A novel tripolymer coating demonstrating the synergistic effect of chitosan, collagen type 1 and hyaluronic acid on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells

The biomimetic approach mimicking in vivo micro environment is the key for developing functional tissue engineered constructs. In this study, we used a tripolymer combination consisting of a natural polymer, chitosan and two extracellular matrix components; collagen type 1 and hyaluronic acid to coat tissue culture plate to evaluate their effect on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The polymers were blended at different mixing ratios and the tissue culture plates were coated either by polyblend method or by surface modification method. hMSCs isolated from adult bone marrow were directed to osteoblast differentiation on the coated plates. Our results showed that the tripolymer coating of the tissue culture plate enhanced mineralization as evidenced by calcium quantification exhibiting significantly higher amount of calcium compared to the untreated or individual polymer coated plates. We found that the tripolymer coated plates having a 1:1 mixing ratio of chitosan and collagen type 1, surface modified with hyaluronic acid is an ideal combination to achieve the synergistic effect of these polymers on in vitro osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. These results thus, establish a novel biomimetic approach of surface modification to enhance osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Our findings hold great promise in implementing a biomimetic surface coating to improve osteoconductivity of implants and scaffolds for various orthopaedic and bone tissue engineering applications.     

Sulfated hyaluronan derivatives reduce the proliferation rate of primary rat calvarial osteoblasts

Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and proteoglycans, which are components of the extracellular bone matrix, are also localized in and at the membrane of osteoblasts and in the pericellular matrix. Due to their interaction with several growth factors, water and cations these molecules play an important role in regulating proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and bone development. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro the effects of two chemically sulfated hyaluronan (HyaS) derivatives on the proliferation of rat calvarial osteoblasts and to compare with those of native hyaluronan (Hya) and natural sulfated GAG such as chondroitin-4-sulfate (C4S), chondroitin-6-sulfate (C6S), dermatan sulfate (DS) and heparan sulfate (HS). Moderately and highly sulfated HyaS derivatives caused a time-dependent reduction of osteoblast proliferation. The anti-proliferative effect of HyaS was accompanied by a cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, but was not associated with cell death. Whereas non-sulfated high molecular weight (HMW)- and low molecular weight (LMW)-Hya as well as C4S, C6S, DS and HS showed no effect on the cell proliferation.     

Regulation of osteoblast, chondrocyte, and osteoclast functions by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-18 in comparison with FGF-2 and FGF-10.

This study investigated the actions of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-18, a novel member of the FGF family, on osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts and compared them with those of FGF-2 and FGF-10. FGF-18 stimulated the proliferation of cultured mouse primary osteoblasts, osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, primary chondrocytes, and prechondrocytic ATDC5 cells, although it inhibited the differentiation and matrix synthesis of these cells. FGF-18 up-regulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in both osteoblasts and chondrocytes and up-regulated the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase only in chondrocytes. FGF-18 mitogenic actions were blocked by a specific inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in both osteoblasts and chondrocytes and by a specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in chondrocytes. With regard to the action of FGF-18 on bone resorption, FGF-18 not only induced osteoclast formation through receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand and cyclooxygenase-2 but also stimulated osteoclast function to form resorbed pits on a dentine slice in the mouse coculture system. All these effects of FGF-18 bore a close resemblance to those of FGF-2, whereas FGF-10 affects none of these cells. FGF-18 may therefore compensate for the action of FGF-2 on bone and cartilage.     

Stem Cell Regulation by the Haemopoietic Stem Cell Niche

Both cellular as well as extracellular matrix components of the stem cell microenvironment, or niche, are critical in stem cell regulation. Recent data highlight a central role for osteoblasts and their by product osteopontin as a key part of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche. Herein we describe a model for the yin and yang of HSC regulation mediated by osteoblasts. In this respect, osteoblasts synthesise proteins with opposing effects on HSC proliferation and differentiation highlighting their pivotal role in adult hematopoiesis. Although osteoblasts play a central role in HSC regulation other stromal and microenvironmental cell types and their extracellular matrix proteins also contribute to this biology. For example, the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid as well as the membrane bound form of stem cell factor are also key regulators of HSC. Osteopontin and these “niche” molecules are not only involved in regulation of HSC quiescence but also effect HSC homing, trans-marrow migration and lodgement. Accordingly this leads us to expand upon Schofield’s niche hypothesis: we propose that the HSC niche is critical for attraction of primitive hematopoietic progenitors to the endosteal region and tightly tethering them within this location, and by doing so placing them into intimate contact with cells such as osteoblasts whose extracellular products are able to exquisitely regulate their fate.     

Systemic transplantation of human adipose-derived stem cells stimulates bone repair by promoting osteoblast and osteoclast function

Systemic transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) is emerging as a novel therapeutic option for functional recovery of diverse damaged tissues. This study investigated the effects of systemic transplantation of human ASCs (hASCs) on bone repair. We found that hASCs secrete various bone cell-activating factors, including hepatocyte growth factor and extracellular matrix proteins. Systemic transplantation of hASCs into ovariectomized mice induced an increased number of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts in bone tissue and thereby prevented bone loss. We also observed that conditioned medium from hASCs is capable of stimulating proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts via Smad/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/JNK (c-jun NH(2) -terminal kinase) activation as well as survival and differentiation of osteoclasts via ERK/JNK/p38 activation in vitro. Overall, our findings suggest that paracrine factors secreted from hASCs improve bone repair and that hASCs can be a valuable tool for use in osteoporosis therapy.     

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation on bone tissue like formation are dependent on the maturation stages of the osteoblasts

The effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF, 15 Hz pulse burst, 7 mT peak) stimulation on bone tissue-like formation on osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cell line) in different stages of maturation were assessed to determine whether the PEMF stimulatory effect on bone tissue-like formation was associated with the increase in the number of cells and/or with the enhancement of the cellular differentiation. The cellular proliferation (DNA content), differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity), and bone tissue-like formation (area of mineralized matrix) were determined at different time points. PEMF treatment of osteoblasts in the active proliferation stage accelerated cellular proliferation, enhanced cellular differentiation, and increased bone tissue-like formation. PEMF treatment of osteoblasts in the differentiation stage enhanced cellular differentiation and increased bone tissue-like formation. PEMF treatment of osteoblasts in the mineralization stage decreased bone tissue-like formation. In conclusion, PEMF had a stimulatory effect on the osteoblasts in the early stages of culture, which increased bone tissue-like formation. This stimulatory effect was most likely associated with enhancement of the cellular differentiation, but not with the increase in the number of cells.     

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and osteocalcin in mouse osteoblasts is related to osteoblastic differentiation and is modulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and thyroid hormones

Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), is a key protein of bone matrix degradation, and is highly expressed by osteoblasts. We used the osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell line and compared the stimulatory effects of the bone resorptive agents 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) 3,3',5-triido-L-thyronine (T3) on the expression of MMP-13 mRNA. We showed that the stimulatory effects were time and dose dependent, and were also transduced to the protein level, with 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)being more potent.MMP-13 expression in different mouse cells and its localization within developing bone from the onset of osteogenesis were also investigated. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)- and T3-regulated osteocalcin (Osc) expression in mouse osteoblasts was compared to hormonal effects on MMP-13 expression and activity. Here we show divergent and common roles of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)and T3 action on the expression of these marker proteins, depending on the stage of cell differentiation. In addition, we propose a role for MMP-13 in the bone collar of developing long bones. The results could help to more precisely characterize hormonal regulation in the developmental sequence of osteoblasts.     

A Recombinant Human TGF-β1 Fusion Protein with Collagen-Binding Domain Promotes Migration, Growth, and Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells

A continuous source of osteoblasts for normal bone maintenance, as well as remodeling and regeneration during fracture repair, is ensured by the mesenchymal osteoprogenitor stem cells of the bone marrow (BM). The differentiation and maturation of osteoprogenitor cells into osteoblasts are thought to be modulated by transforming growth factors-β (TGF-β1 and TGF-β2) and TGF-β-related bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). To define the responses of mesenchymal osteoprogenitor stem cells to several growth factors (GFs), we cultured Fischer 344 rat BM cells in a collagen gel medium containing 0.5% fetal bovine serum for prolonged periods of time. Under these conditions, survival of BM mesenchymal stem cells was dependent on the addition of GFs. Recombinant hTGF-β1-F2, a fusion protein engineered to contain an auxiliary collagen binding domain, demonstrated the ability to support survival colony formation and growth of the surviving cells, whereas commercial hTGF-β1 did not. Initially, cells were selected from a whole BM cell population and captured inside a collagen network, on the basis of their survival response to added exogenous GFs. After the 10-day selection period, the surviving cells in the rhTGF-β1-F2 test groups proliferated rapidly in response to serum factors (10% FBS), and maximal DNA synthesis levels were observed. Upon the addition of osteoinductive factors, osteogenic differentiation in vitro was evaluated by the induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, the production of osteocalcin (OC), and the formation of mineralized matrix. Concomitant with a down-regulation of cell proliferation, osteoinduction is marked by increased ALP expression and the formation of colonies that are competent for mineralization. During the induction period, when cells organize into nodules and mineralize, the expression of OC was significantly elevated along with the onset of extracellular matrix mineralization. Differentiation of BM mesenchymal stem cells into putative bone cells as shown by increased ALP, OC synthesis, and in vitro mineralization required the presence of specific GFs, as well as dexamethasone (dex) and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP). Although rhTGF-β1-F2-selected cells exhibited the capacity to mineralize, maximal ALP activity and OC synthesis were observed in the presence of rhBMPs. We further report that a novel rhTGF-β1-F2 fusion protein, containing a von Willebrand's factor-derived collagen binding domain combined with a type I collage matrix, is able to capture, amplify, and stimulate the differentiation of a population of cells present in rat BM. When these cells are subsequently implanted in inactivated demineralized bone matrix (iDBM) and/or diffusion chambers into older rats they are able to produce bone and cartilage. The population of progenitor cells captured by rhTGF-β1-F2 is distinct from the committed progenitor cells captured by rhBMPs, which exhibit a considerably more differentiated phenotype.     

Effects of PEMF and glucocorticoids on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) can promote bone healing, while use of dexamethasone induces bone loss and osteoporosis. There is no report available on the combined effects of PEMF and dexamethasone on the activity of osteoblasts. Here, we investigated the effects of PEMF and dexamethasone on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Our results showed that PEMF and dexamethasone respectively increased and decreased the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, meanwhile PEMF eliminated the effect of dexamethasone on MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Moreover, we also found that dexamethasone combined with PEMF upregulated the mRNA expression of IGF-1 at the early stage after the stimulation of PEMF and improved the decrease of COX-2 mRNA expression induced by dexamethasone at the late stage after the stimulation of PEMF. PEMF may be beneficial to improve dexamethasone-induced bone loss and osteoporosis.     

Improved Cellular Response of Osteoblast Cells Using Recombinant Human Osteopontin Protein Produced by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis>

Osteopontin is a major non-collagenous bone matrix protein secreted into the mineralizing extracellular matrix by osteoblasts during bone development. Recombinant human osteopontin (hOPN) that includes the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) cell recognition site was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified osteopontin increased cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast cells (p<0.05). Revisions requested 26 July 2005; Revisions received 31 August 2005     

Stretch-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 depends on differentiation stage of osteoblasts

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of mechanical loading on osteoblasts and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling in relation to osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. A human osteoblast cell line (SV-HFO) was triggered to differentiate to the advanced state of mineralization by addition of the osteogenic factors dexamethasone and beta-glycerophosphate. Osteoblasts were subjected to cyclic, equibiaxial stretch for 5, 15, or 60 min at different stages of differentiation (days 7, 14, and 21). Baseline (static) phosphorylated ERK1/2 and total ERK1/2 levels gradually increased during osteoblast differentiation. Cyclic stretch induced a rapid increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation with a maximum between 5 and 15 min. Prolonged stretching for 60 min resulted in a decrease of phosphorylated ERK1/2 towards baseline level, suggesting a desensitization mechanism. The effect of stretch on ERK1/2 phosphorylation was strongest at later stages of differentiation (days 14 and 21). At day 21, the increase of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to stretch was significantly lower in non-differentiating than in differentiating osteoblasts. This could not be explained by differences in cell density, but did correlate with the formation of extracellular matrix, collagen fibrils. Mineralization of the extracellular matrix did not lead to a further increase of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that the extent of activation of the ERK1/2 pathway is dependent on the differentiation or functional stage of the osteoblast. The presence of an extracellular matrix, but not per se mineralization, seems to be the predominant determinant of osteoblastic response to strain.     

Bone sialoprotein II synthesized by cultured osteoblasts contains tyrosine sulfate

Isolated mouse osteoblasts that retain their osteogenic activity in culture were incubated with [35S] sulfate. Two radiolabeled proteins, in addition to proteoglycans, were extracted from the calcified matrix of osteoblast cultures. All the sulfate label in both proteins was in the form of tyrosine sulfate as assessed by amino acid analysis and thin layer chromatography following alkaline hydrolysis. The elution behavior on DEAE-Sephacel of the major sulfated protein and the apparent Mr on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels were characteristic of bone sialoprotein II extracted from rat. This protein was shown to cross-react with an antiserum raised against bovine bone sialoprotein II, indicating that bone sialoprotein II synthesized by cultured mouse osteoblasts is a tyrosine-sulfated protein. The minor sulfated protein was tentatively identified as bone sialoprotein I or osteopontin based on its elution properties on DEAE-Sephacel and anomalous behavior on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels similar to those reported for rat bone sialoprotein I.     

Rat extramedullary adipose tissue as a source of osteochondrogenic progenitor cells

Human liposuction aspirates contain pluripotent adipose-derived mesodermal stem cells that have previously been shown to differentiate into various mesodermal cell types, including osteoblasts and chondrocytes. To develop an autologous research model of bone and cartilage tissue engineering, the authors sought to determine whether rat inguinal fat pads contain a similar population of osteochondrogenic precursor cells. It was hypothesized that the rat inguinal fat pad contains adipose-derived multipotential cells that resemble human adipose-derived mesodermal stem cells in their osteochondrogenic capacity. To test this, the authors assessed the ability of cells isolated from the rat inguinal fat pad to differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes by a variety of lineage-specific histologic stains.Rat inguinal fat pads were isolated and processed from Sprague-Dawley rats into a fibroblast-like cell population. Cell cultures were placed in pro-osteogenic media containing dexamethasone, ascorbic acid, and beta-glycerol phosphate. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Alkaline phosphatase activity and von Kossa staining were performed to assess osteoblastic differentiation and the production of a calcified extracellular matrix. Cell cultures were also placed in prochondrogenic conditions and media supplemented with transforming growth factor-beta1, insulin, transferrin, and ascorbic acid. Chondrogenic differentiation was assessed at 2, 7, and 14 days by the presence of positive Alcian blue staining and type II collagen immunohistochemistry. Cells placed in osteogenic conditions changed in structure to a more cuboidal shape, formed bone nodules, stained positively for alkaline phosphatase activity, and secreted calcified extracellular matrix by 2 weeks. Cells placed in chondrogenic conditions formed cartilaginous nodules within 48 hours that stained positively for Alcian blue and type II collagen. The authors identified the rat inguinal fat pad as a source of osteochondrogenic precursors and developed a straightforward technique to isolate osteochondrogenic precursors from a small animal source. This relatively easily obtained source of osteochondrogenic cells from the rat may be useful for study of tissue engineering strategies and the basic science of stem cell biology.     

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin inhibits differentiation of normal diploid rat osteoblasts in vitro

The influence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a potent halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon, on the development of bone tissue-like organization in primary cultures of normal diploid calvarial-derived rat osteoblasts was examined. Initially, when placed in culture, these cells actively proliferate while expressing genes associated with biosynthesis of the bone extracellular matrix. Then, post-proliferatively, genes are expressed that render the osteoblast competent for extracellular matrix mineralization and maintenance of structural as well as functional properties of the mature bone-cell phenotype. Our results indicate that, in the presence of TCDD, proliferation of osteoblasts was not inhibited but post-confluent formation of multicellular nodules that develop bone tissue-like organization was dramatically suppressed. Consistent with TCDD-mediated abrogation of bone nodule formation, expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin was not upregulated post-proliferatively. These findings are discussed within the context of TCDD effects on estrogens and vitamin D-responsive developmental gene expression during osteoblast differentiation and, from a broader biological perspective, on steroid hormone control of differentiation.     

A role for osteocalcin in osteoclast differentiation

Specific cellular interactions with components of the extracellular matrix can influence cellular differentiation and development of many tissues. The extracellular matrix of bone is composed of organic constituents and a solid phase of calcium and inorganic phosphate (apatite). When implanted subcutaneously in rats, particles of bone matrix (BPs) recruit progenitors that differentiate into multinucleated cells with osteoclastic features. Because BPs deficient in osteocalcin, a bone matrix protein, were less efficient at promoting osteoclast formation than were normal BPs, we directly examined the influence of osteocalcin on osteoclast differentiation. We evaluated tissue responses to particles of synthetic crystalline apatite alone (Ap), having many of the features of native apatite of mature bone, or to apatite prepared with osteocalcin (Ap/OC), bovine serum albumin (Ap/BSA) or rat bone collagen (Ap/Col). Twelve days after subcutaneous implantation in normal rats, Ap, Ap/BSA, and Ap/Col particles generated a mild foreign body reaction with multinucleated cells in direct contact with the particles; these cells were negative for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and lacked ruffled borders. In contrast, Ap particles containing approximately 0.1% osteocalcin were partially resorbed and they generated more multinucleated cells that were TRAP-positive, were immunoreactive with an antibody against tartrate-resistant purple acid phosphatase, and displayed ultrastructural features of active osteoclasts including ruffled borders and clear zones. These data support the hypothesis that osteocalcin may function as a matrix signal in the recruitment and differentiation of bone-resorbing cells.     

Dexamethasone modulates osteogenesis and adipogenesis with regulation of osterix expression in rat calvaria‐derived cells

Osteoblasts and adipocytes originate from common mesenchymal progenitor cells and although a number of compounds can induce osteoblastic and adipogenic differentiation from progenitor cells, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. The present study examined the synergistic effects of dexamethasone (Dex) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2 on the differentiation of clonal mesenchymal progenitor cells isolated from rat calvaria into osteoblasts and adipocytes, as well as the effects of the timing of treatment. Cells were cultured for various periods of time in the presence of Dex and/or BMP‐2. When cells were treated with Dex + BMP‐2 during the early phase of differentiation, they differentiated into adipocytes. However, when cells were treated with Dex + BMP‐2 during the late phase of differentiation, a synergistic effect on in vitro matrix mineralization was observed. To examine differences between the early and late phases of differentiation, ALP activity was measured in the presence of BMP‐2. ALP activity increased markedly on Day 9, corresponding to the onset of the synergistic effect of Dex. Dex treatment inhibited osterix (OSX) expression in cells committed to adipogenic differentiation, but not in cells committed to osteogenic differentiation following BMP‐2 treatment. The isoform2 OSX promoter region was found to be involved in the effects of Dex on cells during the early phase of differentiation. Furthermore, cells stably expressing OSX (isoform2) formed mineralized nodules even though they had been treated with Dex + BMP‐2 during the early phase of differentiation. It appears that Dex modulates osteogenesis and adipogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells by regulating OSX expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 739–748, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.