abundant collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM). Light and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the MSCs created bridges between the BCP particles and formed a 3-D structure. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis in a scanning electron microscope confirmed the mineralization of the collagen matrix. The 96-well sized bone constructs were tested by immunohistology and transcription analysis, proving cell differentiation. Both techniques corroborated the osteoblastic differentiation with high production of bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin. Peripheral blood CD14-positive monocytes (MOs) were pre-differentiated into osteoclasts prior to seeding on the 3-D constructs. Multinucleated and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells were also identified at the surface of the 3-D constructs after 90days of culture. In addition, cell viability within these constructs was measured by flow cytometry. In summary, we have developed a miniaturized 3-D culture of bone cell precursors with osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This 3-D culture may make it possible to test the effects of new drugs for bone healing, osteoporosis and osteosarcomas, in more appropriate cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions than conventional 2-D cultures.

Poly(vinylphosphonic acid) immobilized on chitosan: A glycosaminoglycan-inspired matrix for bone regeneration

Glycosaminoglycans modulate the attraction of bone precursor cells including the actions of proteins essential for bone regeneration. In this study, poly(vinylphosphonic acid) was entrapped and immobilized in chitosan prior to formation of a porous three-dimensional matrix. Mimicking glycosaminoglycan interactions occurring in vivo, we evaluate its bone regeneration potential. Immobilized phosphonate was characterized by the absence of covalent linkage in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and polyanion effect in X-ray diffraction analysis. Higher surface and bulk protein adsorption was observed for the matrices containing phosphonate groups, consequently improving the proliferation and attachment of MC3T3-E1 cells. The porous poly(vinylphosphonic acid)-chitosan matrix was able to promote significant bone formation after in vivo implantation in rat calvarial defect as observed from the reconstructed images and histological analysis of tissue sections taken after 4 and 8 weeks. The unique porous matrix showed potential for bone tissue engineering applications.

A carboxy methyl tamarind polysaccharide matrix for adhesion and growth of osteoclast-precursor cells

Remodeling of bone by tissue engineering is a realistic option for treating several bone-related pathophysiological ailments such as osteoporosis, bone tumor, bone cancer or abnormal bone development. But, these possibilities are hindered due to lack of proper natural and biodegradable surface on which bone precursor cells can adhere efficiently and grow further. Here we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new hydrogel as an effective surface which can acts as a material for bone tissue engineering. This hydrogel has been prepared by chemically grafting a semi-synthetic polymer with a synthetic monomer, namely hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Carboxy methyl tamarind (CMT) was selected as the semi-synthetic polymer. The hydrogel was prepared at different mole ratios and at the ratio of 1:10 (CMT:HEMA) yielded the best hydrogel as characterized by several physico-chemical analysis such as UV spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and swelling properties. We further demonstrate that this material is suitable for effective adhesion, growth and further clustering of bone precursor cells (RAW 264.7). This material is also compatible for growing other sensitive cells such as neuronal cells (Neuro2a) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) demonstrating that this surface does not possess any cytotoxicity and is compatible for primary human cells too. We conclude that the hydrogel made of CMT:HEMA at a ratio of 1:10 can be suitable for bone tissue engineering and thus may have clinical as well as commercial application in future.

Poloxamer-based hydrogels hardening at body core temperature as carriers for cell based therapies: in vitro and in vivo analysis

Cell-based regenerative therapies for bone defects usually employ bone precursor cells seeded on solid scaffolds. Thermosensitive hydrogels that harden at body core temperature are promising alternative cell carriers as they are applicable minimally invasively. We modified Pluronic® P123 with different chain extenders and assessed rheology and biocompatibility of the resulting hydrogels. The best candidate was tested in a rat's femoral defect model. All gels hardened above 25 °C with butane-diisocyanate-hydrogels (BDI-gels) displaying the highest storage moduli. BDI-gels showed the most favourable biocompatibility and did not affect cellular adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Implantation of BDI-hydrogel into femoral defects did not impede bone healing in vivo as evidenced by μCT and histological analysis. We conclude that thermosensitive BDI-gels are promising alternative cell carriers. The gels harden upon injection in vivo without interfering with bone metabolism. Further experiments will assess the gels' capacity to effectively transport living cells into bone defects.

Surface Modification of Biomaterials for Conjugation with Human Fetal Osteoblasts

Surface functionalization of hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bioceramics with chemical ligands containing a pyrrogallol moiety was developed to improve the adhesion of bone cell precursors to the biomaterials. Fast and biocompatible copper-free click reaction with azido-modified human fetal osteoblasts resulted in improved cell binding to both HA and TCP bioceramics, opening the way for using this methodology in the preparation of cell-engineered bone implants.

In Vitro Osteogenesis of Human Stem Cells by Using a Three-Dimensional Perfusion Bioreactor Culture System: A Review

Tissue engineering (by culturing cells on appropriate scaffolds, and using bioreactors to drive the correct bone structure formation) is an attractive alternative to bone grafting or implantation of bone substitutes. Osteogenesis is a biological process that involves many molecular intracellular pathways organized to optimize bone modeling. The use of bioreactor systems and especially the perfusion bioreactor, provides both the technological means to reveal fundamental mechanisms of cell function in a 3D environment, and the potential to improve the quality of engineered tissues. In this mini-review all the characteristics for the production of an appropriate bone construct are analyzed: the stem cell source, scaffolds useful for the seeding of pre-osteoblastic cells and the effects of fluid flow on differentiation and proliferation of bone precursor cells. By automating and standardizing tissue manufacture in controlled closed systems, engineered tissues may reduce the gap between the process of bone formation in vitro and subsequent graft of bone substitutes in vivo.

Fibroblast behavior after titanium surfaces exposure.

Background:The main requirements for a good material are its ability to promote attraction and adhesion of bone precursor cells and their proliferation and differentiation. Different biocompatible materials are currently employed as scaffold. Among these, titanium is considered a gold standard because of its biocompatibility and good corrosion resistance.Materials and Methods:The aim of this work was to compare two different AoN titanium layers (GR4 and GR5) to investigate which one had a greater osteoconductive power using human fibroblasts (HFb) culture at two different time-points. The expression levels of some adhesion and traction-resistance related genes (COL11A1, COL2A1, COL9A1, DSP, ELN, HAS1, and TFRC) were analyzed using real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Results:After 7 days of treatment with TiA 4GR, the only two up-regulated genes were COL2A1 and DSP. After 15 days of treatment, none of genes over expressed.Conclusion:Our preliminary results suggest that neither AoN 4GR nor AoN 5GR are able to promote the production of protein involved in cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion and in stress-resistance, required for a good outcome in dental implantology.

In Vitro Osteogenesis of Human Stem Cells by Using a Three-Dimensional Perfusion Bioreactor Culture System: A Review

Tissue engineering (by culturing cells on appropriate scaffolds, and using bioreactors to drive the correct bone structure formation) is an attractive alternative to bone grafting or implantation of bone substitutes. Osteogenesis is a biological process that involves many molecular intracellular pathways organized to optimize bone modeling. The use of bioreactor systems and especially the perfusion bioreactor, provides both the technological means to reveal fundamental mechanisms of cell function in a 3D environment, and the potential to improve the quality of engineered tissues. In this mini-review all the characteristics for the production of an appropriate bone construct are analyzed: the stem cell source, scaffolds useful for the seeding of pre-osteoblastic cells and the effects of fluid flow on differentiation and proliferation of bone precursor cells. By automating and standardizing tissue manufacture in controlled closed systems, engineered tissues may reduce the gap between the process of bone formation in vitro and subsequent graft of bone substitutes in vivo. Keywords: Biomaterials, extracellular matrix, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), osteogenesis, perfusion bioreactor, scaffolds, tissue engineering

Reusing and composing models of cell fate regulation of human bone precursor cells

Reusing and composing models of cell fate regulation of human bone precursor cells

Nanostructured substrate conformation can decrease osteoblast-like cell dysfunction in simulated microgravity conditions

Cells in situ are surrounded with defined structural elements formed by the nanomolecular extracellular matrix (ECM), and at the same time subjected to different mechanical stimuli arising from variety of physiological processes. In this study, using a nanotextured substrate mimicking the structural elements of the ECM and simulated microgravity, we wanted to develop a multifactorial model and understand better what guides cells in determining the morphological cell response. In our set-up, bone precursor cells from rat bone marrow were isolated and cultured on nanotextured polystyrene substrate (pitch 200 nm, depth 50 nm). Simulated microgravity was applied to the cells, using a random positioning machine (RPM). The results demonstrated that cells cultured on nanotextured substrate align parallel to the grooves and re-align significantly, but not completely, when subjected to simulated microgravity. The nanotextured substrate increased cell number and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, whereas simulated microgravity decreased cells number and ALP activity. When the nanotextured substrate and simulated microgravity were combined together, the negative effect of the simulated microgravity ALP and cell number was reversed. In conclusion, absence of mechanical load in simulated microgravity has a negative effect on initial osteoblastogenesis, and nanotextured surfaces can partly reverse such a process.

Bioactive starch-based scaffolds and human adipose stem cells are a good combination for bone tissue engineering

Silicon is known to have an influence on calcium phosphate deposition and on the differentiation of bone precursor cells. This study explores the effect of the incorporation of silanol (Si–OH) groups into polymeric scaffolds on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASC) cultured under dynamic and static conditions. A blend of corn starch with polycaprolactone (30/70wt.%, SPCL) was used to produce three-dimensional fibre meshes scaffolds by the wet-spinning technique, and a calcium silicate solution was used as a non-solvent to develop an in situ functionalization with Si–OH groups. In vitro assessment, using hASC, of functionalized and non-functionalized scaffolds was evaluated in either α-MEM or osteogenic medium under static and dynamic conditions (provided by a flow perfusion bioreactor). The functionalized materials, SPCL–Si, exhibit the capacity to sustain cell proliferation and induce their differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. The formation of mineralization nodules was observed in cells cultured on the SPCL–Si materials. Culturing under dynamic conditions using a flow perfusion bioreactor was shown to enhance the hASC proliferation and differentiation and a better distribution of cells within the material. The present work demonstrates the potential of these functionalized materials for future applications in bone tissue engineering. Additionally, these results highlight the simplicity, economic and reliable production process of those materials.

Differential Effect of Amelogenin Peptides on Osteogenic DifferentiationIn Vitro: Identification of Possible New Drugs for Bone Repair and Regeneration

Enamel matrix proteins (EMP) have been shown to promote regeneration of periodontal ligament and root cementum, and sometimes to enhance the differentiation of bone-forming cells in vitro and new bone growth in vivo. However, the inconsistent and unpredictable effects of EMP that have been reported for bone regeneration may be due to the highly variable composition of this heterogeneous material, which is comprised mainly of amelogenin and amelogenin-derived peptides. The present study has therefore examined the effects of naturally occurring low-molecular-weight (LMW) and high-molecular-weight (HMW) fractions of Emdogain(®) (EMD; Institut Straumann, Basel, Switzerland), a commercially available form of EMP, on osteogenic differentiation of bone precursor cells in vitro. In addition, the effects of chemically synthesized specific components of LMW and HMW-namely, the tyrosine-rich amelogenin peptide (TRAP), a specific amelogenin isoform derived by proteolytic clipping, and a leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP), an isoform derived by alternative splicing-on bone-forming cell activity were also investigated. Our findings demonstrate that while TRAP suppressed the formation of bone-like mineralized nodules, LRAP upregulated osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, synthetically produced TRAP and its unique C-terminal 12 amino acid sequence (TCT) also suppressed bone-forming cells, whereas LRAP and its unique C-terminal 23 amino acid sequence (LCT) markedly enhanced terminal differentiation of bone-forming cells. These findings suggest that the differential effects of amelogenin-derived peptide sequences present in EMP could be of potential clinical value, with the novel bioactive TCT peptide as a useful tool for limiting pathological bone cell growth and the unique LCT sequence having therapeutic benefits in the treatment of periodontal and orthopedic diseases.

Reusing and composing models of cell fate regulation of human bone precursor cells

In order to treat osteoporosis and other bone mass disorders it is necessary to understand the regulatory processes that control the cell fate decisions responsible for going from bone precursor cells to bone tissue. Many processes interact to regulate cell division, differentiation and apoptosis. There are models for these basic processes, but not for their interactions. In this work we use the theory of switched systems, reuse and composition of validated models to describe the cell fate decisions leading to bone and fat formation. We describe the differentiation of osteo-adipo progenitor cells by composing its model with differentiation stimuli. We use the activation of the Wnt pathway as stimulus to osteoblast lineage, including regulation of cell division and apoptosis. This model is our first step to simulate physiological responses in silico to treatments for bone mass disorders.

Regenerative potential of glycosaminoglycans for skin and bone

To meet the growing need for tissue replacement materials for our aging population, the development of new adaptive biomaterials is essential. The tissues with the highest demand for implant materials are skin and bone. These tissues share various similarities, including signaling pathways and extracellular matrix composition. Glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate are the major organic extracellular matrix components. They modulate the attraction of skin and bone precursor cells and their subsequent differentiation and gene expression and regulate the action of proteins essential to bone and skin regeneration. The precise action of glycosaminoglycans varies according to their structural composition mainly in respect to the degree of sulfation and polymer length. Changes in the glycosaminoglycan composition are frequently seen in physiological and pathological remodeling processes, such as bone formation or scaring. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of how the most common glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronan, interact with bone and skin cells, and summarize their potential in tissue engineering for skeletal and skin diseases.

Far from Home

Circulating bone cell precursors might promote ossification in diseased aortic valves.

The effects of titanium nitride-coating on the topographic and biological features of TPS implant surfaces

ObjectivesTitanium nitride (TiN) coating has been proposed as an adjunctive surface treatment aimed to increase the physico-mechanical and aesthetic properties of dental implants. In this study we investigated the surface characteristics of TiN-coated titanium plasma sprayed (TiN-TPS) and uncoated titanium plasma sprayed (TPS) surfaces and their biological features towards both primary human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) and bacterial cultures. Methods15mm×1mm TPS and TiN-TPS disks (P.H.I. s.r.l., San Vittore Olona, Milano, Italy) were topographically analysed by confocal optical profilometry. Primary human BM-MSC were obtained from healthy donors, isolated and expanded. Cells were seeded on the titanium disks and cell adhesion, proliferation, protein synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation in terms of alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin synthesis and extracellular mineralization, were evaluated. Furthermore, adhesion and proliferation of Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus sanguinis on both surfaces were also analysed. ResultsTiN-TPS disks showed a decreased roughness (about 50%, p<0.05) and a decreased bacterial adhesion and proliferation compared to TPS ones. No difference (p>0.05) in terms of BM-MSC adhesion, proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation between TPS and TiN-TPS surfaces was found. ConclusionsTiN coating showed to modify the topographical characteristics of TPS titanium surfaces and to significantly reduce bacterial adhesion and proliferation, although maintaining their biological affinity towards bone cell precursors.

MiR-125b Regulates Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Vascular calcification is a prominent feature of atherosclerosis and is closely linked to osteoporosis. Cellular differentiation is regulated by various microRNAs (miRs), including miR-125b, which is known to be involved in osteoblast differentiation. However, no specific miR has been defined that modulates vascular calcification. Herein, we assessed the impact of miR-125b in osteogenic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Osteogenic transdifferentiation of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells was induced by osteogenic medium and enhanced the formation of mineralized matrix, resulting in a significantly higher mineral deposition after 21 days. Increased expression of miR-125b was time-dependent in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells and diminished during osteogenic transdifferentiation. At day 21, miR-125b was significantly reduced (-42%) compared with that in the untreated control. The expression of miR-processing enzymes, RNase III endonucleases DICER1 and DROSHA, was also decreased. Furthermore, inhibition of endogenous miR-125b promoted osteogenic transdifferentiation, as measured by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization. Expression analysis revealed the osteoblast transcription factor SP7 (osterix) as a target of miR-125b. In vivo, miR-125b was decreased in calcified aortas of apolipoprotein E knockout mice. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-125b is involved in vascular calcification in vitro and in vivo, at least partially by targeting SP7. Evaluating the role of miRs in arterial calcification in vivo may have important therapeutic implications.