A comparison of the expression pattern of five genes of the family of small leucine-rich proteoglycans during mouse development.

For five members of the family of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs), the expression pattern during fetal development was analyzed. RNA in situ hybridization on whole body sections of mouse embryos was performed for biglycan (Bgn), decorin (Dcn), fibromodulin (Fmod), chondroadherin (Chad), and lumican (Lum). Special attention was given to the question of whether these patterns coincide only with sites of collagen secretion in connective tissue during tissue modeling or if expression can be observed at specific sites of organ differentiation also. In general, Fmod, Lum, and Bgn are expressed at sites of cartilage and bone formation and interstitial tissue deposition; Chad is expressed only at sites of cartilage; and Dcn is expressed only at sites of interstitial tissue deposition. However, there are some distinct developmental stages where no collagen secretion is known to occur. For example, this applies for the expression of Fmod in the forming somites of stage 9.5 postconception (p.c.), for Dcn and Lum in later stage embryos in the pituitary gland and dorsal root ganglia, and for Bgn and Dcn during differentiation in the kidney. These studies provide further evidence for a role of these molecules during connective tissue organization but also for an involvement at specific sites of organ differentiation.     

Further Analysis of the Crouzon Mouse: Effects of the FGFR2C342Y Mutation Are Cranial Bone–Dependent

Crouzon syndrome is a debilitating congenital disorder involving abnormal craniofacial skeletal development caused by mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2). Phenotypic expression in humans exhibits an autosomal dominant pattern that commonly involves premature fusion of the coronal suture (craniosynostosis) and severe midface hypoplasia. To further investigate the biologic mechanisms by which the Crouzon syndrome–associated FGFR2^C342Y mutation leads to abnormal craniofacial skeletal development, we created congenic BALB/c FGFR2^C342Y/+ mice. Here, we show that BALB/c FGFR2^C342Y/+ mice have a consistent craniofacial phenotype including partial fusion of the coronal and lambdoid sutures, intersphenoidal synchondrosis, and multiple facial bones, with minimal fusion of other craniofacial sutures. This phenotype is similar to the classic and less severe form of Crouzon syndrome that involves significant midface hypoplasia with limited craniosynostosis. Linear and morphometric analyses demonstrate that FGFR2^C342Y/+ mice on the BALB/c genetic background differ significantly in form and shape from their wild-type littermates and that in this genetic background the FGFR2^C342Y mutation preferentially affects some craniofacial bones and sutures over others. Analysis of cranial bone cells indicates that the FGFR2^C342Y mutation promotes aberrant osteoblast differentiation and increased apoptosis that is more severe in frontal than parietal bone cells. Additionally, FGFR2^C342Y/+ frontal, but not parietal, bones exhibit significantly diminished bone volume and density compared to wild-type mice. These results confirm that FGFR2-associated craniosynostosis occurs in association with diminished cranial bone tissue and may provide a potential biologic explanation for the clinical finding of phenotype consistency that exists between many Crouzon syndrome patients.     

颅面多骨缝固定对颅颌形态影响的实验研究

目的通过固定幼兔颅骨缝，模拟颅骨多骨缝早闭，观察固定后颅颌面生长方式的变化及相互影响的关系。方法采用牙科釉质粘合剂固定２周龄幼兔冠状缝、矢状缝和额间缝，模拟颅骨多骨缝早闭。术后不同时期测量颅穹窿长度、高度、面中部高度、上颌骨长度、面角、腭角和颅底角。结果多骨缝早闭后，颅穹窿高度和长度明显减少，使颅骨变短且扁平。面中部高度和上颌骨长度增大，整个面中骨结构有整体向上移动趋势。面、腭和颅底角增大，这与颅穹窿变浅，面中部高度增大相对应。结论兔出生后１０周前是颅骨缝扩张性生长高峰期，在此期间，某些原因影响颅骨正常生长，必然导致颅面畸形。实验结果与临床颅骨骨缝早闭后表现类似，和主张早期手术矫正畸形观点一致     

Interrelationship of Cranial Suture Fusion, Basicranial Development, and Resynostosis Following Suturectomy in Twist1+/? Mice, a Murine Model of Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome

The interrelationships among suture fusion, basicranial development, and subsequent resynostosis in syndromic craniosynostosis have yet to be examined. The objectives of this study were to determine the potential relationship between suture fusion and cranial base development in a model of syndromic craniosynostosis and to assess the effects of the syndrome on resynostosis following suturectomy. To do this, posterior frontal and coronal suture fusion, postnatal development of sphenooccipital synchondrosis, and resynostosis in Twist1(+/+) (WT) and Twist1(+/-) litter-matched mice (a model for Saethre-Chotzen syndrome) were quantified by evaluating μCT images with advanced image-processing algorithms. The coronal suture in Twist(+/-) mice developed, fused, and mineralized at a faster rate than that in normal littermates at postnatal days 6-30. Moreover, premature fusion of the coronal suture in Twist1(+/-) mice preceded alterations in cranial base development. Analysis of synchondrosis showed faster mineralization in Twist(+/-) mice at postnatal days 25-30. In a rapid resynostosis model, there was an inability to fuse both the midline posterior frontal suture and craniotomy defects in 21-day-old Twist(+/-) mice, despite having accelerated mineralization in the posterior frontal suture and defects. This study showed that dissimilarities between Twist1(+/+) and Twist1(+/-) mice are not limited to a fused coronal suture but include differences in fusion of other sutures, the regenerative capacity of the cranial vault, and the development of the cranial base.     

A Pro253Arg mutation in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2) causes skeleton malformation mimicking human Apert syndrome by affecting both chondrogenesis and osteogenesis

Apert syndrome is one of the most severe craniosynostosis that is mainly caused by either a Ser252Trp(S252W) or Pro253Arg(P253R) mutation in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). As an autosomal dominant disorder, Apert syndrome is mainly characterized by skull malformation resulting from premature fusion of craniofacial sutures, as well as syndactyly, etc. A P253R mutation of FGFR2 results in nearly one-thirds of the cases of Apert syndrome. The pathogenesis of Apert syndrome resulting from P253R mutation of FGFR2 is still not fully understood. Here we reported a knock-in mouse model carrying P253R mutation in Fgfr2. The mutant mice exhibit smaller body size and brachycephaly. Analysis of the mutant skulls and long bones revealed premature fusion of coronal suture, shortened cranial base and growth plates of long bones. In vitro organ culture studies further revealed that, compared with wild-type littermates, the mutant mice have prematurely fused coronal sutures and retarded long bone growth. Treatment of the cultured calvaria and femur with PD98059, an Erk1/2 inhibitor, resulted in partially alleviated coronal suture fusion and growth retardation of femur respectively. Our data indicated that the P253R mutation in Fgfr2 directly affect intramembranous and endochondral ossification, which resulted in the premature closure of coronal sutures and growth retardation of long bones and cranial base. And the Erk1/2 signaling pathway partially mediated the effects of P253R mutation of Fgfr2 on cranial sutures and long bones.     

Regional differentiation of cranial suture-associated dura mater in vivo and in vitro: implications for suture fusion and patency.

Despite its prevalence, the etiopathogenesis of craniosynostosis is poorly understood. To better understand the biomolecular events that occur when normal craniofacial growth development goes awry, we must first investigate the mechanisms of normal suture fusion. Murine models in which the posterior frontal (PF) suture undergoes programmed sutural fusion shortly after birth provide an ideal model to study these mechanisms. In previous studies, our group and others have shown that sutural fate (i.e., fusion vs. patency) is regulated by the dura mater (DM) directly underlying a cranial suture. These studies have led to the hypothesis that calvarial DM is regionally differentiated and that this differentiation guides the development of the overlying suture. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of osteogenic cytokines (transforming growth factor beta1 [TGF-beta1] and TGF-beta3) and bone-associated extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules (collagen I, collagen III, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase) in freshly isolated, rat dural tissues associated with the PF (programmed to fuse) or sagittal (SAG; remains patent) sutures before histological evidence of sutural fusion (postnatal day 6 [N6]). In addition, osteocalcin protein expression and cellular proliferation were localized using immunohistochemical staining and 5-bromo-2'deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, respectively. We showed that the expression of osteogenic cytokines and bone-associated ECM molecules is potently up-regulated in the DM associated with the PF suture. In addition, we showed that cellular proliferation in the DM associated with the fusing PF suture is significantly less than that found in the patent SAG suture just before the initiation of sutural fusion N6. Interestingly, no differences in cellular proliferation rates were noted in younger animals (embryonic day 18 [E18] and N2). To further analyze regional differentiation of cranial suture-associated dural cells, we established dural cell cultures from fusing and patent rat cranial sutures in N6 rats and evaluated the expression of osteogenic cytokines (TGF-beta1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF-2]) and collagen I. In addition, we analyzed cellular production of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). These studies confirmed our in vivo findings and showed that dural cell cultures derived from the fusing PF suture expressed significantly greater amounts of TGF-beta1, FGF-2, and collagen I. In addition, similar to our in vivo findings, we showed that PF suture-derived dural cells produced significantly less PCNA than SAG suture-derived dural cells. Finally, coculture of dural cells with fetal rat calvarial osteoblastic cells (FRCs) revealed a statistically significant increase in proliferation (*p < 0.001) in FRCs cocultured with SAG suture-derived dural cells as compared with FRCs cocultured alone or with PF suture-derived dural cells. Taken together, these data strongly support the hypothesis that the calvarial DM is regionally differentiated resulting in the up-regulation of osteogenic cytokines and bone ECM molecules in the dural tissues underlying fusing but not patent cranial sutures. Alterations in cytokine expression may govern osteoblastic differentiation and ECM molecule deposition, thus regulating sutural fate. Elucidation of the biomolecular events that occur before normal cranial suture fusion in the rat may increase our understanding of the events that lead to premature cranial suture fusion.     

生长因子在颅缝早闭症中作用的研究进展

颅缝早闭是一种较常见的先天性颅面畸形,表现为一条或多条颅缝过早闭合。多种因素可以在胚胎期及出生后影响头骨的发育,从而导致不同类型的颅缝早闭。目前研究表明,生长因子与颅缝闭合过程有着密切的联系,本文就生长因子在颅缝早闭症中作用的研究进展进行综述。     

Overexpression of Nell-1, a craniosynostosis-associated gene, induces apoptosis in osteoblasts during craniofacial development.

We studied the cellular function of Nell-1, a craniosynostosis-related gene, in craniofacial development. Nell-1 modulates calvarial osteoblast differentiation and apoptosis pathways. Nell-1 overexpression disrupts these pathways resulting in craniofacial anomalies such as premature suture closure. INTRODUCTION: Craniosynostosis (CS), one of the most common congenital craniofacial deformities, is the premature closure of cranial sutures. Previously, we reported NELL-1 as a novel molecule overexpressed during premature cranial suture closure in patients with CS. Nell-1 overexpression induced calvarial overgrowth and resulted in premature suture closure in a rodent model. On a cellular level, Nell-1 is suggested to promote osteoblast differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different levels of Nell-1 were introduced into osteoblastic cells by viral infection and recombinant protein. Apoptosis and gene expression assays were performed. Mice overexpressing Nell-1 were examined for apoptosis. RESULTS: In this report, we further showed that overexpression of Nell-1 induced apoptosis along with modulation of apoptosis-related genes. The induction of apoptosis by Nell-1 was observed only in osteoblastic cells and not in NIH3T3 or primary fibroblasts. The CS mouse model overexpressing Nell-1 showed increased levels of apoptosis in the calvaria. CONCLUSION: We show that Nell-1 expression modulates calvarial osteoblast differentiation and apoptosis pathways. Nell-1 overexpression disrupts these pathways resulting in craniofacial anomalies such as premature suture closure.     

SD大鼠颅缝细胞不同时期GPC3基因表达变化的研究

目的 探索GPC3基因在颅缝组织和细胞中不同时期的表达情况,为后续的疾病模型研究提供参照。方法研究并观察1 d、3 d、7 d的SD大鼠颅缝细胞组织,应用组织切片免疫荧光染色、RT-q PCR、Western Blot等方法,检测其在不同年龄SD大鼠中的表达水平,判断其与颅骨成骨及颅缝闭合的关系。结果 免疫荧光显示,GPC3在大鼠未闭合颅缝组织不同阶段胞内、细胞表面及胞外均有表达;RT-q PCR、Western Blotting结果显示,GPC3基因表达随着大鼠年龄增长呈现下降趋势。结论 SD大鼠中,GPC3与颅缝闭合密切相关。     

兔颅骨双侧冠状缝早闭后颅面骨的生长变化

为从骨生长量和生长方向两个方面探讨兔双侧冠状缝早闭后对颅骨骨生长发育的影响，用牙科釉质和剂固定２周龄幼兔双侧冠状缝，于冠状缝，鼻额缝和人字缝前后置入金属标记物，观察双侧冠状缝早闭后各骨缝及颅面长度，颅穹窿高度，长度和鼻骨长度变化情况，结果表明兔颅骨缝扩张性生长高峰期在２～８周龄，双侧冠状缝固定后，骨缝生长停止，鼻额缝补偿生长加快，４周解除固定带后，冠状缝在８周前出现补偿性生长高峰期，８周解除固定带     

兔颅骨双侧冠状缝早闭后颅面骨的生长变化

为从骨生长量和生长方向两个方面探讨兔双侧冠状缝早闭后对颅面骨生长发育的影响，用牙科釉质粘和剂固定２周龄幼兔双侧冠状缝，于冠状缝、鼻额缝和人字缝前后置入金属标记物，观察双侧冠状缝早闭后各骨缝及颅面长度、颅穹窿高度、长度和鼻骨长度变化情况。结果表明兔颅骨缝扩张性生长高峰期在２～８周龄。双侧冠状缝固定后，骨缝生长停止，鼻额缝补偿性生长加快。４周解除固定带后，冠状缝在８周前出现补偿性生长高峰期，８周解除固定带无补偿性生长高峰出现。另外鼻骨长度增加并向下移位，颅穹隆长度和颅面长度缩短。提示临床手术矫正颅骨畸形时，除考虑到手术年龄的安全性外，必须强调早期手术的必要性。     

兔颅骨双侧冠状缝早闭后颅面骨的生长变化

为从骨生长量和生长方向两个方面探讨免双侧冠状缝早闭后对颅面骨生长发育的影响,用牙科釉质粘和剂固定2周龄幼免双侧冠状缝,于冠状缝、鼻额缝和人字缝前后置入金属标记物,观察双侧冠状缝早闭后各骨缝及颅面长度、颅穹窿高度、长度和鼻骨长度变化情况。结果表明兔颅骨缝扩张性生长高峰期在2～8周龄。双侧冠状缝固定后,骨缝生长停止,鼻额缝补偿性生长加快。4周解除固定带后,冠状缝在8周前出现补偿性生长高峰期,8周解除固定带无补偿性生长高峰出现。另外鼻骨长度增加并向下移位,颅穹隆长度和颅面长度缩短。提示临床手术矫正颅骨畸形时,除考虑到手术年龄的安全性外,必须强调早期手术的必要性。     

Microfocal CT: a method for evaluating murine cranial sutures in situ

INTRODUCTION: The murine model is a well-established surrogate for studying human cranial suture biology. In mice, all sutures with the exception of the posterior frontal (PF) suture remain patent throughout life. Histology is regarded as the gold standard for analyzing sutures. On this basis, PF suture fusion begins on day of life 25 and is complete by day 45. Cranial suture histology, however, requires sacrifice of the animal to obtain tissue for analysis. As a result, knowledge of the kinetics of cranial suture fusion is based on a patchwork analysis of many sutures from many different animals. The behavior of a single suture through time is unknown. Our goal is to develop a noninvasive means to repeatedly image mouse cranial sutures in vivo. As a first step, the present study was performed to evaluate microfocal computer tomography (micro-CT) technology for the use of capturing images of a mouse cranium in situ. METHODS: The micro-CT system consists of a microfocal X-ray source and a large format CCD camera optically coupled to a high-resolution X-ray image intensifier, digitally linked to a computer. The PF and sagittal sutures lie in continuity along the midline of the skull. Holes were drilled in the calvaria on both sides of the PF and sagittal sutures of a 45-day-old euthanized mouse. A micro-CT scan of this animal was performed and hundreds of cross-sectional images were generated for the cranium. These images were used to reconstruct three-dimensional volumetric images of the entire cranium. Comparisons were made between (1). the gross specimen and the three dimensional reconstructions; (2). two-dimensional coronal images obtained by micro-CT and those obtained by histology. RESULTS: Analysis of PF and sagittal sutures demonstrated the following: (1). The drilled holes were accurately rendered by micro-CT, when compared to both the gross specimen and the histology. (2). The sagittal suture was found to be patent by both micro-CT and histology. (3). The PF suture is fused by histology, but unexpectedly, the PF suture appears incompletely fused by micro-CT. By micro-CT, however, the anterior and endocranial regions appear more extensively fused than the remainder of the PF suture, a finding consistent with published histologic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully imaged 45-day-old mouse cranial sutures in situ using micro-CT technology. Precise correlation between histologic sections and radiologic images is difficult, but convincing similarities exist between the gross specimen and images from micro-CT and histology. PF suture fusion in a 45-day-old animal appears different by micro-CT than by histology. One possible explanation for this apparent discrepancy is that suture fusion in histology is determined based on the appearance of bone morphology and not tissue density, as the specimens are necessarily decalcified to section the bone. Micro-CT, on the other hand, distinguishes tissues on the basis of density. Newly forming bone may require bone matrix formation prior to complete calcification; PF suture in 45-day-old mice may be morphologically complete but incompletely ossified. Studies correlating histologic and micro-CT assessment of suture development are underway. Micro-CT appears to be a promising method for noninvasive imaging of mouse cranial suture.     

The primary site of the acrocephalic feature in Apert Syndrome is a dwarf cranial base with accelerated chondrocytic differentiation due to aberrant activation of the FGFR2 signaling

Activation of osteoblastic bone anabolism in the calvarial sutures is considered to be the essential pathologic condition underlying mutant FGFR2-related craniofacial dysostosis. However, early clinical investigations indicated that abnormal cartilage development in the cranial base was rather a primary site of abnormal feature in Apert Syndrome (AS). To examine the significance of cartilaginous growth of the cranial base in AS, we generated a transgenic mouse bearing AS-type mutant Fgfr2IIIc under the control of the Col2a1 promoter-enhancer (Fgfr2IIIc(P253R) mouse). Despite the lacking expression of Fgfr2IIIc(P253R) in osteoblasts, exclusive disruption of chondrocytic differentiation and growth reproduced AS-like acrocephaly accompanied by short anterior cranial base with fusion of the cranial base synchondroses, maxillary hypoplasia and synostosis of the calvarial sutures with no significant abnormalities in the trunk and extremities. Gene expression analyses demonstrated upregulation of p21, Ihh and Mmp-13 accompanied by modest increase in expression of Sox9 and Runx2, indicating acceleration of chondrocytic maturation and hypertrophy in the cranial base of the Fgfr2IIIc(P253R) mice. Furthermore, an acquired affinity and specificity of mutant FGFR2IIIc(P253R) receptor with FGF2 and FGF10 is suggested as a mechanism of activation of FGFR2 signaling selectively in the cranial base. In this report, we strongly suggest that the acrocephalic feature of AS is not alone a result of the coronal suture synostosis, but is a result of the primary disturbance in growth of the cranial base with precocious endochondral ossification.     

Smad7 Modulates TGFβ Signaling During Cranial Suture Development to Maintain Suture Patency

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of one or more sutures between the calvarial bones, is a common birth defect. Mutations in genes encoding receptors for the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFβ) family of signaling molecules have been associated with craniosynostosis, but how TGFβ signaling is regulated during suture development is not known. In the present study, we found that expression of Smad2 and Smad3, intracellular mediators of canonical TGFβ signaling, gradually increases during early postnatal suture development in rat in both the coronal suture (CS), which remains patent throughout life, and the posterior frontal suture (PFS), which undergoes programmed closure by postnatal day 22. The amounts of phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 proteins showed a similar gradual increase in the PFS and CS, but in the CS, Smad2/3 activation was suppressed after neonatal day 10. The suppression of Smad2/3 activation in the CS correlated with upregulation of Smad7 expression. We demonstrate that siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Smad7 caused increased phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 and induced osseous obliteration of the CS from postnatal days 10 to 22. The Smad7 siRNA‐induced CS closure was associated with significantly increased levels of Fgf10 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 in the suture mesenchyme. Moreover, addition of the Erk1/2 inhibitor U0126 partially blocked Smad7‐siRNA–induced CS closure. These findings suggest that canonical TGFβ signaling induces suture closure at least in part through activation of FGF and ERK signaling and that Smad7 plays an important role in maintaining suture patency by suppressing canonical TGFβ signaling during suture development. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Analysis of TGF-beta production by fusing and nonfusing mouse cranial sutures in vitro.

The role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in the regulation of cranial suture fusion has been studied by various qualitative techniques such as in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Although the relative expression of TGF-beta isoforms has been assessed in these studies, increased expression of TGF-beta has not been demonstrated in a quantitative fashion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify TGF-beta production by fusing (posterofrontal [PF]) and nonfusing (sagittal) mouse sutures using two different quantitative TGF-beta assays. The PF and sagittal sutures of 25-day-old mice were harvested and cultured separately in vitro. Culture media conditioned for 48 hours were collected after 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30 days of culture, and total TGF-beta production was assessed using a TGF-beta bioassay. For a quantitative TGF-beta1 immunoassay, media conditioned for 48 hours were collected after 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, 22, and 28 days of culture. The TGF-beta bioassay revealed large amounts of total TGF-beta activity in both PF and sagittal sutures during the first week of culture, with decreasing amounts thereafter. Absolute TGF-beta activity in conditioned media collected from PF sutures at several early time points was higher than those obtained from sagittal sutures; however, these differences were not statistically significant. The results of the TGF-beta1 immunoassay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were similar to the bioassay in that the highest TGF-beta1 levels were noted during the first week of culture period and decreased thereafter. Analysis of variance of these samples, however, revealed significantly more TGF-beta1 protein in samples collected from the PF suture compared with the sagittal suture on days 3 and 5 of culture (p < 0.05). TGF-beta1 levels in the conditioned media obtained from PF sutures remained elevated compared with the sagittal suture on days 7 and 9; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Increased production of TGF-beta in the conditioned media of fusing PF sutures is the first such quantitative demonstration of growth factor upregulation during suture fusion and supports the hypothesis that TGF-beta expression may be important in cranial suture fusion.     

胰岛素生长因子1在颅缝闭合中调节作用的实验研究

目的：研究胰岛素生长因子1对大鼠颅缝细胞的骨诱导作用和体外调节小鼠矢状缝闭合的作用。方法：获取新出生的SD大鼠的矢状缝细胞进行培养和出生8d的CD1小鼠矢状缝进行体外无血清器官培养基培养，加入胰岛素生长因子1（insulin lilce growth factor 1 IGF1），浓度分别为10ng/ml和40ng/ml，并设立不加IGF1者为对照组，应用RT－PCR检测颅缝细胞的成骨细胞表型碱性磷酸酶、骨钙素和骨桥蛋白mRNA表达，ELISA法检测培养液I型胶原的分泌，光镜观察小鼠矢状缝闭合的情况。结果：加入IGF1的矢状缝细胞的成骨细胞表型碱性磷酸酶、骨钙素和骨桥蛋白mRNA表达以及培养液I型胶原分泌量较对照组明显增高。有IGF1干预的矢状缝移植体培养8d时，颅缝内侧面骨板开始接近，培养20d时，颅缝小部分闭合，培养30d时颅缝大部分闭合，无IGF1干预的对照组培养30d，颅缝未发生闭合。结论：胰岛素生长因子1通过增强颅缝细胞的骨诱导促进颅缝的闭合。     

Biglycan deficiency increases osteoclast differentiation and activity due to defective osteoblasts

Bone mass is maintained by a fine balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. Although osteoblasts and osteoclasts have different developmental origins, it is generally believed that the differentiation, function, and survival of osteoclasts are regulated by osteogenic cells. We have previously shown that the extracellular matrix protein, biglycan (Bgn), plays an important role in the differentiation of osteoblast precursors. In this paper, we showed that Bgn is involved in regulating osteoclast differentiation through its effect on osteoblasts and their precursors using both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The in vivo osteolysis experiment showed that LPS (lipopolisaccharide)-induced osteolysis occurred more rapidly and extensively in bgn deficient mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. To further understand the mechanism of action, we determined the effects of Bgn on 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25-(OH)₂D₃)-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in an co-culture of calvariae-derived pre-osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors derived from spleen or bone marrow. Time course and dose response experiments showed that tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinuclear cells appeared earlier and more extensively in the co-cultures containing calvarial cells from bgn deficient mice than WT mice, regardless of the genotype of osteoclast precursors. The osteoblast abnormality that stimulated osteoclast formation appeared to be independent of the differential production of soluble RANKL and OPG and, instead, due to a decrease in osteoblast maturation accompanied by increase in osteoblastic proliferation. In addition to the imbalance between differentiation and proliferation, there was a differential decrease in secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (slpi) in bgn deficient osteoblasts treated with 1,25-(OH)₂D₃. These findings point to a novel molecular factor made by osteoblasts that could potentially be involved in LPS-induced osteolysis.     

Autologous stem cell regeneration in craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis occurs in one of 2500 live human births and may manifest as craniofacial disfiguration, seizure, and blindness. Craniotomy is performed to reshape skull bones and resect synostosed cranial sutures. We demonstrate for the first time that autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and controlled-released TGFbeta3 reduced surgical trauma to localized osteotomy and minimized osteogenesis in a rat craniosynostosis model. Approximately 0.5 mL tibial marrow content was aspirated to isolate mononucleated and adherent cells that were characterized as MSCs. Upon resecting the synostosed suture, autologous MSCs in collagen carriers with microencapsulated TGFbeta3 (1 ng/mL) generated cranial suture analogs characterized as bone-soft tissue-bone interface by quantitative histomorphometric and microCT analyses. Thus, surgical trauma in craniosynostosis can be minimized by a biologically viable implant. We speculate that proportionally larger amounts of human marrow aspirates participate in the healing of craniosynostosis defects in patients. The engineered soft tissue-bone interface may have implications in the repair of tendons, ligaments, periosteum and periodontal ligament.     

Growth of the anterior cranial base after craniotomy in infants with premature synostosis of the coronal suture

The effect of early craniotomy (age range: 1-6 months) on the growth of the cranial base was studied in 9 subjects with different types of premature synostosis affecting the coronal suture. In 5 of them the premature fusion involved only growth sites in the coronal suture growth complex, while the remaining 4 cases had a diagnosis of a craniofacial synostosis syndrome, such as Apert, Crouzon and Pfeiffer. In all but one of the patients, the craniotomy was not only extended down to the inferior orbital fissures but was also combined with the release of a free-floating fronto-supraorbital bone flap. Follow-up roentgencephalometry to ages ranging from 10 to 36 months indicated that the length and the growth of the anterior cranial base improved considerably after the craniotomy. However, complete normalization did not occur, especially in the subgroup with craniofacial synostosis syndromes. The mid-face of these patients also remained deficient in spite of the craniotomy.