TAZ介导的Wnt/β-catenin信号通路与骨髓基质干细胞的成骨分化

骨质疏松症是由于骨重建过程中骨形成和骨吸收失平衡导致骨总量丢失所致,与成骨细胞分化密切相关。Hippo通路影响着哺乳动物体内细胞增殖、分化和凋亡过程。Wnt/β-catenin通路在成骨细胞分化中扮演重要角色。Hippo下游的靶基因转录共激活因子TAZ脱磷酸化后具有促进骨髓基质干细胞(BMSCs)向成骨细胞分化,调节成骨特异基因骨钙素表达,调节骨、肾发育,激活Wnt/β-catenin通路转录反应的功能;而激活的Wnt/β-catenin通路能通过抑制β-catenin降解进而抑制TAZ的降解。因此,TAZ与Wnt/β-catenin通路相互调控。但是,对TAZ与Wnt/β-catenin通路串话是否影响BMSCs成骨能力尚不清楚。因此,深入研究TAZ介导的Wnt/β-catenin通路在骨代谢中的作用,将为深入了解骨质疏松的发病机制具有重要意义。     

人胚肺二倍体成纤维细胞衰老过程中Wnt信号抑制因子DKK4的表达

Dickkopf家族蛋白DKK4是经典Wnt信号通路的抑制因子.为研究其在人胚肺二倍体成纤维细胞(2BS)复制性衰老过程中的作用机制及生理学意义,使用Wnt/β-联蛋白通路的激活剂氯化锂(LiCl)和抑制剂DKK1作用于2BS,同时利用免疫荧光技术分析衰老过程中细胞因子的定位.结果显示,在2BS复制性衰老的过程中,DKK4表达水平下降,而这种下降是β-联蛋白/TCF介导完成的.而在衰老过程或较高的过氧化物水平下,细胞核内转录因子FoxO4增多.由此得出结论:在衰老过程中,β-联蛋白/TCF下游靶基因DKK4表达下调,降低了对经典Wnt通路的抑制,使胞内β-联蛋白处于较高水平.较高水平的β-联蛋白在高过氧化物的微环境中,与FOXO家族转录因子相互作用,激活其下游靶基因,促进了衰老的发生发展.     

牙龈卟啉单胞菌感染通过Wnt通路调节牙周膜干细胞的成骨分化

目的观察牙龈卟啉单胞菌(P.gingivalis)感染通过Wnt通路调节牙周膜干细胞(PDLSCs)成骨分化的作用。方法培养原代PDLSCs,分为常规处理的对照组、P.gingivalis感染的P.gingivalis组和P.gingivalis感染并用Wnt3a处理的P.gingivalis+Wnt3a组,成骨诱导后茜素红染色并检测A_(405)值,Western blot检测Wnt通路分子的蛋白表达量,碱性磷酸酶(ALP)试剂盒检测ALP活力,PCR检测成骨标志基因Runt相关转录因子2(Runx2)、骨钙素(OCN)的mRNA表达量。结果与对照组比较,P.gingivalis组Wnt3a、β-catenin、p-GSK-3β的蛋白表达水平(0.33±0.07)、(0.27±0.08)、(0.44±0.09)以及成骨诱导后A_(405)值(0.55±0.08)、ALP活力(20.14±6.54)U/mL和Runx2、OCN的mRNA表达量(0.45±0.09)、(0.51±0.07)均明显减少;与P.gingivalis组比较,P.gingivalis+Wnt3a组成骨诱导后A_(405)值(0.89±0.15)、ALP活力(29.44±5.26)U/mL及Runx2、OCN的mRNA表达量(0.89±0.17)、(0.81±0.18)均明显增加。结论 P.gingivalis感染能够抑制PDLSCs的成骨分化,抑制Wnt通路是可能的分子机制。     

铁过载对Wnt信号诱导的ST2细胞成骨分化的作用及机制

该研究探究铁过载对Wnt信号诱导的小鼠骨髓基质细胞(ST2)成骨分化的作用及其可能的机制。采用柠檬酸铁铵(FAC)模拟铁过载微环境,用碱性磷酸酶(ALP)染色及生化定量检测成骨分化水平,qRT-PCR检测成骨分化标志基因Alp、Runx2、Osx、Col1以及Wnt信号靶基因Smad6、CyclinD1、Lef1、BMP4的mRNA表达水平,免疫荧光法检测β-catenin入核情况。结果显示,铁过载剂量依赖性抑制Wnt信号诱导的ST2成骨分化,同时显著降低Wnt信号诱导的成骨分化标志基因及Wnt信号靶基因的表达(P0.05),且铁过载抑制Wnt信号诱导的β-catenin入核。综上所述,铁过载抑制Wnt信号诱导的ST2细胞成骨基因和Wnt靶基因的表达,并通过抑制β-catenin入核而抑制ST2细胞成骨分化。     

Notch信号参与BMP4诱导的间充质干细胞成骨分化及其机制的初步探讨

目的:探讨Notch信号对骨形态发生蛋白4(bone morphogenetic protein 4,BMP4)诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化的影响以及作用机制。方法:(1)DAPT或Ad-dominant-negative mutants of Notch1(Addn Notch1)和BMP4-CM处理小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞,检测早期成骨指标碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP);(2)茜素红S染色实验检测晚期成骨钙盐沉积情况;(3)半定量反转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测成骨分化相关基因ALP,Runx2,Col1a1的表达;(4)免疫细胞化学检测p-Smad1/5/8的表达;(5)结晶紫染色和流式细胞术检测细胞的增殖及周期改变。结果:(1)DAPT抑制BMP4诱导的早期成骨分化,且呈浓度依赖性;(2)Delta-like 1(DLL1)促进BMP4诱导的成骨分化,DAPT和dn Notch1抑制BMP4诱导的成骨分化;(3)DLL1促进BMP4诱导的成骨相关基因ALP,Runx2,Col1a1的表达,DAPT抑制这些基因的表达;(4)DLL1促进BMP4诱导的细胞核内p-Smad1/5/8的表达,而DAPT抑制其表达;(5)DLL1促进BMP4诱导的细胞增殖,而DAPT抑制BMP4诱导的细胞增殖。结论:Notch信号通过BMP/Smads信号通路促进BMP4诱导的MSCs成骨分化,在此过程中也有促细胞增殖的作用。     

黄芩苷对结肠癌细胞凋亡的影响及作用机制

黄芩苷在多种肿瘤中具有较高的抗肿瘤活性,然而,其在结肠癌中的抗肿瘤作用尚不清楚。本研究考察了黄芩苷对人结肠癌细胞系RKO的增殖和凋亡的影响,并探讨了其相关作用机制。研究发现,黄芩苷可按照剂量依赖性方式和时间依赖性方式抑制结肠癌细胞增殖及集落形成能力。流式细胞术显示,与对照细胞相比,黄芩苷处理后的RKO细胞的凋亡率显著增加(5.6%vs 33.6%)。RT-PCR和Western blotting检测显示,黄芩苷处理可显著增加结肠癌RKO细胞中DKK1 (Wnt信号通路的关键负调节因子) mRNA和蛋白表达水平。相反,黄芩苷处理则显著抑制结肠癌RKO细胞中c-Myc和β-catenin (DKK1的下游靶基因)的m RNA和蛋白表达。敲低DKK1后明显阻断了黄芩苷诱导的结肠癌细胞中DKK1蛋白的上调。此外,敲低DKK1逆转了黄芩苷对其下游基因c-Myc和β-catenin的抑制作用。黄芩苷处理后,结肠癌细胞中miR-217的表达显著下调。RT-PCR和Western blotting结果显示,下调miR-217显著促进DKK1的mRNA和蛋白表达。综上所述,本研究表明黄芩苷可通过抑制结肠癌细胞增殖并诱导细胞凋亡来发挥其抗肿瘤作用,黄芩苷通过激活结肠癌细胞中DKK1来抑制Wnt信号通路。此外,黄芩苷通过下调结肠癌细胞中miR-217的表达来上调DKK1的表达,从而起到抗癌作用。     

Wnt/β-catenin信号通路对重度子痫前期患者胎盘滋养层细胞侵袭和增殖的影响

为了阐明Wnt/β-catenin信号通路在子痫前期发生发展中的作用机制,本研究应用RT-PCR检测了子痫前期和正常妊娠妇女胎盘中的Wnt1、β-catenin和cyclinD1的mRNA水平。通过Western blotting检测了Wnt1、β-catenin、Dickkopf-1 (DKK1)和糖原合成酶激酶3β(GSK-3β)蛋白的表达水平。使用免疫组化定位胎盘中Wnt1、β-catenin和DKK1蛋白的表达。研究显示,与对照组正常胎盘相比,重度子痫前期胎盘中Wnt1、β-catenin和cyclinD1的mRNA表达水平显著降低。Western blotting结果显示,对照组Wnt1、β-catenin和GSK-3β蛋白表达水平显著升高,而DKK1表达水平显著降低。此外,与对照组相比,子痫前期组胎盘中Wnt1和β-catenin的染色强度较弱,而DKK1的染色强度明显增强。说明子痫前期患者胎盘中Wnt/β-catenin信号通路及其下游靶基因被抑制,导致滋养层的侵袭和增殖能力降低,从而促进了子痫前期的发生发展。     

纳米形貌诱导干细胞成骨分化的相关信号通路

目的:探究纳米形貌诱导间充质干细胞(MSC)分化中的作用以及相关分子机制。方法:利用阳极氧化法制备二氧化钛纳米管形貌,使用qRT-PCR技术,RNA-seq技术,分析接种在纳米形貌表面的间充质干细胞的基因表达情况。并筛选对成骨相关的信号通路中的成员,观察他们基因上调或下调情况。结果:在钛金属表面构建出了纳米形貌,利用实时定量PCR确定了成骨相关的基因:碱性磷酸酶(ALP),骨桥蛋白(OPN)和骨钙素(OCN)相比没有纳米形貌的钛片上培养的细胞均发生上调。通过对这些基因相关的成骨信号通路进行转录组数据分析(筛选基因P<0.05),发现在BMP2信号通路中的相关蛋白基因表达没有太大变化,同时Notch以及Wnt非经典信号通路中相关蛋白基因发生较为明显变化。结论:通过分析间充质干细胞成骨分化相关基因,以及转录组数据分析表明在纳米形貌诱导BMSC分化过程中,相对于平坦的表面,纳米形貌启动了Notch以及非经典的Wnt信号通路,因此表现出更加优良的促成骨分化的效果。     

淫羊藿黄酮诱导的骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化中WNT信号通路的研究

目的:检测淫羊藿黄酮(FA)在促进人骨髓来源的间充质干细胞(MSC)成骨分化过程中WNT信号通路的功能。方法:从人骨髓中分离得到MSC,进行成骨诱导,通过茜素红染色,碱性磷酸酶活性,RT-PCR等检测成骨的情况,以及通过WNT信号通路的抑制剂DKK-1检测对成骨的影响。结果:RT-PCR结果显示β-cantenin,cyclinD在FA诱导的成骨分化中表达明显升高。抑制剂DKK-1部分的抑制了FA的成骨效果。结论:WNT信号通路参与了FA诱导的成骨分化的过程。     

心肌分化过程中经典Wnt信号促进Isl1表达北大核心CSCD

ISL1是第二生心区的分子标志,在心血管发育中发挥重要作用.在心脏发育过程中,Isl1的表达具有鲜明的时空特异性.本研究利用P19CL6畸胎瘤干细胞作为心肌分化模型,探讨了Isl1在心肌诱导分化过程中的时间特异性表达及经典Wnt信号通路对其的调控.研究发现,Isl1在心肌分化早期高表达,于诱导第4 d到达高峰,随后快速下调.其表达趋势与经典Wnt通路的激活模式具有时间上的同步性.通过加入Wnt3a蛋白及Li Cl激活经典Wnt通路,能够促进Isl1基因的表达,而Wnt通路抑制分子Frizzled-4/Fc和DKK1能够下调Isl1表达.β-catenin过表达及RNAi实验也获得相似的结果.染色质免疫共沉淀实验证实,Wnt通路效应分子LEF1,在细胞分化第4 d与其在Isl1基因启动子上游-2 300 bp处的结合增强,因而促进了Isl1基因的表达.本研究表明,经典Wnt信号能够通过LEF1/β-catenin与Isl1启动子特异结合,调控Isl1基因在心肌早期分化阶段的表达.     

Canonical Wnt signaling differently modulates osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and from periodontal ligament under inflammatory conditions

Background

Cellular plasticity and complex functional requirements of the periodontal ligament (PDL) assume a local stem cell (SC) niche to maintain tissue homeostasis and repair. Here, pathological alterations caused by inflammatory insults might impact the regenerative capacities of these cells. As bone homeostasis is fundamentally controlled by Wnt-mediated signals, it was the aim of this study to characterize the SC-like capacities of cells derived from PDL and to investigate their involvement in bone pathophysiology especially regarding the canonical Wnt pathway.

Methods

PDLSCs were investigated for their SC characteristics via analysis of cell surface marker expression, colony forming unit efficiency, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and adipogenic differentiation, and compared to bone marrow derived mesenchymal SCs (BMMSCs). To determine the impact of both inflammation and the canonical Wnt pathway on osteogenic differentiation, cells were challenged with TNF-α, maintained with or without Wnt3a or DKK-1 under osteogenic induction conditions and investigated for p-IκBα, p-NF-κB, p-Akt, β-catenin, p-GSK-3β, ALP and Runx2.

Results

PDLSCs exhibit weaker adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation capacities compared to BMMSCs. TNF-α inhibited osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs more than BMMSCs mainly through regulating canonical Wnt pathway. Blocking the canonical Wnt pathway by DKK-1 reconstituted osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs under inflammatory conditions, whereas activation by Wnt3a increased osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a diverse regulation of the inhibitory effect of TNF-α in BMMSCs and PDLSCs via canonical Wnt pathway modulation.

General significance

These findings provide novel insights on PDLSC SC-like capacities and their involvement in bone pathophysiology under the impact of the canonical Wnt pathway.     

Pharmacological inhibition of S6K1 impairs self‐renewal and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells

mTORC1 signaling not only plays important physiological roles in the regulation of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, but also mediates exogenous Wnt‐induced protein anabolism and osteoblast differentiation. However, the downstream effectors of the mTORC1 signaling in the above processes are still poorly understood. In this study, we explored the specific role of S6K1, one of the major targets of the mTORC1 pathway, in BMSCs self ‐ renewal and osteogenic differentiation. We first found that S6K1 was active in primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells, and further activated upon osteogenic induction. We then determined the effects of S6K1 inhibition by LY2584702 Tosylate, a selective inhibitor of S6K1 (hereafter S6KI), using both primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells and ST2 cells. Colony‐Forming Unit‐Fibroblast (CFU‐F) assays showed that S6KI dramatically reduced the total number of colonies formed in primary BMSCs cultures. Under the basal osteogenic culture condition, S6KI significantly inhibited mRNA expression of osteoblast marker genes (Sp7, Bglap, Ibsp, and Col1a1), ALP activity and matrix mineralization. Upon Wnt3a treatments, S6KI inhibited Wnt3a‐induced osteoblast differentiation and expression of protein anabolism genes in ST2 cells, but to a much lesser degree than rapamycin (a specific inhibitor of mTORC1 signaling). Collectively, our findings have demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of S6K1 impaired self ‐ renewal and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, but only partially suppressed exogenous Wnt3a‐induced osteoblast differentiation and protein anabolism.     

Osteogenic differentiation of stem cells derived from human periodontal ligaments and pulp of human exfoliated deciduous teeth

Multipotent stem cells derived from periodontal ligaments (PDLSC) and pulp of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) represent promising cell sources for bone regeneration. Recent studies have demonstrated that retinoic acid (RA) and dexamethasone (Dex) induce osteogenesis of postnatal stem cells. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of RA and Dex on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of SHED and PDLSC and to compare the osteogenic characteristics of SHED and PDLSC under RA treatment. SHED and PDLSC were treated with serum-free medium either alone or supplemented with RA or Dex for 21 days. The proliferation of SHED and PDLSC was significantly inhibited by both RA and Dex. RA significantly upregulated gene expression and the activity of alkaline phosphatase in SHED and PDLSC. Positive Alizarin red and von Kossa staining of calcium deposition was seen on the RA-treated SHED and PDLSC after 21 days of culture. The influences of RA on the osteogenic differentiation of SHED and PDLSC were significantly stronger than with Dex. Supplemention with insulin enhanced RA-induced osteogenic differentiation of SHED. Thus, RA is an effective inducer of osteogenic differentiation of SHED and PDLSC, whereas RA treatment in combination with insulin supplementation might be a better option for inducing osteogenic differentiation. Significantly higher cell proliferation of PDLSC results in greater calcium deposition after 3-week culture, suggesting that PDLSC is a better osteogenic stem cell source. This study provides valuable information for efficiently producing osteogenically differentiated SHED or PDLSC for in vivo bone regeneration.     

ACVR1-knockout promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating the Wnt signaling pathway in mice

Osteogenic differentiation refers to the process of bone formation and remodeling, which is controlled by complex molecular mechanisms. Activin A receptor type I (ACVR1) is reported to be associated with osteogenic differentiation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Therefore, this study evaluates the function of ACVR1 in osteogenic differentiation through the Wnt signaling pathway. The expression of osteocalcin (Oc) and osterix together with osteogenic differentiation and mineralization was examined in ACVR1-knockout (KO) mouse. Furthermore, the Wnt signaling pathway was inhibited in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) of mice to explore the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in osteogenic differentiation by means of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity detection and evaluation of mineralized nodules and calcium content. Subsequently, the effect of ACVR1 on the Wnt signaling pathway was assessed by determining the expression of ACVR1, β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β), dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), and frizzled class receptor 1 (FZD1). Both their effects on osteogenic differentiation were further evaluated by determination of Oc, osterix, and Runx2 expression. AVCR1 KO mice exhibited increased Oc and osterix expression and promoted bone resorption and formation. ACVR1-knockout was observed to activate the Wnt signaling pathway with an increase of β-catenin and reductions in GSK3β, DKK1, and FZD1. With the inhibited Wnt signaling pathway expression of Oc, osterix, and Runx2 was decreased, and ALP activity, mineralized nodule, and calcium content in cellular matrix were decreased as well, indicating that inactivation of the Wnt signaling pathway reduced the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoclasts. These findings indicate that ACVR1-knockout promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating the Wnt signaling pathway in mice.     

Effects of sulforaphane on neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural organosulfur compound with anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammation properties. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of SFN on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSC). NSCs were exposed to SFN at the concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 10 µM. Cell viability was evaluated with MTT assay and lactate dehydogenase (LDH) release assay. The proliferation of NSCs was evaluated with neurosphere formation assay and Ki‐67 staining. The level of Tuj‐1 was evaluated with immunostaining and Western blot to assess NSC neuronal differentiation. The expression of key proteins in the Wnt signaling pathway, including β‐catenin and cyclin D1, in response to SFN treatment or the Wnt inhibitor, DKK‐1, was determined by Western blotting. No significant cytotoxicity was seen for SFN on NSCs with SFN at concentrations of less than 10 µM. On the contrary, SFN of low concentrations stimulated cell proliferation and prominently increased neurosphere formation and NSC differentiation to neurons. SFN treatment upregulated Wnt signaling in the NSCs, whereas DKK‐1 attenuated the effects of SFN. SFN is a drug to promote NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation when used at low concentrations. These protective effects are mediated by Wnt signaling pathway.     

Retracted: microRNA-129-5p involved in the neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury by targeting COL3A1 through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in neonatal rats

Our study aims to elucidate the mechanisms how microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p) involved in the neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) by targeting the type III procollagen gene (COL3A1) through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in neonatal rats. A total of 120 rats were obtained, among which 15 rats were selected as sham group and rest rats as model, DEX, DEX + negative control (DEX + NC), DEX + miR-129-5p mimics, DEX + miR-129-5p inhibitors, DEX + XAV-939, and DEX + miR-129-5p inhibitors + XAV-939 groups. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed for the target relationship between miR-129-5p and COL3A1. Weight rate and water content of cerebral hemisphere were detected. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were conducted to detect miR-129-5p expression and expressions of COL3A1, E-cadherin, T-cell factor (TCF)− 4, and β-catenin. The DEX, DEX + miR-129-5p mimics, DEX + XAV-939 groups had increased weight rate of the cerebral hemisphere, but decreased water content of left cerebral hemisphere, levels of COL3A1, β-catenin, TCF-4, and E-cadherin in the hippocampus compared with the model and DEX + miR-129-5p inhibitors groups. COL3A1 was verified as the target gene of the miR-129-5p. Compared with the DEX + NC and DEX + miR-129-5p inhibitors + XAV-939 groups, the DEX + XAV-939 and DEX + miR-129-5p mimics groups had elevated weight rate of the cerebral hemisphere, but reduced water content of left cerebral hemisphere, levels of COL3A1, β-catenin, TCF-4, and E-cadherin in the hippocampus. Our findings demonstrate that miR-129-5p improves the neuroprotective role of DEX in HIBI by targeting COL3A1 through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in neonatal rats.