Adipose-derived Stem cells and BMP2: Part 2. BMP2 may not influence the osteogenic fate of human adipose-derived stem cells

Although recent studies have proposed that human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), together with BMP2, can heal critical-sized bony defects, a companion study in this issue suggests that ASCs may not respond to BMP2 in vivo. To examine why this may be occurring. ASCs were treated with BMP2 and the cells' in vitro osteogenic capacity assessed along with the canonical BMP2 signaling pathway. In vitro treatment of ASCs with BMP2 had no consistent and significant effect on matrix mineralization or their expression of several osteogenic markers. Consistent and significant changes to Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation levels were also not observed upon BMP2 induction. The removal of dexamethasone from the BMP2 induction conditions had no effect on the observed results nor did stimulating ASCs with BMP2 from an alternate source (INFUSE; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). In addition, no BMP-induced nuclear translocation of Smad1/Smad4 complexes could be discerned, suggesting that the canonical BMP2 signaling pathway may not be functional in ASCs. Interestingly, three downstream BMP2 pathway genes, distal-less3 (dlx3), distal-less5 (dlx5), and osterix, were not expressed in BMP2-induced ASCs, calling the utility of BMP2 induced in ASCs into question. The results of this in vitro study were consistent with that of our companion in vivo study that suggests a lack of effect of BMP2 on the osteogenic capacity of ASCs. Taken together, the data from both studies suggest that ASC osteogenic differentiation may not be influenced by BMP2. Consequently, combining BMP2 treatment with adult stem cells, like ASCs, may not be a viable strategy for bony healing.     

Involvement of p38MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways in Osteoblasts Differentiation in Response to Mechanical Stretch

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are known to be important in osteoblasts' response to mechanical stimuli. BMPs/Smad signaling pathway has been demonstrated to play a regulatory role in the mechanical signal transduction in osteoblasts. However, little is currently known about the Smad independent pathway in osteoblasts differentiation in mechanical loading. In this study, MC3T3-E1 cells were subjected to mechanical stretch of 2000?micro-stain (με) at 0.5?Hz, in order to investigate the involvement of p38MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in mechanical response in osteoblasts. We found BMP-2/BMP-4 were up-regulated by mechanical stretch via the earlier activation of p38MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, which enhanced osteogenic gene expressions including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (Col I) and osteocalcin (OCN), and the expressions of these osteogenic genes were remarkably decreased with Noggin (an inhibitor for BMPs signals) pretreatment. Furthermore, BMP-2/BMP-4 expressions were suppressed by PDTC, an inhibitor of NF-κB pathway and SB203580, an inhibitor of p38MAPK pathway, respectively, leading to the declined levels of ALP, Col I and OCN. Interestingly, blocking in p38MAPK pathway can also cause the inactivation of NF-κB pathway in mechanical stretch. Collectively, the results indicate during mechanical stretch p38MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways are activated first, and then up-regulate BMP-2/BMP-4 to enhance osteogenic gene expressions. Moreover, p38MAPK and NF-κB signals have cross-talk in regulation of BMP-2/BMP-4 in mechanical response.     

Osteogenic differentiation is selectively promoted by morphogenetic signals from chondrocytes and synergized by a nutrient rich growth environment

Cartilage formation always precedes that of bone during endochondral skeletal development. To determine if chondrocytes provide inductive signals for osteogenesis, C3H10T(1/2) mesenchymal stem cells were co-cultured in membrane separated transwell culture chambers with chondrocytes, osteoblasts, or fibroblasts. Osteogenesis, as assessed by the expression of osteocalcin mRNAs, was strongly induced in the C3H10T(1/2) cells co-cultured with chondrocytes but not induced by co-culture with either osteoblasts or fibroblasts. Interestingly, while only osteogenic differentiation was observed in the C3H10T(1/2) cells co-cultured with chondrocytes, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 treatment induced an ordered endochondral progression of skeletal cell differentiation in which chondrogenic differentiation preceded osteogenesis by 2 to 4 days. A nutrient enriched growth environment enhanced osteogenic differentiation induced by either co-culture or BMP-7 treatment 2- to 5-fold. Nutrient enhanced osteogenic differentiation was associated with an activation of the retinoblastoma-mediated signal transduction pathways. In summary, these results show that osteogenesis is selectively induced by morphogenetic signals produced by chondrocytes and that a nutrient rich environment enhances both BMP-7- and co-culture-induced osteogenic differentiation.     

Neovibsanin B increases extracellular matrix proteins in optic nerve head cells via activation of Smad signalling pathway

The present study demonstrates the effect of neovibsanin B on the synthesis and deposition of ECM proteins and the signalling pathways used in optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes and lamina cribrosa (LC) cells. For investigation of the signalling pathway used by neovibsanin B, ONH cells were treated with neovibsanin B. Western blot and immunostaining analyses were used to examine the phosphorylation of proteins involved in Smad and non-Smad signalling pathway. The results revealed that ONH cells on treatment with neovibsanin B showed enhanced synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Neovibsanin B induced phosphorylation of canonical signalling proteins, Smad2/3. However phosphorylation of non-canonical signalling proteins, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) 1/2 remained unaffected. There was also increase in co-localization of pSmad2/3 with Co-Smad4 in the nucleus of ONH astrocytes and LC cells indicating activation of the canonical Smad signalling pathway. Treatment of ONH cells with SIS3, inhibitor of Smad3 phosphorylation reversed the neovibsanin B stimulated ECM expression as well as activation of canonical pathway signalling molecules. In addition, inhibition of Smad2 or Smad3 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) also suppressed neovibsanin B stimulated ECM protein synthesis in ONH astrocytes and LC cells. Thus neovibsanin B utilizes the canonical Smad signalling pathway to stimulate ECM synthesis in human ONH cells. The neovibsanin B induced ECM synthesis and activation of the canonical Smad signalling pathway may be due to its effect on transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2). However, further studies are under process to understand the mechanism.     

Ectopic osteogenesis of hBMP-2 gene-transduced human bone mesenchymal stem cells/BCB

We determined the feasibility of using scaffolds of adenoviral human BMP2 gene (AdBMP2)-modified human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and antigen-free bovine cancellous bone (BCB) to construct bone tissue. hMSCs were infected with AdBMP-2. Expression of BMP-2 and alkaline phosphatase confirmed successful secretion of active BMP-2. The osteogenic capability of a composite of AdBMP2-modified hMSCs with BCB was evaluated in athymic mice (group A). BCB (group B), hMSCs/BCB (group C), adenoviral β‐galactosidase genes (Adβgal)-transfected hMSCs/BCB (group D) were controls. Formation of bone tissue was assessed by histological methods 4 weeks and 8 weeks after implantation. Implanted cells were identified by human Y-chromosome-specific fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). hMSCs differentiated into osteogenic cells, and bone formation was observed. Obvious bone formation was not noted at any time point in control groups. We hypothesize that the described method is a promising method for bone regeneration.     

The microRNA expression signature on modified titanium implant surfaces influences genetic mechanisms leading to osteogenic differentiation

Topographically and chemically modified titanium implants are recognized to have improved osteogenic properties; however, the molecular regulation of this process remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the microRNA profile and the potential regulation of osteogenic differentiation following early exposure of osteoprogenitor cells to sand-blasted, large-grit acid-etched (SLA) and hydrophilic SLA (modSLA) surfaces. Firstly, the osteogenic characteristics of the primary osteoprogenitor cells were confirmed using ALP activity and Alizarin Red S staining. The effect of smooth (SMO), SLA and modSLA surfaces on the TGF-β/BMP (BMP2, BMP6, ACVR1) and non-canonical WNT/Ca(2+) (WNT5A, FZD6) pathways, as well as the integrins ITGB1 and ITGA2, was determined. It was revealed that the modified titanium surfaces could induce the activation of TGF-β/BMP and non-canonical WNT/Ca(2+) signaling genes. The expression pattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) related to cell differentiation was evaluated. Statistical analysis of the differentially regulated miRNAs indicated that 35 and 32 miRNAs were down-regulated on the modSLA and SLA surfaces respectively, when compared with the smooth surface (SMO). Thirty-one miRNAs that were down-regulated were common to both modSLA and SLA. There were 10 miRNAs up-regulated on modSLA and nine on SLA surfaces, amongst which eight were the same as observed on modSLA. TargetScan predictions for the down-regulated miRNAs revealed genes of the TGF-β/BMP and non-canonical Ca(2+) pathways as targets. This study demonstrated that modified titanium implant surfaces induce differential regulation of miRNAs, which potentially regulate the TGF-β/BMP and WNT/Ca(2+) pathways during osteogenic differentiation on modified titanium implant surfaces.     

Dura mater stimulates human adipose-derived stromal cells to undergo bone formation in mouse calvarial defects

Human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) have a proven capacity to aid in osseous repair of calvarial defects. However, the bone defect microenvironment necessary for osseous healing is not fully understood. In this study, we postulated that the cell-cell interaction between engrafted ASCs and host dura mater (DM) cells is critical for the healing of calvarial defects. hASCs were engrafted into critical sized calvarial mouse defects. The DM-hASC interaction was manipulated surgically by DM removal or by insertion of a semipermeable or nonpermeable membrane between DM and hASCs. Radiographic, histologic, and gene expression analyses were performed. Next, the hASC-DM interaction is assessed by conditioned media (CM) and coculture assays. Finally, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling from DM was investigated in vivo using novel BMP-2 and anti-BMP-2/4 slow releasing scaffolds. With intact DM, osseous healing occurs both from host DM and engrafted hASCs. Interference with the DM-hASC interaction dramatically reduced calvarial healing with abrogated BMP-2-Smad-1/5 signaling. Using CM and coculture assays, mouse DM cells stimulated hASC osteogenesis via BMP signaling. Through in vivo manipulation of the BMP-2 pathway, we found that BMP-2 plays an important role in DM stimulation of hASC osteogenesis in the context of calvarial bone healing. BMP-2 supplementation to a defect with disrupted DM allowed for bone formation in a nonhealing defect. DM is an osteogenic cell type that both participates in and stimulates osseous healing in a hASC-engrafted calvarial defect. Furthermore, DM-derived BMP-2 paracrine stimulation appears to play a key role for hASC mediated repair.     

Osteogenic Differentiation is Selectively Promoted by Morphogenetic Signals from Chondrocytes and Synergized by a Nutrient Rich Growth Environment

Cartilage formation always precedes that of bone during endochondral skeletal development. To determine if chondrocytes provide inductive signals for osteogenesis, C3H10T½ mesenchymal stem cells were co-cultured in membrane separated transwell culture chambers with chondrocytes, osteoblasts, or fibroblasts. Osteogenesis, as assessed by the expression of osteocalcin mRNAs, was strongly induced in the C3H10T½ cells co-cultured with chondrocytes but not induced by co-culture with either osteoblasts or fibroblasts. Interestingly, while only osteogenic differentiation was observed in the C3H10T½ cells co-cultured with chondrocytes, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 treatment induced an ordered endochondral progression of skeletal cell differentiation in which chondrogenic differentiation preceded osteogenesis by 2 to 4 days. A nutrient enriched growth environment enhanced osteogenic differentiation induced by either co-culture or BMP-7 treatment 2- to 5-fold. Nutrient enhanced osteogenic differentiation was associated with an activation of the retinoblastoma-mediated signal transduction pathways. In summary, these results show that osteogenesis is selectively induced by morphogenetic signals produced by chondrocytes and that a nutrient rich environment enhances both BMP-7- and co-culture-induced osteogenic differentiation.     

MAPK signaling has stage-dependent osteogenic effects on human adipose-derived stem cells in vitro

Overview: The use of pro-osteogenic growth factors, such as BMP2, in human adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) osteogenesis is well described. Because these growth factors work via signal transduction pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, a study of the relationship between MAPK signaling and ASC osteogenesis was conducted. Materials and Methods: ERK, JNK, and p38MAPK activation were measured in ASCs osteo-induced using either dexamethasone or vitamin D3 and correlated with mineralization. Activation and mineralization were also measured without dexamethasone or using the glucocorticoid, cortisone. The expression of the MAPK phosphatase, MKP1, and its relationship to mineralization was also assessed. The effect of decreasing MAPK activation on mineralization through the use of exogenous inhibitors was examined along with siRNA-knockdown and adenoviral overexpression of ERK1/2. Finally, the effect of ERK1/2 overexpression on ASCs induced on PLGA scaffolds was assessed. Results: ASC mineralization in dexamethasone or vitamin D3-induced ASCs correlated with both increased ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 activation. ASCs induced without dexamethasone also mineralized, with JNK1/2 signaling possibly mediating this event. No link between cortisone induction and MAPK signaling could be ascertained. ASCs treated with ERK, JNK, or p38MAPK inhibitors showed decreased osteogenic gene expression and diminished mineralization. Mineralization levels were also affected by viruses designed to inhibit or augment ERK1/2 expression and activity. Finally, ASC mineralization appeared to be a balance between the MAPK kinase activity and MKP1. Conclusions: It is likely that MAPK signaling plays a significant role in ASC osteogenesis, affecting differentiation in kinase- and stage-specific manners.     

Nell-1-induced bone regeneration in calvarial defects

Many craniofacial birth defects contain skeletal components requiring bone grafting. We previously identified the novel secreted osteogenic molecule NELL-1, first noted to be overexpressed during premature bone formation in calvarial sutures of craniosynostosis patients. Nell-1 overexpression significantly increases differentiation and mineralization selectively in osteoblasts, while newborn Nell-1 transgenic mice significantly increase premature bone formation in calvarial sutures. In the current study, cultured calvarial explants isolated from Nell-1 transgenic newborn mice (with mild sagittal synostosis) demonstrated continuous bone growth and overlapping sagittal sutures. Further investigation into gene expression cascades revealed that fibroblast growth factor-2 and transforming growth factor-beta1 stimulated Nell-1 expression, whereas bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 had no direct effect. Additionally, Nell-1-induced osteogenesis in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts through reduction in the expression of early up-regulated osteogenic regulators (OSX and ALP) but induction of later markers (OPN and OCN). Grafting Nell-1 protein-coated PLGA scaffolds into rat calvarial defects revealed the osteogenic potential of Nell-1 to induce bone regeneration equivalent to BMP-2, whereas immunohistochemistry indicated that Nell-1 reduced osterix-producing cells and increased bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and BMP-7 expression. Insights into Nell-1-regulated osteogenesis coupled with its ability to stimulate bone regeneration revealed a potential therapeutic role and an alternative to the currently accepted techniques for bone regeneration.     

Bone morphogenetic protein-2-induced signaling and osteogenesis is regulated by cell shape, RhoA/ROCK, and cytoskeletal tension

Osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is classically thought to be mediated by different cytokines such as the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Here, we report that cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM), and its effects on cell shape and cytoskeletal mechanics, regulates BMP-induced signaling and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Using micropatterned substrates to progressively restrict cell spreading and flattening against ECM, we demonstrated that BMP-induced osteogenesis is progressively antagonized with decreased cell spreading. BMP triggered rapid and sustained RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) activity and contractile tension only in spread cells, and this signaling was required for BMP-induced osteogenesis. Exploring the molecular basis for this effect, we found that restricting cell spreading, reducing ROCK signaling, or inhibiting cytoskeletal tension prevented BMP-induced SMA/mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD)1 c-terminal phosphorylation, SMAD1 dimerization with SMAD4, and SMAD1 translocation into the nucleus. Together, these findings demonstrate the direct involvement of cell spreading and RhoA/ROCK-mediated cytoskeletal tension generation in BMP-induced signaling and early stages of in vitro osteogenesis, and highlight the essential interplay between biochemical and mechanical cues in stem cell differentiation.     

Receptor expression modulates the specificity of transforming growth factor-β signaling pathways

In current models of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family signaling, type II receptors activate specific activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) type I receptors. These serine/threonine kinases activate ligand-dependent receptor regulated (R)-Smad by phosphorylating carboxy-terminal serines. We found that the receptor expression levels affected the phosphorylation and activation of the two R-Smad subclasses, activin/TGF-β-specific (AR-Smad) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-specific (BR-Smad). Co-expressing constitutively active type I and type II receptors in COS7 cells resulted in the phosphorylation of both R-Smad subclasses in a ligand-independent manner. This was verified using in vitro kinase assays. In untransfected B16 melanoma cells, TGF-β1 and BMP-2 induced phosphorylation of both R-Smad subclasses, and TGF-β1 up-regulated the inhibitor of differentiation ( Id ) gene, which is usually regulated by BMP. By contrast, BMP-2 up-regulated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which is an AR-Smad-regulated gene. Except for ALK4 and ALK6, levels of type I and type II receptor mRNAs were higher in B16 cells than in HeLa and HepG2 cells, in which TGF-β1 and BMP-2 induced phosphorylation of only the expected R-Smad. These results help to explain the diverse effects of this ligand family.     

Disruption of heparan and chondroitin sulfate signaling enhances mesenchymal stem cell-derived osteogenic differentiation via bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways

Cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans have been implicated in a multitude of biological processes, including embryonic implantation, tissue morphogenesis, wound repair, and neovascularization through their ability to regulate growth factor activity and morphogenic gradients. However, the direct role of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) sugar-side chains in the control of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation into the osteoblast lineage is poorly understood. Here, we show that the abundant cell surface GAGs, HS and CS, are secreted in proteoglycan complexes that directly regulate the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-mediated differentiation of hMSCs into osteoblasts. Enzymatic depletion of the HS and CS chains by heparinase and chondroitinase treatment decreased HS and CS expression but did not alter the expression of the HS core proteins perlecan and syndecan. When digested separately, depletion of HS and CS chains did not effect hMSC proliferation but rather increased BMP bioactivity through SMAD1/5/8 intracellular signaling at the same time as increasing canonical Wnt signaling through LEF1 activation. Long-term culturing of cells in HS- and CS-degrading enzymes also increased bone nodule formation, calcium accumulation, and the expression of such osteoblast markers as alkaline phosphatase, RUNX2, and osteocalcin. Thus, the enzymatic disruption of HS and CS chains on cell surface proteoglycans alters BMP and Wnt activity so as to enhance the lineage commitment and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.