Expression Of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors Research Articles

Expression and role of bone morphogenetic protein receptor II in focal cortical dysplasia

Objective To detect the expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor Ⅱ ( BMPR Ⅱ ) in human focal cortical dysplasia ( FCD Ⅱ b). Methods Fourteen specimens of FCD Ⅱ b surgically removed and pathologically verified were collected from June 2008 to June 2010 and the expression of BMPR Ⅱ in the normal brain tissues and the pathological specimens was detected by means of immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results In the normal brain tissues, BMPR Ⅱ was widely expressed in the cortical neurons of the grey matter, with no positive immunostaining in the white matter. In the cortical lesion of FCD Ⅱ b, BMPR Ⅱ was strongly expressed in the misshapen cells including balloon cells (BCs) , dysmorphic neurons (DNs) and giant neurons (GNs). Positive BMPR Ⅱ expression was also observed in the reactive astroeytes and low level expression of BMPR Ⅱ was found in the normal-appearing (NA) neurons. Western-blot analysis showed that BMPR Ⅱ expression tended to be lowered in the FCD Ⅱ b specimens compared with the normal brain tissues ( P < 0. 05 ). Conclusion The expression of BMPR Ⅱ is altered and reduced in the FCD Ⅱ b, suggesting that BMP signal pathway may participate in the pathogenesis of FCD. Key words: Bone morphogenetic protein receptors, type Ⅱ ; Epilepsy; Malformations of cortical development

Expression of BMP Receptors in Porcine Granulosa Cells (GCs) and Their Regulation by Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play critical roles in follicle growth and development. BMPs initiate signaling by assembling BMP receptors and activating Smads, which in turn alter expression of target genes. The mechanism underlying the regulation of the expression of BMP receptors and Smads during follicle development in pigs is still unknown. By quantitative real-time PCR, the mRNA expression of BMP receptors and Smads in granulosa cells (GC) was investigated. Cells were obtained from small porcine follicles (SF; <3 mm diameter) and dominant follicles (DF; >6 mm diameter); ActR1A and BMPR2 mRNA levels in DF were significantly higher ( P<0.05) than that in SF, whereas BMPR1B, Smad4 and Smad7 expression tended to decrease ( P>0.05). The levels of BMPR1A, ActR2, Smad1, Smad5, and Smad8 mRNA did not differ between DFs and SFs. To investigate the effect of LH on BMP receptors in GC, cells obtained from porcine DFs were cultured in medium supplemented with different doses of luteinizing hormone (LH). High doses of LH (4 IU mL −1) significantly decreased the concentration of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in medium and the expression of Cyp19a1 (P450 aromatase, P450arom) and Cyp11a1 (cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme P450, P450scc), while significantly increased viable cell numbers and up-regulated expression of cyclin dependent kinase-4 (CDK4) and cyclin D2. However, LH had no effect on the expression of BMP receptor genes. Thus, the present study indicates that the expression of members of the BMP signaling pathway in porcine GC is regulated during follicle development and the expression of BMP receptors are not regulated by LH in porcine GCs.

Leiomyoma Simultaneously Impair Endometrial BMP-2-Mediated Decidualization and Anticoagulant Expression through Secretion of TGF-β3

Uterine leiomyomas occur in 30-70% of reproductive-age women. Leiomyoma reduce implantation, increase miscarriage risk, and increase menstrual bleeding. We hypothesized that endometrial defects induced by leiomyoma result in menorrhagia and reproductive dysfunction. We evaluated the effect of leiomyoma on endometrial gene expression essential for implantation and hemostasis both in vivo and in primary endometrial stromal cells (ESC). We conducted a case control and in vitro study at a university medical center. The study included 24 subjects with or without leiomyoma. INTERVENTION/MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED: Endometrium, myometrium, leiomyoma, and ESC were obtained. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate TGF-β3, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptors (BMPRs), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and thrombomodulin in vivo. BMP-2 secretion was assessed by ELISA. ESC were treated with recombinant human (rh) BMP-2 or rhTGF-β3. Expression of HOXA10, LIF, BMPRs, antithrombin III (ATIII), thrombomodulin, and PAI-1 was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. ESC from controls secreted more BMP-2 than those from women with leiomyoma. HOXA10 and LIF expression increased after rhBMP-2 treatment of normal but not leiomyoma-associated ESC. In vivo leiomyoma-associated endometrium expressed lower levels of BMPR 1A, 1B, and 2 than controls. Leiomyoma expressed high levels of TGF-β3; TGF-β3 treatment of ESC reduced expression of BMPRs. Similarly, leiomyoma-associated endometrium expressed less PAI-1 and thrombomodulin in vivo. In ESC, TGF-β3 reduced expression of PAI-1, ATIII, and thrombomodulin. Leiomyoma-secreted TGF-β3 induces BMP-2 resistance in endometrium by down-regulation of BMPR-2, likely causing defective endometrial decidualization. TGF-β3 also reduces expression of PAI-1, ATIII, and thrombomodulin in endometrium, likely contributing to menorrhagia. A single molecular signal targeting endometrium may mediate both leiomyoma-induced infertility and bleeding.

Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) receptors in patients with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL)

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional cytokines which belong to transforming growth factor β (TGF β) superfamily. They regulate proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in a variety of cells including hematopoietic cells. BMPs act because of binding to two types of serine/threonine kinase receptors: BMP type I receptors (IA and IB) and BMP type II receptor. Deregulation of BMPs signaling pathways has been reported in some of human cancers, but the role of BMPs in hematopoietic malignancies remains unknown. The aim of our study was to examine the percentage of expression of BMPs receptors on lymphocytes of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). A total of 46 patients with B-CLL (27 men and 19 women) and 10 healthy persons were evaluated. Freshly isolated mononuclear cells were incubated with antibodies against BMPs receptors: BMPRIA, BMPRIB, and BMPRII and examined in 2-color flow cytometry. On cells of patients with B-CLL, the percentage of expression of BMP RIA, BMP RIB, and BMP RII was significantly higher than in normal cells of the control group. The percentage of the expression of BMP RIA and BMP RIB was higher in patients with advanced stage of disease.

Smurf1 ubiquitin ligase causes downregulation of BMP receptors and is induced in monocrotaline and hypoxia models of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Reduced bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor (BMPR) expression and BMP signaling have been implicated in vascular cell proliferation and remodeling associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The low penetrance of the BMPR II disease gene in familial PAH suggests that additional genetic or environmental factors are involved in clinical manifestation of PAH. Smurf1 ubiquitin ligase, together with inhibitory SMAD 6/7, forms a negative feedback loop for the attenuation of BMP signals by downregulating BMPR and signaling molecules and, in addition, functions in the integration of MAPK/Ras mitogenic pathways. The present study found that Smurf1 was significantly elevated in pulmonary arteries of monocrotaline and hypoxia-induced PAH rats. In the pulmonary artery of hypoxia-exposed mice, elevation of Smurf1 and SMAD7 was correlated with reduced expression of BMPR II protein. Over-expression of Smurf1 in cultured cells induced ubiquitination and degradation of BMPR I and II whereas ligase-inactive Smurf1 reduced ubiquitination and elevated their protein levels, thus serving a dominant-negative function. Smurf1-induced receptor degradation was inhibited by both proteasomal and lysosomal inhibitors. Thus, Smurf1 reduces steady-state levels of BMPRs by ubiquitination and subsequent degradation involving proteasomes and lysosomes. Therefore, these results show that Smurf1 induction could be a key event for triggering downregulation of BMP signaling and causing vascular cell proliferation and remodeling in PAH and that abrogating Smurf1 function could be a strategy for PAH therapeutics.

Canonical BMP signaling is dispensable for hematopoietic stem cell function in both adult and fetal liver hematopoiesis, but essential to preserve colon architecture

AbstractNumerous publications have described the importance of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the specification of hematopoietic tissue in developing embryos. Here we investigate the full role of canonical BMP signaling in both adult and fetal liver hematopoiesis using conditional knockout strategies because conventional disruption of components of the BMP signaling pathway result in early death of the embryo. By targeting both Smad1 and Smad5, we have generated a double-knockout mouse with complete disruption of canonical BMP signaling. Interestingly, concurrent deletion of Smad1 and Smad5 results in death because of extrahematopoietic pathologic changes in the colon. However, Smad1/Smad5-deficient bone marrow cells can compete normally with wild-type cells and display unaffected self-renewal and differentiation capacity when transplanted into lethally irradiated recipients. Moreover, although BMP receptor expression is increased in fetal liver, fetal liver cells deficient in both Smad1 and Smad5 remain competent to long-term reconstitute lethally irradiated recipients in a multilineage manner. In conclusion, canonical BMP signaling is not required to maintain either adult or fetal liver hematopoiesis, despite its crucial role in the initial patterning of hematopoiesis in early embryonic development.

Mesenchymal Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Is Required for Normal Pancreas Development

OBJECTIVEPancreas organogenesis is orchestrated by interactions between the epithelium and the mesenchyme, but these interactions are not completely understood. Here we investigated a role for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling within the pancreas mesenchyme and found it to be required for the normal development of the mesenchyme as well as for the pancreatic epithelium.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe analyzed active BMP signaling by immunostaining for phospho-Smad1,5,8 and tested whether pancreas development was affected by BMP inhibition after expression of Noggin and dominant negative BMP receptors in chicken and mouse pancreas.RESULTSEndogenous BMP signaling is confined to the mesenchyme in the early pancreas and inhibition of BMP signaling results in severe pancreatic hypoplasia with reduced epithelial branching. Notably, we also observed an excessive endocrine differentiation when mesenchymal BMP signaling is blocked, presumably secondary to defective mesenchyme to epithelium signaling.CONCLUSIONSWe conclude that BMP signaling plays a previously unsuspected role in the mesenchyme, required for normal development of the mesenchyme as well as for the epithelium.

Identification of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition as a Novel Source of Fibroblasts in Intestinal Fibrosis

Intestinal fibrosis is a major complication of Crohn disease (CD), but the precise mechanism by which it occurs is incompletely understood. As a result, specific therapies to halt or even reverse fibrosis have not been explored. Here, we evaluated the contribution of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) to intestinal fibrosis associated with a mouse model of CD and also human inflammatory bowel disease. Mice administered intrarectal 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) develop inflammation and fibrosis that resembles CD both histologically and by immunologic profile. We utilized this model to molecularly probe the contribution of EMT to intestinal fibrosis. Additionally, we utilized double-transgenic VillinCre;R26Rosa-lox-STOP-lox-LacZ mice, in which removal of the STOP cassette by Cre recombinase in villin(+) intestinal epithelial cells activates permanent LacZ expression, to lineage trace epithelial cells that might undergo EMT upon TNBS administration. TNBS-induced fibrosis is associated with the presence of a significant number of cells that express both epithelial and mesenchymal markers. In the lineage tagged transgenic mice, the appearance of LacZ(+) cells that also express the fibroblast marker FSP1 unequivocally demonstrates EMT. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, a known inducer of EMT in epithelial cells, induces EMT in rat intestinal epithelial cells in vitro, and bone morphogenic protein-7, an antagonist of TGF-beta1, inhibits EMT and fibrosis both in vitro and in the TNBS-treated mice. Our study demonstrates that EMT contributes to intestinal fibrosis associated with the TNBS-induced model of Crohn colitis and that inhibition of TGF-beta1 with recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-7 prevents this process and prevents fibrosis.

Myoblast sensitivity and fibroblast insensitivity to osteogenic conversion by BMP-2 correlates with the expression of Bmpr-1a

BackgroundOsteoblasts are considered to primarily arise from osseous progenitors within the periosteum or bone marrow. We have speculated that cells from local soft tissues may also take on an osteogenic phenotype. Myoblasts are known to adopt a bone gene program upon treatment with the osteogenic bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2,-4,-6,-7,-9), but their osteogenic capacity relative to other progenitor types is unclear. We further hypothesized that the sensitivity of cells to BMP-2 would correlate with BMP receptor expression.MethodsWe directly compared the BMP-2 sensitivity of myoblastic murine cell lines and primary cells with osteoprogenitors from osseous tissues and fibroblasts. Fibroblasts forced to undergo myogenic conversion by transduction with a MyoD-expressing lentiviral vector (LV-MyoD) were also examined. Outcome measures included alkaline phosphatase expression, matrix mineralization, and expression of osteogenic genes (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and bone morphogenetic protein receptor-1A) as measured by quantitative PCR.ResultsBMP-2 induced a rapid and robust osteogenic response in myoblasts and osteoprogenitors, but not in fibroblasts. Myoblasts and osteoprogenitors grown in osteogenic media rapidly upregulated Bmpr-1a expression. Chronic BMP-2 treatment resulted in peak Bmpr-1a expression at day 6 before declining, suggestive of a negative feedback mechanism. In contrast, fibroblasts expressed low levels of Bmpr-1a that was only weakly up-regulated by BMP-2 treatment. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed the presence of myogenic responsive elements in the proximal promoter region of human and murine BMPR-1A/Bmpr-1a. Forced myogenic gene expression in fibroblasts was associated with a significant increase in Bmpr-1a expression and a synergistic increase in the osteogenic response to BMP-2.ConclusionThese data demonstrate the osteogenic sensitivity of muscle progenitors and provide a mechanistic insight into the variable response of different cell lineages to BMP-2.

BMP and BMP receptor expression during murine organogenesis

Cell–cell communication is critical for regulating embryonic organ growth and differentiation. The Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) family of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) molecules represents one class of such cell–cell signaling molecules that regulate the morphogenesis of several organs. Due to high redundancy between the myriad BMP ligands and receptors in certain tissues, it has been challenging to address the role of BMP signaling using targeting of single Bmp genes in mouse models. Here, we present a detailed study of the developmental expression profiles of three BMP ligands ( Bmp2, Bmp4, Bmp7) and three BMP receptors ( Bmpr1a, Bmpr1b, and BmprII), as well as their molecular antagonist ( noggin), in the early embryo during the initial steps of murine organogenesis. In particular, we focus on the expression of Bmp family members in the first organs and tissues that take shape during embryogenesis, such as the heart, vascular system, lungs, liver, stomach, nervous system, somites and limbs. Using in situ hybridization, we identify domains where ligand(s) and receptor(s) are either singly or co-expressed in specific tissues. In addition, we identify a previously unnoticed asymmetric expression of Bmp4 in the gut mesogastrium, which initiates just prior to gut turning and the establishment of organ asymmetry in the gastrointestinal tract. Our studies will aid in the future design and/or interpretation of targeted deletion of individual Bmp or Bmpr genes, since this study identifies organs and tissues where redundant BMP signaling pathways are likely to occur.

Bone morphogenetic protein signalling in heritable versus idiopathic pulmonary hypertension

Mutations in the gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor type 2 (BMPR-2) have been reported in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but their functional relevance remains incompletely understood. BMP receptor expression was evaluated in human lungs and in cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) isolated from 19 idiopathic PAH patients and nine heritable PAH patients with demonstrated BMPR-2 mutations. BMP4-treated PASMCs were assessed for Smad and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling associated with mitosis and apoptosis. Lung tissue and PASMCs from heritable PAH patients presented with decreased BMPR-2 expression and variable increases in BMPR-1A and BMPR-1B expression, while a less important decreased BMPR-2 expression was observed in PASMCs from idiopathic PAH patients. Heritable PAH PASMCs showed no increased phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 in the presence of BMP4, which actually activated the p38MAPK pathway. Individual responses varied from one mutation to another. PASMCs from PAH patients presented with an in vitro proliferative pattern, which could be inhibited by BMP4 in idiopathic PAH but not in heritable PAH. PASMCs from idiopathic PAH and more so from heritable PAH presented an inhibition of BMP4-induced apoptosis. Most heterogeneous BMPR-2 mutations are associated with defective Smad signalling compensated for by an activation of p38MAPK signalling, accounting for PASMC proliferation and deficient apoptosis.

CXXC5 Is a Novel BMP4-regulated Modulator of Wnt Signaling in Neural Stem Cells

Bone morphogenetic proteins such as BMP4 are essential for proper development of telencephalic forebrain structures and induce differentiation of telencephalic neural stem cells into a variety of cellular fates, including astrocytic, neuronal, and mesenchymal cells. Little is yet understood regarding the mechanisms that underlie the spatiotemporal differences in progenitor response to BMP4. In a screen designed to identify novel targets of BMP4 signaling in telencephalic neural stem cells, we found the mRNA levels of the previously uncharacterized factor CXXC5 reproducibly up-regulated upon BMP4 stimulation. In vivo, CXXC5 expression overlapped with BMP4 adjacent to Wnt3a expression in the dorsal regions of the telencephalon, including the developing choroid plexus. CXXC5 showed partial homology with Idax, a related protein previously shown to interact with the Wnt-signaling intermediate Dishevelled (Dvl). Indeed CXXC5 and Dvl co-localized in the cytoplasm and interacted in co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Moreover, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments verified that CXXC5 and Dvl2 were located in close spatial proximity in neural stem cells. Studies of the functional role of CXXC5 revealed that overexpression of CXXC5 or exposure to BMP4 repressed the levels of the canonical Wnt signaling target Axin2, and CXXC5 attenuated Wnt3a-mediated increase in TOPflash reporter activity. Accordingly, RNA interference of CXXC5 attenuated the BMP4-mediated decrease in Axin2 levels and facilitated the response to Wnt3a in neural stem cells. We propose that CXXC5 is acting as a BMP4-induced inhibitor of Wnt signaling in neural stem cells.

Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor (BMPR) during Perinatal Ovary Development and Primordial Follicle Formation in the Hamster: Possible Regulation by FSH

To understand whether bone morphogenetic protein plays any role in the formation of primordial follicles in the hamster, we examined the temporal and spatial expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) mRNA and protein in embryonic (E) 13 through postnatal day (P) 15 ovarian cells and a possible regulation by FSH during the formation of primordial follicles on P8. BMPRIA and BMPRII mRNA levels were significantly higher than that of BMPR1B throughout ovary development. BMPRIA and BMPRII mRNA levels increased significantly on E14 and declined by P5 through P6. Whereas BMPRII mRNA increased again by P7, BMPRIA mRNA levels increased through P8 concurrent with primordial follicle formation. In contrast, BMPRIB mRNA levels increased greater than 10-fold on P7-9, with a further 3-fold increase by P10. BMPR proteins were low in the somatic cells and oocytes on E13 but increased progressively during postnatal development. BMPR expression in somatic cells increased markedly on P8. Whereas BMPRII expression declined by P10 and remained steady thereafter, BMPRIA protein expression fluctuated until P15 when it became low and steady. Overall, BMPRIB immunoreactivity also declined by P10 and then remained low in the interstitial cells through P15. FSH antiserum treatment on E12 significantly attenuated receptor mRNA and protein levels by P8, but equine chorionic gonadotropin replacement on P1 reversed the inhibition. Furthermore, FSH in vitro up-regulated BMPR levels in P4 ovaries. This unique pattern of BMPR expression in the oocytes and somatic cells during perinatal ovary development suggests that BMP may play a regulatory role in primordial follicle formation. Furthermore, FSH may regulate BMP action by modulating the expression of its receptors.

The Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-4 Is Involved in the Regulation of Human Megakaryocytic Differentiation during Thrombopoietin Signaling.

It has been shown in the past that Activin A, BMP-2 and BMP-4, three members of the TGF-β family, are involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis and particularly erythropoiesis, in humans. In this study, we explored the role of these molecules in human megakaryopoiesis using an in vitro serum-free assay initiated with purified normal CD34+ human bone marrow (BM) cells (from allogeneic BM donors), that allows the analysis of the impact of such molecules on all stages of megakaryocytic differentiation. We could demonstrate for the first time, that in the absence of thrombopoietin (TPO), BMP-4 is able to induce CD34+ progenitor commitment and differentiation into megakaryocytes throughout all stages through means of cytology, flow cytometry, CFU and LTC-IC and ploidy assays, as well as in vitro platelet production. We analyzed as well the expression of megakaryocytic specific factors such as FOG-2, Fli-1 and PF4 by RQ-PCR, and PF4, BMP-4 secretion in culture supernatants. While we have previously shown that Activin A and BMP-2 are involved in the erythropoietic commitment even in the absence of erythropoietin, we were not able to demonstrate any effect of these molecules on megakaryopoietic commitment and differentiation. Using signaling pathways specific inhibitors such as AG490 (JAK-2 pathway inhibitor), PD98059 (ERK pathway inhibitor), LY294002 (PI3-K inhibitor) and Rapamycin (mTOR pathway inhibitor), we could show that BMP-4, as TPO, exerts its effects on human megakaryopoiesis involving specifically the JAK/STAT and mTOR signaling pathways. In addition, the specific inhibition of the BMP signaling pathway with blocking antibodies (CD34+ BM cells cultured in the presence of anti-TPO-R and mouse anti-BMP-4 Antibody), natural soluble inhibitors [such as FLRG (Follistatin related gene) protein or Follistatin], or soluble BMP-receptors (sBMPR-Ia, sBMPR-Ib) has revealed that TPO uses the BMP-4 pathway to induce the megakaryopoietic commitment of human BM CD34+ progenitors. Finally, we could demonstrate that TPO up-regulates a BMP-4 autocrine loop in megakaryocytic progenitors, by inducing their own production of BMP-4 associated to an up-regulation of BMP-receptor expression. In conclusion, this study illustrates that BMP-4 represents an important actor in the regulation of human megakaryopoiesis.

BMP4 regulation of human megakaryocytic differentiation is involved in thrombopoietin signaling

AbstractActivin A, BMP2, and BMP4, 3 members of the transforming growth factor-β family, are involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Here, we explored the role of these molecules in human megakaryopoiesis using an in vitro serum-free assay. Our results highlight for the first time that, in the absence of thrombopoietin, BMP4 is able to induce CD34+ progenitor differentiation into megakaryocytes through all stages. Although we have previously shown that activin A and BMP2 are involved in erythropoietic commitment, these molecules have no effect on human megakaryopoietic engagement and differentiation. Using signaling pathway-specific inhibitors, we show that BMP4, like thrombopoietin, exerts its effects on human megakaryopoiesis through the JAK/STAT and mTor pathways. Inhibition of the BMP signaling pathway with blocking antibodies, natural soluble inhibitors (FLRG or follistatin), or soluble BMP receptors reveals that thrombopoietin uses the BMP4 pathway to induce megakaryopoiesis, whereas the inverse is not occurring. Finally, we show that thrombopoietin up-regulates the BMP4 autocrine loop in megakaryocytic progenitors by inducing their production of BMP4 and up-regulating BMP receptor expression. In summary, this work indicates that BMP4 plays an important role in the control of human megakaryopoiesis.

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Are Overexpressed in the Bone Marrow of Primary Myelofibrosis and Are Apparently Induced by Fibrogenic Cytokines

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasia characterized by progressive deposition of extracellular matrix components in the bone marrow. The involvement of members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family in aberrant bone marrow matrix homeostasis in PMF has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we analyzed expression of BMP1, an activator of latent transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1) and processor of collagen precursors, and other BMPs in bone marrow from PMF patients and controls (n = 95). Expression of BMP1, BMP6, BMP7, and BMP-receptor 2 was significantly increased in advanced stages of myelofibrosis compared with controls (P < or = 0.01), and enhanced levels of BMP6 expression were already evident in prefibrotic stages of PMF. Immunohistochemistry showed that bone marrow stromal cells and megakaryocytes were the major cellular sources of BMP1 protein. Because TGFbeta-1 and basic fibroblast growth factor have been shown to be important in the development of myelofibrosis, we studied the induction of BMPs by these cytokines in cultured fibroblasts. Fibroblasts treated with TGFbeta-1 showed a pronounced up-regulation of BMP6, suggesting that stromal cells may be susceptible to BMP activation by cytokines with a proven role in the pathogenesis of PMF. We conclude that BMP family members may play an important role in the pathogenesis of myelofibrosis in PMF and are apparently induced by cytokines such as TGFbeta-1.

The Bone Morphogenetic Protein Pathway Is Inactivated in the Majority of Sporadic Colorectal Cancers

The finding of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor 1a mutations in juvenile polyposis suggests that BMPs are important in colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated the BMP pathway in sporadic CRC. We investigated BMP receptor (BMPR) expression using immunoblotting and sequenced BMPR2 in CRC cell lines. We assessed the expression of BMPRs, SMAD4, and pSMAD1/5/8 in 72 sporadic CRCs using a tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. We assessed the effect of reintroduction of wild-type BMPR2 on BMP pathway activity and the effect of wild-type or mutated BMPR2 3' untranslated region (UTR) sequences on protein expression by attachment to pCMV-Luc. BMPR2 and SMAD4 protein expression is abrogated in microsatellite unstable (MSI) and microsatellite stable (MSS) cell lines, respectively. BMPR2 3'UTR is mutated in all MSI and in none of the MSS cell lines. Mutant BMPR2 3'UTR sequences reduced luciferase expression 10-fold compared with wild-type BMPR2 3'UTR. BMPR2 expression is impaired more frequently in MSI CRCs than MSS (85% vs 29%; P < .0001) and shows a mutually exclusive pattern of impaired expression compared with SMAD4. Nine of 11 MSI cancers with impaired expression of BMPR2 have microsatellite mutations. The BMP pathway is inactivated, as judged by nuclear pSMAD1/5/8 expression, in 70% of CRCs, and this correlates with BMPR and SMAD4 loss. Our data suggest that the BMP pathway is inactivated in the majority of sporadic CRCs. In MSI CRC this is associated predominantly with impaired BMPR2 expression and in MSS CRC with impaired SMAD4 expression.

Basal Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Is Reduced in Mild Asthma

Despite increasing recognition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in tissue remodeling, the expression pattern of ligands and signaling pathways remain undefined in the asthmatic airway. To determine expression of BMP ligands (BMP-2, BMP-4, and BMP-7) and type I and type II receptors (ALK-2, ALK-3, ALK-6, and BMPRII) as well as evidence for activation of BMP signaling via detection of phosphorylated Smad1/5 (pSmad1/5) expression in asthmatic airways at baseline (compared with nonasthmatic controls), and after allergen challenge. Bronchial biopsies were obtained from 6 nonasthmatic control volunteers, and 15 atopic patients with asthma (median age, 25 yr; median FEV(1)% predicted, 97%) at baseline, then at 24 hours and 7 days after allergen challenge. Expression of BMP ligands, receptors, and signaling was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. BMP ligand expression did not differ between asthmatic and control airways at baseline. Compared with the normal airway, there was significant down-regulation of ALK-2 (P = 0.001), ALK-6 (P = 0.0009), and BMPRII (P = 0.009) expression in asthma. Allergen challenge was associated with marked and sustained up-regulation of BMP-7 in airway epithelium (P = 0.017) and infiltrating inflammatory cells (P = 0.071) (predominantly in eosinophils, but also CD4(+) T cells, mast cells, and macrophages). Up-regulation of pSmad1/5 expression (P = 0.031), ALK-2 (P = 0.002), and ALK-6 (P < 0.001) was observed indicating active signaling. BMP receptor expression is down-regulated in the asthmatic airway, which may impede repair responses. Allergen provocation increases expression of the regulatory ligand BMP-7, activates BMP signaling, and increases receptor expression, all of which may contribute to repair and control of inflammation.

BMP-2 induces cell migration and periostin expression during atrioventricular valvulogenesis

Atrioventricular (AV) endocardium transforms into the cushion mesenchyme, the primordia of the valves and membranous septa, through epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT). While bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 is known to be critical for AV EMT, the role of BMP-2 in post-EMT AV valvulogenesis remains to be elucidated. To find BMP signaling loops, we first localized Type I BMP receptors (BMPRs), BMPR-1A (ALK3), -1B (ALK6) and ALK2 in AV cushion mesenchyme in stage-24 chick embryos. Based on the BMP receptor expression pattern, we examined the functional roles of BMP-2 and BMP signaling in post-EMT valvulogenesis by using stage-24 AV cushion mesenchymal cell aggregates cultured on 3D-collagen gels. Exogenous BMP-2 or constitutively active (ca) BMPR-1B (ALK6)-virus treatments induced migration of the mesenchymal cells into the collagen gels, whereas noggin, an antagonist of BMPs, or dominant-negative (dn) BMPR-1 B (ALK6)-virus treatments reduced cell migration from the mesenchymal cell aggregates. Exogenous BMP-2 or caBMPR-1B (ALK6) treatments significantly promoted expression of an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, periostin, a known valvulogenic matrix maturation mediator, at both mRNA and protein levels, whereas periostin expression was repressed by adding noggin or dnBMPR-1B (ALK6)-virus to the culture. Moreover, transcripts of Twist and Id1, which have been implicated in cell migration in embryogenesis and activation of the periostin promoter, were induced by BMP-2 but repressed by noggin in cushion mesenchymal cell cultures. These data provide evidence that BMP-2 and BMP signaling induce biological processes involved in early AV valvulogenesis, i.e. mesenchymal cell migration and expression of periostin, indicating critical roles for BMP signaling in post-EMT AV cushion tissue maturation and differentiation.

B Cell Lymphomas Escape Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Induced Growth Inhibition: Downregulation of BMP Receptors and Upregulation of Inhibitory Smads.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the TGF-β superfamily and mediate their effects mainly through the Smad signaling pathway. TGF-β is one of the most potent negative regulators in hematopoietic cells, and many cancers develop reduced sensitivity towards TGF-β induced growth inhibition by several mechanisms, including functional loss of TGF-β receptors and Smad proteins. We have previously shown that BMP-6 inhibits the growth of normal peripheral blood B cells. As high BMP-6 mRNA expression is associated with poor outcome in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL; Rosenwald et al, N Engl J Med 2002), we hypothesized that reduced sensitivity towards BMP-induced growth inhibition might contribute to lymphomagenesis. In the current study, 10 B lymphoma cell lines (representing Burkitt, DLBCL and FL) and tumor material from lymphoma patients were investigated to unravel the role of BMPs in lymphomas. We found that 5 – 7 out of 10 lymphoma cell lines were resistant towards BMP-2, -4, -6 and -7 induced growth inhibition. In comparison, only 3 of the cell lines were resistant towards TGF-β. Analysis of BMP receptor expression by FACS analysis showed that all lymphoma cell lines and the malignant B cells from primary lymphoma biopsies expressed the BMPR type I Alk-2, whereas the expression of Alk-3 and Alk-6 was variable. Interestingly, the expression of BMPRII was low or undetectable in BMP-6 resistant cell lines, whereas it was highly expressed in 3 out of 4 sensitive cell lines. Also, malignant B cells from lymphoma biopsies showed reduced levels of BMPRII, suggesting that downregulation of BMPRII is a mechanism for evading BMP induced growth inhibition. Interestingly, upregulation of Smad6 or Smad7 was seen in 3 of the BMP-6 resistant cell lines and might represent another way of escaping the inhibitory effects of BMP. The lymphoma cell lines were investigated for endogenous production of BMPs by real-time RT-PCR, and 2 out of 10 cell lines had detectable BMP-6 mRNA, whereas 7 cell lines expressed BMP-7 mRNA. Analysis of purified malignant B cells or normal tumor infiltrating T cells from patient biopsies, confirmed the expression of BMP-6 and BMP-7 in the malignant B cells. Altogether, the data suggest that escape from BMP induced growth inhibition might contribute to increased tumor growth in B cell lymphomas.