proliferation

Gli1+ progenitors mediate bone anabolic function of teriparatide via Hh and Igf signaling

AUTHORS

Yu Shi, Xueyang Liao, James Y.Long, Lutian Yao, Jianquan Chen, Bei Yin, Feng Lou, Guangxu He, Ling Ye, Ling Qin, Fanxin Long

ABSTRACT

Teriparatide is the most widely prescribed bone anabolic drug in the world, but its cellular targets remain incompletely defined. The Gli1+ metaphyseal mesenchymal progenitors (MMPs) are a main source for osteoblasts in postnatal growing mice, but their potential response to teriparatide is unknown. Here, by lineage tracing, we show that teriparatide stimulates both proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of MMPs. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals heterogeneity among MMPs, including an unexpected chondrocyte-like osteoprogenitor (COP). COP expresses the highest level of Hedgehog (Hh) target genes and the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (Igf1r) among all cell clusters. COP also expresses Pth1r and further upregulates Igf1r upon teriparatide treatment. Inhibition of Hh signaling or deletion of Igf1r from MMPs diminishes the proliferative and osteogenic effects of teriparatide. The study therefore identifies COP as a teriparatide target wherein Hh and insulin-like growth factor (Igf) signaling are critical for the osteoanabolic response in growing mice.

Incorporation of nanosized calcium silicate improved osteointegration of polyetheretherketone under diabetic conditions

Diabetes can impair osteoblastic functions and negatively interfere with osteointegration at the bone/implant interface. Previously, we prepared a nanosized calcium silicate (CS) incorporated-polyetheretherketone (PK) biocomposite (CS/PK) and found that the CS/PK composite exhibited enhanced osteoblast functions in vitro and osteointegration in vivo, but its bioperformance under diabetic conditions remained elusive.

Cell and Tissue Response to Polyethylene Terephthalate Mesh Containing Bone Allograft in Vitro and in Vivo

AUTHORS

D. Joshua Cohen, Lisa Ferrara, Marcus B. Stone, Zvi Schwartz and Barbara D. Boyan

ABSTRACT

Background Extended polyethylene terephthalate mesh (PET, Dacron) can provide containment of compressed particulate allograft and autograft. This study assessed if PET mesh would interfere with osteoprogenitor cell migration from vertebral plates through particulate graft, and its effect on osteoblast differentiation or the quality of bone forming within fusing vertebra during vertebral interbody fusion.

Methods The impact of PET mesh on the biological response of normal human osteoblasts (NHOst cells) and bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) to particulate bone graft was examined in vitro. Cells were cultured on rat bone particles +/− mesh; proliferation and osteoblast differentiation were assessed. The interface between the vertebral endplate, PET mesh, and newly formed bone within consolidated allograft contained by mesh was examined in a sheep model via microradiographs, histology, and mechanical testing.

Results Growth on bone particles stimulated proliferation and early differentiation of NHOst cells and MSCs, but delayed terminal differentiation. This was not negatively impacted by mesh. New bone formation in vivo was not prevented by use of a PET mesh graft containment device. Fusion was improved in sites containing allograft/demineralized bone matrix (DBM) versus autograft and was further enhanced when stabilized using pedicle screws. Only sites treated with allograft/DBM+screws exhibited greater percent bone ingrowth versus discectomy or autograft. These results were mirrored biomechanically.

Conclusions PET mesh does not negatively impact cell attachment to particulate bone graft, proliferation, or initial osteoblast differentiation. The results demonstrated that bone growth occurs from vertebral endplates into graft material within the PET mesh. This was enhanced by stabilization with pedicle screws leading to greater bone ingrowth and biomechanical stability across the fusion site.

Halofuginone inhibits TGF-β/BMP signaling and in combination with zoledronic acid enhances inhibition of breast cancer bone metastasis

More efficient therapies that target multiple molecular mechanisms are needed for the treatment of incurable bone metastases. Halofuginone is a plant alkaloid-derivative with antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effects. Here we demonstrate that halofuginone is an effective therapy for the treatment of bone metastases, through multiple actions that include inhibition of TGFβ and BMP-signaling.

Structure activity relationship study on the peptide hormone preptin, a novel bone-anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis

Preptin is a 34-residue pancreatic hormone shown to be anabolic to bone in vitro and in vivo. The bone activity of preptin resides within the (1-16) N-terminal fragment. Due to its peptidic nature, the truncated fragment of preptin is enzymatically unstable; however it provides an attractive framework for the creation of stable analogues using various peptidomimetic techniques. 

Transgenic Expression of Osteoactivin/gpnmb Enhances Bone Formation in Vivo and Osteoprogenitor Differentiation ex Vivo

Initial identification of osteoactivin (OA)/glycoprotein non-melanoma clone B (gpnmb) was demonstrated in an osteopetrotic rat model, where OA expression was increased 3-fold in mutant bones, compared to normal. OA mRNA and protein expression increase during active bone regeneration post-fracture, and primary rat osteoblasts show increased OA expression during differentiation in vitro. To further examine OA/gpnmb as an osteoinductive agent, we characterized the skeletal phenotype of transgenic mouse overexpressing OA/gpnmb under the CMV-promoter (OA-Tg).