Observations on the kinetics of uranyl acetate and phosphotungstic acid staining of chromatin in thin sections for electron microscopy

When thin sections of spermatogenic chromatin are fixed with either glutaraldehyde alone or postfixed with osmium tetroxide (OsO4) and stained with uranyl acetate (UAc) for increasing times, even after as little as 1 min, stain uptake is proportional to section thickness. Greater UAc uptake is observed in chromatin fixed with glutaraldehyde only, but seen with postfixed chromatin. Lead citrate poststaining of chromatin fixed with either glutaraldehyde or postfixed with OsO4 increases UAc uptake by a factor of about 3. The staining of thin sections of spermatogenic chromatin with ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (PTA) shows a region where stain uptake is proportional to section thickness followed by a plateau. This staining pattern is seen in chromatin fixed with glutaraldehyde alone or postfixed with OsO4; similar levels for final PTA uptake are also observed. An increase in the resin content of embedded chromatin postfixed with OsO4 is proposed to explain the decrease and increase in the rate of migration of UAc and ethanolic PTA staining solutions, respectively.     

Extracellular calcium chronically induced human osteoblasts effects: specific modulation of osteocalcin and collagen type XV

Fluctuation in extracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration occurs during bone remodeling. Free ionized Ca(2+) plays a critical role in regulating osteoblast functions. We analyzed the effects of different concentrations of free ionized Ca(2+) (0.5, 1.3, and 2.6 mM) on human osteoblasts and we evaluated osteoblastic phenotype (marker expression and cell morphology) and functions (osteogenic differentiation, cell proliferation, and cell signaling). Our data show human osteoblasts that chronically stimulated with 0.5, 1.3, or 2.6 mM Ca(2+) significantly increase intracellular content of alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein, whereas collagen type XV was down-modulated and RUNX2 expression was not affected. We also found a Ca(2+) concentration-dependent increase in osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation, associated to an increase of signaling protein PLCβ1 and p-ERK. Human osteoblast morphology was affected by Ca(2+) as seen by the presence of numerous nucleoli, cells in mitosis, cell junctions, and an increased number of vacuoles. In conclusion, our data show a clear phenotypical and functional effect of extracellular Ca(2+) on human osteoblasts and support the hypothesis of a direct role of this cation in the bone remodeling processes.     

CCL20/CCR6 chemokine/receptor expression in bone tissue from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: Different response of osteoblasts in the two groups

Subchondral bone remodeling in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mainly characterized by the formation of osteophytes/fibrosis and by the presence of infiltrating cells associated to bone resorption. In this study we analyzed CC (cysteine cysteine motif) chemokine ligand (CCL)20 and CC chemokine receptor (CCR)6 function in subchondral bone tissue and osteoblasts isolated from OA and RA patients. CCL20/CCR6 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques in bone tissue from OA and RA patients. CCL20‐functional tests were performed on osteoblasts isolated from OA and RA patients to evaluate enzymatic response and cell proliferation. Moreover, we assessed Akt phosphorylation as the major signaling pathway for CCL20. In bone tissue biopsies we found that osteoblasts from both OA and RA patients expressed CCR6 while CCL20 was expressed only by RA osteoblasts. Both CCR6 and CCL20 were highly expressed in osteocytes and mononuclear cells from only RA patients. CCL20‐stimulated OA osteoblasts showed a significant increase in β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase release compared to RA. Conversely, a significant increase in cellular proliferation was found only in CCL20‐stimulated RA osteoblasts associated to Akt phosphorylation. These data were confirmed in bone tissue biopsies. This study demonstrates a different expression of CCL20‐positive osteoblasts in OA versus RA disease that seem to be associated with the presence of infiltrating mononuclear cells. Moreover, CCL20 stimulation resulted in a greater proliferative response in RA osteoblasts compared to OA osteoblasts, mediated by Akt signaling, while OA osteoblasts showed increased enzymatic activity, thus suggesting a differential role of this chemokine in OA and RA. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 154–160, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc     

RFX1 and NF-1 associate with P sequences of the human growth hormone locus in pituitary chromatin

The human GH family consists of five genes, including the placental chorionic somatomammotropins (CS), within a single locus on chromosome 17. Based on nuclease sensitivity, the entire GH/CS locus is accessible in pituitary chromatin, yet only GH-N is expressed. Previously, we reported a P sequence element (263P) capable of repressing placental CS promoter activity in transfected pituitary (GC) cells. Regions of protein binding within 263P include P sequence elements A and B (PSE-A and PSE-B), and we reported nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) recognition of PSE-B. We now provide evidence for multiple interactions on PSE-A, including binding of the regulatory factor X (RFX) family. Disruption of the RFX site within 263P blunts repressor activity in transfected GC cells; however, repression is only abolished when both PSE-A/RFX and PSE-B/NF-1 sites are mutated. The capacity of RFX and NF-1 to participate in a novel common complex is further suggested by coimmunoprecipitation of RFX1 and epitope-tagged NF-1 family members. Finally, we confirm the association of NF-1 and RFX1 with P sequences in human pituitary tissue by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Taken together, our data suggest that an inverse relationship exists between 263P and CS promoter histone hyperacetylation and the association of these factors in vivo.     

Cell transplantation for treatment of acute myocardial infarction: unique capacity for repair by skeletal muscle satellite cells

An adult heart injured by an ischemic episode has a limited capacity to regenerate. We administered three types of adult guinea pig cells [cardiomyocytes (CMs), cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), and skeletal myoblasts (Mbs)] to compare their suitability for repair of acute myocardial infarction. We used confocal fluorescent microscopy and a variety of specific immunomarkers and echocardiography to provide anatomic evidence for the viability of such cells and their possible functional beneficial effects. All cells were transfected with adenovirus-containing beta-galactosidase gene so that migration from the injection sites could be traced. Both freshly isolated CMs as well as CFs were found concentrated in the infarcted zone; these cells survived for at least 2 wk posttransplantation. Transplanted CMs were regularly striated and grew long projections that could form gap junctions with native CMs, which was evidenced by connexin43 labeling. In addition, CM transplantation resulted in increased angiogenesis in the infarcted areas. In contrast, transplanted CFs did not appear to make any gap junctional contacts with native CMs nor did they enhance local angiogenesis. Mbs cultured for 7 days and transfected Mbs were identified 7 days posttransplantation in the infarcted area. During that time and thereafter, Mbs proliferated and differentiated into myotubes that formed new, regularly striated myofibers that occupied most (50-70%) of the infarcted area by 2-3 wk. These newly formed myofibers maintained their Mb skeletal muscle origin as evidenced by their capacity to express myogenin and fast skeletal myosin. This skeletal phenotype appeared to downregulate with time, and Mbs partially transdifferentiated into a cardiac phenotype as indicated by labeling for cardiac-specific troponin T and cardiac myosin heavy chain. By the third week posttransplantation, new myofibers formed apparent contacts with the native CMs via putative gap junctions that expressed connexin43. Myocardial performance of animals that were successfully transplanted with Mbs was improved.     

Observations on the Kinetics of Uranyl Acetate and Phosphotungstic Acid Staining of Chromatin in thin Sections for Electron Microscopy

When thin sections of spermatogenic chromatin are fixed with either glutaraldehyde alone or postfixed with osmium tetroxide (OsO₄) and stained with uranyl acetate (UAc) for increasing times, even after as little as 1 min, stain uptake is proportional to section thickness. Greater UAc uptake is observed in chromatin fixed with gutaraldehyde only, but stain uptake is reduced following a long wash with distilled water to a level similar to that seen with postfixed chromatin. Lead citrate poststaining of chromatin fixed with either glutaraldehyde or postfixed with OsO₄ increases UAc uptake by a factor of about 3.

The staining of thin sections of spermatogenic chromatin with ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (PTA) shows a region where stain uptake is proportional to section thickness followed by a plateau. This staining pattern is seen in chromatin fixed with glutaraldehyde alone or postfixed with OsO₄; similar levels for final PTA uptake are also observed.

An increase in the resin content of embedded chromatin postfixed with OsO₄ is proposed to explain the decrease and increase in the rate of migration of UAc and ethanolic PTA staining solutions, respectively.     

Lithium Chloride Dependent Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Inactivation Links Oxidative DNA Damage,Hypertrophy and Senescence in Human Articular Chondrocytes and Reproduces Chondrocyte Phenotype of Obese Osteoarthritis Patients

Introduction

Recent evidence suggests that GSK3 activity is chondroprotective in osteoarthritis (OA), but at the same time, its inactivation has been proposed as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic option. Here we evaluated the extent of GSK3β inactivation in vivo in OA knee cartilage and the molecular events downstream GSK3β inactivation in vitro to assess their contribution to cell senescence and hypertrophy.

Methods

In vivo level of phosphorylated GSK3β was analyzed in cartilage and oxidative damage was assessed by 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine staining. The in vitro effects of GSK3β inactivation (using either LiCl or SB216763) were evaluated on proliferating primary human chondrocytes by combined confocal microscopy analysis of Mitotracker staining and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (2'',7''-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining). Downstream effects on DNA damage and senescence were investigated by western blot (γH2AX, GADD45β and p21), flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle and light scattering properties, quantitative assessment of senescence associated β galactosidase activity, and PAS staining.

Results

In vivo chondrocytes from obese OA patients showed higher levels of phosphorylated GSK3β, oxidative damage and expression of GADD45β and p21, in comparison with chondrocytes of nonobese OA patients. LiCl mediated GSK3β inactivation in vitro resulted in increased mitochondrial ROS production, responsible for reduced cell proliferation, S phase transient arrest, and increase in cell senescence, size and granularity. Collectively, western blot data supported the occurrence of a DNA damage response leading to cellular senescence with increase in γH2AX, GADD45β and p21. Moreover, LiCl boosted 8-oxo-dG staining, expression of IKKα and MMP-10.

Conclusions

In articular chondrocytes, GSK3β activity is required for the maintenance of proliferative potential and phenotype. Conversely, GSK3β inactivation, although preserving chondrocyte survival, results in functional impairment via induction of hypertrophy and senescence. Indeed, GSK3β inactivation is responsible for ROS production, triggering oxidative stress and DNA damage response.     

T cell suppression by osteoclasts in vitro

T cells are critical regulators of osteoclast differentiation and function in bone, but whether osteoclasts can, in turn, regulate T cell homing, and response to stimuli is unclear. To investigate whether osteoclasts are immune competent cells, the expression of HLA Class II and costimulatory receptors was evaluated by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry by comparing osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts. T‐cell‐attracting chemokines were measured in the supernatants of confluent cultures of osteoclasts and compared with mesenchymal stromal cells and osteoblasts. T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and apoptosis were assayed in co‐cultures with osteoclasts in the presence or absence of mitogenic stimuli. To define the mechanism of action of osteoclasts, cytokine‐blocking experiments were performed. Our findings revealed that mature osteoclasts constitutively expressed Class II HLA in the membrane and upregulate the expression of CD40 and CD80 during differentiation. Osteoclasts secreted high levels of most T cell chemoattractants and effectively retained T cells in adhesion assays. Moreover, the osteoclasts potently blunted T cell response to PHA and CD3/CD28 stimulation, thus inhibiting proliferation, suppressing T cell TNFα and IFNγ production and decreasing T cell apoptosis by a mostly cell‐contact independent mechanism. In conclusion, osteoclasts are immune‐competent cells which can retain T cells and suppress in vitro T cell response to proliferative stimuli. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 982–990, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Regulated expression of chimaeric genes containing the 5''-flanking regions of human growth hormone-related genes in transiently transfected rat anterior pituitary tumor cells.

The expression and hormonal regulation of chimaeric genes containing the 5'-flanking regions of the normal human growth hormone (hGH-1), the variant hGH (hGH-2) and chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS-1) genes fused to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene has been examined after transient transfection into cultured rat pituitary (GC), and non-pituitary (HeLa and Rat 2) tumor cells. As assessed by levels of CAT activity, the hGH-1 and hCS-1 gene hybrids were expressed at 5- to 25-fold higher levels in GC cells than in HeLa or Rat 2 cells. The hGH-2 gene hybrid was expressed at very low levels in all 3 cell types. Triiodothyronine treatment of transiently transfected GC cells had little effect on CAT activity from the hGH-1 gene hybrid but increased CAT activity from the hCS-1 gene hybrid. A slight but significant increase in CAT expression was detected with both genes after dexamethasone treatment. The data indicate that elements present on the hGH-1 and hCS-1 genes' 5'-flanking DNA are required for the efficient expression of these genes in GC cells.