Transcriptional profiling of intramembranous and endochondral ossification after fracture in mice
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Bone fracture repair represents an important clinical challenge with nearly 1 million non-union fractures occurring annually in the U.S. Gene expression differs between non-union and healthy repair, suggesting there is a pattern of gene expression that is indicative of optimal repair. Despite this, the gene expression profile of fracture repair remains incompletely understood. In this work, we used RNA-seq of two well-established murine fracture models to describe gene expression of intramembranous and endochondral bone formation. We used top differentially expressed genes, enriched gene ontology terms and pathways, callus cellular phenotyping, and histology to describe and contrast these bone formation processes across time. Intramembranous repair, as modeled by ulnar stress fracture, and endochondral repair, as modeled by femur full fracture, exhibited vastly different transcriptional profiles throughout repair. Stress fracture healing had enriched differentially expressed genes associated with bone repair and osteoblasts, highlighting the strong osteogenic repair process of this model. Interestingly, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was one of only a few pathways uniquely enriched in stress fracture repair. Full fracture repair involved a higher level of inflammatory and immune cell related genes than did stress fracture repair. Full fracture repair also differed from stress fracture in a robust downregulation of ion channel genes following injury, the role of which in fracture repair is unclear. This study offers a broad description of gene expression in intramembranous and endochondral ossification across several time points throughout repair and suggests several potentially intriguing genes, pathways, and cells whose role in fracture repair requires further study
Project description:Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is highly upregulated in response to skeletal injury, suggesting it plays a role in the inflammatory phase of fracture repair. However, the impact of IL-6 on successful repair remains incompletely defined. Therefore, we investigated IL-6 in fracture repair using 12-week old IL-6 global knockout mice (IL-6 KO) and two models of fracture repair: full fracture and stress fracture. Callus formation 14 days after full fracture did not differ between IL-6 knockout mice and controls. However, IL-6 KO mice had an enhanced response 7 days after stress fracture compared to control, with increased callus (p=0.020) and bone formation (p=0.045). IL-6 KO did not alter the recruitment of neutrophils or macrophages to the stress fracture callus. IL-6 KO also did not alter the number of osteoclasts in the stress fracture callus. Based on RNA-seq, IL-6 KO resulted in only modest alterations to the gene expression at early time points after stress fracture. Wnt1 was more highly upregulated in IL-6 KO callus at both day 1 (fold change 12.5 vs. 5.7) and day 3 (fold change 4.7 vs. 1.9) compared to controls. Finally, using tibial compression to induce bone formation, we found that IL-6 KO directly impacted osteoblast function, increasing the propensity for woven bone formation. Herein, we report that IL-6 knockout enhanced formation of callus and bone following stress fracture injury, likely through direct action on the osteoblast’s ability to produce woven bone. This suggests a novel role of IL-6 as a suppressor of intramembranous bone formation.
Project description:Cell based bone regeneration strategies offer promise for traumatic bone injuries, congenital defects, non-union fractures and other skeletal pathologies. Postnatal bone remodeling and fracture healing provide evidence that an osteochondroprogenitor cell is present in adult life which can differentiate to remodel or repair the fractured bone. However, cell based skeletal repair in the clinic is still in its infancy mostly due to poor characterization of progenitor cells and lack of knowledge about their in vivo behavior. Here we took a combined approach of high throughput screening, flow based cell sorting and in vivo transplantation to identify markers that identify osteochondroprogenitor cells. We show that the presence of tetraspanin CD9 enriches for osteochondroprogenitors within CD105+vemesenchymal cells and these cells readily form bone upon transplantation. In addition we have used Thy1.2 (CD90) and the ectonucleotidase CD73 to identify subsets within the CD9+ve population that lead to endochondral or intramembranous-like bone formation. Utilization of this unique cell surface phenotype to enrich for osteochondroprogenitor cells will allow for further characterization of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their osteogenic properties. Osteochondroprogenitor sub-populations were arrayed for differentially expressed genes. Osteochondroprogenitor cells were FACS sorted from E16.5 mouse embryonic limb suspension after staining with Flurochrome conjuigated antibodies
Project description:Runx2 and Axin2 regulate skeletal development. We recently determined that Axin2 and Runx2 molecularly interact in differentiating osteoblasts to regulate intramembranous bone formation, but the relationship between these factors in endochondral bone formation was unresolved. To address this, we examined the effects of Axin2 deficiency on the cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) phenotype of Runx2+/- mice, focusing on skeletal defects attributed to improper endochondral bone formation. Axin2 deficiency unexpectedly exacerbated calvarial components of the CCD phenotype in the Runx2+/- mice; the endocranial layer of the frontal suture, which develops by endochondral bone formation, failed to mineralize in the Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-mice, resulting in a cartilaginous, fibrotic and larger fontanel than observed in Runx2+/- mice. Transcripts associated with cartilage development (e.g., Acan, miR140) were expressed at higher levels, whereas blood vessel morphogenesis transcripts (e.g., Slit2) were suppressed in Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-calvaria. Cartilage maturation was impaired, as primary chondrocytes from double mutant mice demonstrated delayed differentiation and produced less calcified matrix in vitro. The genetic dominance of Runx2 was also reflected during endochondral fracture repair, as both Runx2+/- and double mutant Axin2-/-:Runx2+/- mice had enlarged fracture calluses at early stages of healing. However, by the end stages of fracture healing, double mutant animals diverged from the Runx2+/- mice, showing smaller calluses and increased torsional strength indicative of more rapid end stage bone formation as seen in the Axin2-/- mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate a dominant role for Runx2 in chondrocyte maturation, but implicate Axin2 as an important modulator of the terminal stages of endochondral bone formation. 4 mice per genotype X 4 genotypes: wildtype (WT), Runx2+/- (R-Het), Axin2-/- (A-KO), Axin2-/-:Runx2+/- (A-KO:R-Het). Total = 16 samples
Project description:Runx2 and Axin2 regulate skeletal development. We recently determined that Axin2 and Runx2 molecularly interact in differentiating osteoblasts to regulate intramembranous bone formation, but the relationship between these factors in endochondral bone formation was unresolved. To address this, we examined the effects of Axin2 deficiency on the cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) phenotype of Runx2+/-M-BM- mice, focusing on skeletal defects attributed to improper endochondral bone formation. Axin2 deficiency unexpectedly exacerbated calvarial components of the CCD phenotype in the Runx2+/-M-BM- mice; the endocranial layer of the frontal suture, which develops by endochondral bone formation, failed to mineralize in the Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-mice, resulting in a cartilaginous, fibrotic and larger fontanel than observed in Runx2+/-M-BM- mice. Transcripts associated with cartilage development (e.g., Acan, miR140) were expressed at higher levels, whereas blood vessel morphogenesis transcripts (e.g., Slit2) were suppressed in Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-calvaria. Cartilage maturation was impaired, as primary chondrocytes from double mutant mice demonstrated delayed differentiation and produced less calcified matrix in vitro. The genetic dominance of Runx2 was also reflected during endochondral fracture repair, as both Runx2+/-M-BM- and double mutant Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-M-BM- mice had enlarged fracture calluses at early stages of healing. However, by the end stages of fracture healing, double mutant animals diverged from the Runx2+/-M-BM- mice, showing smaller calluses and increased torsional strength indicative of more rapid end stage bone formation as seen in the Axin2-/-M-BM- mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate a dominant role for Runx2 in chondrocyte maturation, but implicate Axin2 as an important modulator of the terminal stages of endochondral bone formation. 4 mice per genotype X 4 genotypes: wildtype (WT), Runx2+/- (R-Het), Axin2-/- (A-KO), Axin2-/-:Runx2+/- (A-KO:R-Het). Total = 16 samples
Project description:Cell based bone regeneration strategies offer promise for traumatic bone injuries, congenital defects, non-union fractures and other skeletal pathologies. Postnatal bone remodeling and fracture healing provide evidence that an osteochondroprogenitor cell is present in adult life which can differentiate to remodel or repair the fractured bone. However, cell based skeletal repair in the clinic is still in its infancy mostly due to poor characterization of progenitor cells and lack of knowledge about their in vivo behavior. Here we took a combined approach of high throughput screening, flow based cell sorting and in vivo transplantation to identify markers that identify osteochondroprogenitor cells. We show that the presence of tetraspanin CD9 enriches for osteochondroprogenitors within CD105+vemesenchymal cells and these cells readily form bone upon transplantation. In addition we have used Thy1.2 (CD90) and the ectonucleotidase CD73 to identify subsets within the CD9+ve population that lead to endochondral or intramembranous-like bone formation. Utilization of this unique cell surface phenotype to enrich for osteochondroprogenitor cells will allow for further characterization of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their osteogenic properties.
Project description:During endochondral fracture repair, a myriad of biochemical and phenotypic changes occur at the chondro-osseuous junction that regulate cartilage to bone conversion. Osteogenic and angiogenic factors have long been studied for accelerating fracture repair. In our concise study, we focused on the neurotrophic factor nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TRKA) as understudied therapeutic targets for accelerating endochondral fracture repair. We first characterized endogenous expression of NGF and TRKA during endochondral repair of tibial fractures. We then analyzed gene expression data from β-NGF stimulated hypertrophic cartilage and observed a promotion in endochondral ossification associated markers. Additional gene ontology analyses revealed promotion of genes associated with Wnt activation, PDGF binding, and integrin binding. Subsequent histological analyses of in vivo samples confirmed Wnt activation following local β-NGF injections via reporter mice. Finally, we tested the therapeutic efficacy of local β-NGF injections in mice, which resulted in a decrease of cartilage and increase of bone volume. Moreover, the newly formed bone contained higher trabecular number, connective density, and bone mineral density. Collectively, we demonstrate the ability for β-NGF to promote endochondral fracture repair in a murine model and uncover mechanisms that will serve to further understand the molecular switches that occur during endochondral ossification.
Project description:Runx2 and Axin2 regulate skeletal development. We recently determined that Axin2 and Runx2 molecularly interact in differentiating osteoblasts to regulate intramembranous bone formation, but the relationship between these factors in endochondral bone formation was unresolved. To address this, we examined the effects of Axin2 deficiency on the cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) phenotype of Runx2+/- mice, focusing on skeletal defects attributed to improper endochondral bone formation. Axin2 deficiency unexpectedly exacerbated calvarial components of the CCD phenotype in the Runx2+/- mice; the endocranial layer of the frontal suture, which develops by endochondral bone formation, failed to mineralize in the Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-mice, resulting in a cartilaginous, fibrotic and larger fontanel than observed in Runx2+/- mice. Transcripts associated with cartilage development (e.g., Acan, miR140) were expressed at higher levels, whereas blood vessel morphogenesis transcripts (e.g., Slit2) were suppressed in Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-calvaria. Cartilage maturation was impaired, as primary chondrocytes from double mutant mice demonstrated delayed differentiation and produced less calcified matrix in vitro. The genetic dominance of Runx2 was also reflected during endochondral fracture repair, as both Runx2+/- and double mutant Axin2-/-:Runx2+/- mice had enlarged fracture calluses at early stages of healing. However, by the end stages of fracture healing, double mutant animals diverged from the Runx2+/- mice, showing smaller calluses and increased torsional strength indicative of more rapid end stage bone formation as seen in the Axin2-/- mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate a dominant role for Runx2 in chondrocyte maturation, but implicate Axin2 as an important modulator of the terminal stages of endochondral bone formation.
Project description:Runx2 and Axin2 regulate skeletal development. We recently determined that Axin2 and Runx2 molecularly interact in differentiating osteoblasts to regulate intramembranous bone formation, but the relationship between these factors in endochondral bone formation was unresolved. To address this, we examined the effects of Axin2 deficiency on the cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) phenotype of Runx2+/- mice, focusing on skeletal defects attributed to improper endochondral bone formation. Axin2 deficiency unexpectedly exacerbated calvarial components of the CCD phenotype in the Runx2+/- mice; the endocranial layer of the frontal suture, which develops by endochondral bone formation, failed to mineralize in the Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-mice, resulting in a cartilaginous, fibrotic and larger fontanel than observed in Runx2+/- mice. Transcripts associated with cartilage development (e.g., Acan, miR140) were expressed at higher levels, whereas blood vessel morphogenesis transcripts (e.g., Slit2) were suppressed in Axin2-/-:Runx2+/-calvaria. Cartilage maturation was impaired, as primary chondrocytes from double mutant mice demonstrated delayed differentiation and produced less calcified matrix in vitro. The genetic dominance of Runx2 was also reflected during endochondral fracture repair, as both Runx2+/- and double mutant Axin2-/-:Runx2+/- mice had enlarged fracture calluses at early stages of healing. However, by the end stages of fracture healing, double mutant animals diverged from the Runx2+/- mice, showing smaller calluses and increased torsional strength indicative of more rapid end stage bone formation as seen in the Axin2-/- mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate a dominant role for Runx2 in chondrocyte maturation, but implicate Axin2 as an important modulator of the terminal stages of endochondral bone formation.
Project description:Thyroid hormone has a positive effect on endochondral bone growth. Few studies have looked at the interaction between thyroid hormone exposures and intramembranous bone derived cells. We used microarray as one tool to determine the gene expression profile of intramembranous (calvarial) derived murine pre-osteoblsts after thyroxine exposure.
Project description:Bone fracture healing requires skeletal stem cells (SSCs), which facilitate intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification in long bone fractures. Although the periosteum is necessary for bone homeostasis and regeneration, the in vivo origin and regulatory mechanisms of periosteal SSCs (P-SSCs) remain unclear. Here, we identified Postn+ P-SSCs at the cambium layer of the periosteum that actively orchestrate regeneration in response to bone injury. Notably, the Postn+ P-SSCs that arise during bicortical fractures are likely derived from Gli1+ P-SSCs. In addition, Postn+ cell ablation compromises cortical bone homeostasis and bone regeneration. The IGF signal is indispensable in the regulatory effect of Postn+ P-SSCs on bicortical fractures since the genetic deletion of Igf1r in Postn+ cells dampens bone fracture healing. Taken together, adult Postn+ cells are region-specific P-SSCs that contribute to bone homeostasis and regeneration and are partially dependent upon IGF signaling.