This work is concerned with the characterization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) specifically from bone marrow samples derived from patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The multilineage potential of mesenchymal stem cells as well as their ease of exvivo expansion makes these cells an attractive therapeutic tool for applications such as autologous transplantation and tissue engineering. Bone marrow is considered a source of MSC. However, there is a general assumption that the occurrence of MSCs and their activity in bone marrow diminishes with age and disease. This prompted us to isolate and identify multipotential and self-renewing cells from patients with the degenerative disease osteoarthritis, with the view of using these cells for autologous cell therapies. It is therefore of great potential benefit to investigate the isolation and characterization of stem cell/progenitors from bone marrow samples of patients with osteoarthritis in greater detail. We employed a single cell clone culture method in order to develop clonal cell populations from three bone marrow samples and characterized them based on their proliferation and differentiation capabilities. The clonal populations were grouped into fast-growing and slow-growing clones based on their proliferation rates. The fastgrowing clones displayed 20-30% greater proliferation rate than the slow-growing clones. The study also revealed that the proliferation rates were directly proportional to their differentiation capacities. Most of the fast-growing clones were found to be tripotential for osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages, whereas the slow growing clones were either uni or bipotential. Flow cytometry analysis for the phenotype determination using putative MSC surface markers did not reveal any difference between the two clonal populations indicating a need for further molecular studies. Two approaches were employed to further investigate the molecular processes involved in the existence of such varying populations. In the first method gene expression studies were performed between the fast-growing (n=3) and slow-growing (n=3) clonal populations to identify potential genetic markers associated with cell 'sternness' using the Stem Cell RT2 ProfilerTM PCR Array comprising a series of 84 genes related to stem cell pathways. Ten genes were identified to be commonly and significantly over represented in the fast-growing stem cell clones when compared to slow-growing clones. This included expression of transcripts beyond MSC lineage specification such as SOX2, NOTCH1 and FOXA2 which signified that stem cell maintenance requires a coordinated regulation by multiple signalling pathways. The second study involved an extensive protein expression profiling of the fast growing (n=2) and slow growing (n=2) clonal populations using off-line Two Dimensional Liquid Chromatography (2D-LC)/Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) Mass Spectrometry (MS). A total of 67 proteins were identified, of which 11 were expressed at significantly different levels between the subpopulations. Protein ontology revealed these proteins to be associated with cellular organization, cytokinesis, signal transduction, energy pathways and cell stress response. Of particular interest was the differential presentation of the proteins calmodulin, tropomyosin and caldesmon between fast- and slow-growing clones. Based on their reported roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and maintenance of cell integrity, we draw an association between their expression and the altered status in which the subpopulations exist. Based on our observations, these proteins may be prospective molecular markers to distinguish between the fast-growing and slow-growing subpopulations. In summary, this study demonstrated the existence of potential stem cells of therapeutic importance in spite of a supposedly smaller stem cell compartment in patients with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes between the sub-populations highlight the 'sternness' of the potential clones, an observation supported by the expression of proteins which act as effective modulators in the maintenance of cell integrity and cell cycle regulation. This study provides a basis for more detailed investigations in search of selective cell surface markers

Objetivos: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar comparativamente o potencial osteogênico in vitro de células obtidas do ramo mandibular (RM, área doadora) e do seio maxilar enxertado com uma mistura de RM e osso bovino inorgânico (OBI), previamente à instalação de implantes de titânio (SM, sítio do seio maxilar enxertado). Material e Métodos: As células foram obtidas de três pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de aumento do soalho do seio maxilar com a proporção de 1:1 de RM e OBI (GenOx Inorg®). No momento da realização dos enxertos no seio maxilar e após 08 meses, antes da inserção dos implantes de titânio, fragmentos ósseos foram colhidos do RM e do SM, respectivamente, e submetidos à digestão enzimática com tripsina e colagenase para obtenção de células primárias. As células foram subcultivadas e crescidas sob condições osteogênicas por até 21 dias, tendo sido avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: proliferação/viabilidade celular, expressão gênica de marcadores osteoblásticos, atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e conteúdo de cálcio, por extração do vermelho de Alizarina. Culturas primárias derivadas do RM foram expostas ao GenOx Inorg® por 7 dias, quando se avaliou a atividade de ALP. Os resultados foram comparados por ANOVA two-way, seguido do teste de Tukey, ou pelo teste de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Culturas do SM exibiram uma redução significante do potencial osteogênico se comparado ao de culturas do RM, com um aumento progressivo na proliferação celular associado a uma redução da expressão dos marcadores osteoblásticos, da atividade de ALP e do conteúdo de cálcio. A exposição do GenOx Inorg® às células primárias derivadas do RM inibiram a atividade de ALP. Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem que o uso do GenOx Inorg® em associação a fragmentos do RM para aumento do soalho do seio maxilar inibe a diferenciação de células osteoblásticas no sítio de inserção de implantes de titânio após 8 meses de enxertia. / Objectives: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the in vitro osteogenic potential of cells obtained from the mandibular ramus (MR, autogenous bone donor site) and from the maxillary sinus bone grafted with a mixture of anorganic bovine bone (ABB) and MR prior to titanium implant placement (MS, grafted implant site). Material and methods: Cells were obtained from three patients subjected to maxillary sinus floor augmentation with a 1:1 mixture of ABB (GenOx Inorg®) and MR. At the time of the sinus lift procedure and after 8 months, prior to implant placement, bone fragments were taken from MR and MS, respectively, and subjected to trypsin-collagenase digestion for primary cell culturing. Subcultured cells were grown under osteogenic condition for up 21 days and assayed for proliferation/viability, osteoblast marker mRNA levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content/Alizarin red staining. ALP activity was also determined in primary explant cultures exposed to GenOx Inorg® (1:1 with MR) for 7 days. Data were compared using the two-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test; otherwise, the Mann-Whitney test was used. Results: MS cultures exhibited a significantly lower osteogenic potential compared with MR cultures, with a progressive increase in cell proliferation together with a downregulation of osteoblast markers, reduced ALP activity and calcium content. Exposure of MR-derived primary cultures to GenOx Inorg® inhibited ALP activity. Conclusion: These results suggest that the use of GenOx Inorg® in combination with MR fragments for maxillary sinus floor augmentation inhibits the osteoblast cell differentiation at the implant site in the longterm.

O agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) tem-se demonstrado aplicável em diversas situações que exigem reparação dos tecidos dentais e periapicais. Contudo, desvantagens relacionadas ao seu elevado custo, propriedades físico-químicas e dificuldade de manuseio têm limitado sua utilização. Neste sentido, um novo cimento de aluminato de cálcio e aditivos (CAC+) foi desenvolvido para superar algumas características negativas do MTA, mantendo, no entanto, suas propriedades satisfatórias. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a progressão de culturas de células osteogênicas e de células indiferenciadas da polpa dental (linhagem OD-21) expostas ao CAC+, utilizando MTA como controle, ou a preparações alternativas do CAC+, com maior conteúdo de cloreto de cálcio (CaCl2) e/ou com substituição do óxido de zinco por óxido de bismuto como radiopacificador. Para isso, células osteogênicas derivadas de calvárias de ratos ou células da linhagem OD-21 foram crescidas sobre Thermanox® por 24 h e expostas, por períodos de até 14 dias, a amostras dos diferentes materiais, posicionadas sobre Transwell®. Em células osteogênicas, apesar de a proximidade com as amostras de CAC+ e MTA inibir o crescimento celular, nas áreas periféricas das lamínulas, foram observados proliferação, viabilidade celular e expressão de marcadores-chave da diferenciação osteoblástica, que precederam a mineralização da matriz extracelular. Culturas expostas ao CAC+, comparativamente ao MTA, exibiram aumentos na viabilidade celular, atividade de fosfatase alcalina e na expressão de marcadores de diferenciação, o que não se repetiu para células OD-21. Além disso, demonstrou-se que os efeitos destes cimentos sobre a osteogênese in vitro variaram de acordo com o período de exposição das culturas, sendo mais favoráveis durante sua fase proliferativa. Entre as preparações de CAC+, verificou-se que o aumento no teor de CaCl2 promoveu maior disponibilização de Ca2+ no meio de cultura, o que correspondeu a maior diferenciação celular e formação de matriz mineralizada em culturas de células osteogênicas e OD-21, e à redução de efeitos negativos da adição de óxido de bismuto sobre osteoblastos. Conclui-se que o CAC+ favorece o desenvolvimento do fenótipo osteogênico, atuando principalmente em células em estágios iniciais de diferenciação e que a adição de CaCl2, independentemente do agente radiopacificador, potencializa os efeitos benéficos sobre células osteogênicas e favorece o desenvolvimento e diferenciação de células indiferenciadas derivadas do tecido pulpar, podendo ser considerado como material alternativo ao MTA. / Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been successfully applied in endodontic procedures in which dental and periapical tissue repair are required. However, some drawbacks of MTA as high cost, physicochemical properties and difficulty in handling have limited its use. In this context, a novel calcium aluminate cement plus additives (CAC+) has been developed to overcome some negative features of MTA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the progression of either osteogenic cell cultures or undifferentiated dental pulp-derived ones (OD-21 cell line) exposed to CAC+ or to alternative formulations of CAC+ with a higher content of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and/or replacement of zinc oxide by bismuth oxide as radiopacifier agent. Rat calvaria-derived cells or OD-21 cells were grown on Thermanox® coverslips for 24 h and exposed to samples of CAC+ or MTA (control) placed on Transwell® for periods of up to 14 days. In osteogenic cell cultures, the proximity to MTA or CAC+ samples inhibited cell growth, whereas at distance it was observed cell proliferation, cell viability and expression of differentition markers prior to mineralization of the extracellular matrix. Comparatively to MTA, osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+ exhibited higher cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of key osteoblast markers, contrary to what was observed for OD-21 cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the effects of these cements on in vitro osteogenesis varied according to the timing of exposure, with a more favorable impact during the proliferative phase of cultures. Among the diverse formulations of CAC+, it was found that the increase in the CaCl2 content promoted greater availability of Ca2+ in the culture medium, which corresponded to higher cell differentiation and mineralized matrix formation in osteoblastic cell cultures and OD-21 cells, while reducing the negative effects of bismuth oxide on osteoblasts. In conclusion, CAC+ supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype, mostly for cells in early stages of differentiation. Additionaly, the increase in the CaCl2 content, regardless of the radiopacifier agent, potentiates the beneficial effects on osteogenic cells and promotes the growth and differentiation of OD-21 cells, rendering CAC+ a potential alternative material to replace MTA in endodontic procedures.

La cicatrisation de défauts osseux permet tout au plus une réparation de l'os et dans peu de cas, une régénération ad integrum. Le développement de biomatériaux issus de l'ingénierie tissulaire en vue d'une régénération osseuse est donc un enjeu majeur. Le but de cette étude a été d'évaluer si des peptides GXXPG issus de l'élastine sont capables de favoriser la différenciation ostéoblastique de cellules mésenchymateuses dérivées de la moelle osseuse humaine (CMMO) ainsi que la formation de la matrice osseuse et sa minéralisation. Pour y répondre, nous avons utilisés les lattis de collagène de type I (COL1). La contraction de lattis « flottants » (LF) stimule l'expression de marqueurs de l'ostéoblaste (Runx-2, BSP…) par les CMMO ainsi que la minéralisation de la matrice osseuse. Cette différenciation ostéoblastique est aussi associée à l'activation de la cascade MT1-MMP/MMP-2/MMP-13. Nous montrons ensuite que les peptides GXXPG stimulent de façon dose-dépendante l'expression de marqueurs ostéoblastiques comme Runx-2 via S-Gal. Sur « coating » de COL1, ils stimulent la différenciation ostéoblastique des CMMO, la formation de la matrice osseuse et sa minéralisation. Enfin, dans des conditions « inflammatoires » créées par l'ajout de plasminogène (Plg) exogène, ces peptides conservent une activité ostéogénique sous contraintes mécaniques ou non. Plg seul induit également la différenciation ostéoblastique. Bien que les peptides GXXPG stimulent la production d'enzymes à activité collagénolytique (MT1-MMP, MMP-1), la lyse des LF n'est pas significative. En conclusion, les peptides GXXPG apparaissent comme des biomolécules pharmacologiques prometteuses pour la régénération osseuse. / Bone healing leads in only a few cases to an ad integrum regeneration, but most often to an incomplete tissue repair. Thus, the development of new biomaterials from tissue engineering in order to promote bone regeneration is a major goal. The purpose of our study was to evaluate if GXXPG peptides, derived from elastin, are able to favor human bone marrow mesenchymal cells (HBMC) to mature osteoblasts and bone matrix formation and mineralization.To this end, we used type I collagen (COL1) lattices. Floating lattice (LF) contraction stimulates osteoblasts markers expression (Runx-2, BSP…) by HMBC and bone matrix mineralization. Osteoblast differentiation is also associated to MT1-MMP/MMP-2/MMP-13 proteolytic cascade activation. We then showed that GXXPG peptides stimulate osteoblast markers like Runx-2 in a dose-dependent manner, an effect which involves S-Gal receptor. On a type I collagen coating model, these peptides also promote CMMO differentiation into osteoblast, bone matrix formation and mineralization. Finally, under “inflammatory” conditions, which can be catalyzed by plasminogen (Plg) supplementation, these peptides keep their ability to induce osteogenic responses in HBMC, even under mechanical stress. Plg alone is also able to promote osteoblast differentiation. Although GXXPG peptides stimulate collagenolytic enzymes (MT1-MMP, MMP-1) production, collagen degradation in LF is not significant. To conclude, GXXPG peptides appear as promising pharmacological biomolecules in bone regeneration.

This thesis focuses on testing and improving Ti-6Al-4V ELI biomaterials, which are currently one of the most used titanium alloys in biomedicine (predominantly in orthopaedics and dentistry), in cooperation with research institutions and private companies developing and producing such materials. The metallic samples were previously modified by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with use of electrolytes of a different composition to induce development of a homogeneous TiO2 layer on its surface. In vitro interactions of human osteoblast-like cell line Saos-2 with the surface of Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy samples are investigated. Initial cell attachment, spreading, morphology, cell population density, viability, calcium deposition and expression of selected osteogenic markers, e.g. collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, were evaluated on cultured cells. The cells behavior were then correlated with physicochemical properties of the material surface, such as its topography, roughness, wettability, surface layer chemical composition etc. The results are also compared with those obtained in cells cultured on control samples of untreated alloys as well as microscopic glass coverslips and bottom of standard polystyrene cell culture wells. The aim of this thesis is to select the most promising...

Einen Aspekt dieser Arbeit stellt die Analyse der Stimulation von Ratten-Calvaria-Osteoblasten (RCA) mit den beiden Wachstumsfaktoren TGF-b1 und BMP-4 während der Proliferations- sowie Differenzierungs- und Mineralisierungsphase dar. Hierfür soll die Phosphorylierung und Aktivierung von Erk1 und Erk2, sowie von Smad1 und Smad2 mit Hilfe eines Kinase-Aktivitätsassays sowie der Westernblot-Analyse untersucht werden. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit soll weiterhin untersucht werden, welche Bedeutung die Wachstumsfaktoren TGF-b1 und BMP-4 auf die Aktivität der alkalischen Phosphatase (ALP), einem wichtigen Differenzierungsmarker in Osteoblasten, ausüben. Enzymatische Aktivitätsbestimmungen und zytochemische Färbung aktiver ALP sollen darüber Aufschluss geben. Weiterhin soll der Gehalt an ALP-mRNA durch PCR bestimmt werden. Ein weiteres wichtiges Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Analyse der Bedeutung von Erk1, Erk2, Smad1 und Smad2 auf die Aktivität der ALP. Dafür sollen Inhibitoren eingesetzt werden. Die enzymatische Aktivitätsbestimmung soll darüber aufklären. Außerdem soll mit Hilfe von kurzen, doppelsträngigen RNA-Molekülen (siRNA) ein knock down der Kinasen herbeigeführt werden und dessen Auswirkung auf die Aktivität der ALP enzymatisch bestimmt werden. Dafür muss zunächst die Wirksamkeit der siRNA auf RNA-Ebene mittels PCR und auf Proteinebene mittels Westernblot-Analysen überprüft werden. Zusätzlich soll die Bedeutung der Wachstumsfaktoren und der Kinasen Erk1 und Erk2 auf die Mineralisierung der RCA analysiert werden. Dafür wird die Menge des zellassoziierten Kalziums und Phosphats experimentell bestimmt, wodurch der Mineralisationsgrad der Zellen wiedergegeben werden kann.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Bone is a dynamic organ that responds to its external environment. Cell signaling cascades are initiated within bone cells when changes in mechanical loading occur. To describe these molecular signaling networks that sense a mechanical signal and convert it into a transcriptional response, we proposed the mechanosome model. “GO” and “STOP” mechansomes contain an adhesion-associated protein and a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling transcription factor. “GO” mechanosomes functions to promote the anabolic response of bone to mechanical loading, while “STOP” mechanosomes function to suppress the anabolic response of bone to mechanical loading. While much work has been done to describe the molecular mechanisms that enhance the anabolic response of bone to loading, less is known about the signaling mechanisms that suppress bone’s response to loading. We studied two adhesion-associated proteins, Src and Pyk2, which may function as “STOP” mechanosomes. Src kinase is involved in a number of signaling pathways that respond to changes in external loads on bone. An inhibition of Src causes an increase in the expression of the anabolic bone gene osteocalcin. Additionally, mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts and osteocytes by fluid shear stress further enhanced expression of osteocalcin when Src activity was inhibited. Importantly, fluid shear stress stimulated an increase in nuclear Src activation and activity. The mechanism by which Src participates in attenuating anabolic gene transcription remains unknown. The studies described here suggest Src and Pyk2 increase their association in response to fluid shear stress. Pyk2, a protein-tyrosine kinase, exhibits nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, increased association with methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MBD2), and suppression of osteopontin expression in response to fluid shear stress. MBD2, known to be involved in DNA methylation and interpretation of DNA methylation patterns, may aid in fluid shear stress-induced suppression of anabolic bone genes. We conclude that both Src and Pyk2 play a role in regulating bone mass, possibly through a complex with MBD2, and function to limit the anabolic response of bone cells to fluid shear stress through the suppression of anabolic bone gene expression. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that “STOP” mechanosomes exist and their activity is simulated in response to fluid shear stress.

No description available.

A major therapeutic challenge in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine is how to effectively replenish bone tissue lost due to pathological conditions such as fracture, osteoporosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Mesenchymal stem cells are currently investigated for applications in bone-tissue engineering and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) could be a promising source for generation of tissue-engineered bone. However, the therapeutic potential of MSCs has not been fully exploited due to a lack of knowledge regarding the identity, nature, and differentiation of hMSCs. Epigenetic mechanisms regulating the chromatin structure as well as specific gene transcription are crucial in determination of stem cell differentiation. With the aim to systematically identify epigenetic factors that modulate MSC differentiation, the work in this thesis encompasses an approach to identify epigenetic mechanisms underlying, initiating, and promoting osteoblast differentiation, and the investigation of individual epigenetic modulators. Various osteogenic inducers were validated for differentiation of MSCs and an assay allowing assessment of differentiation outcome was developed. This assay was subsequently employed in knockdown experiments with lentiviral short hairpin RNAs and inhibitor screens with small molecules targeting putative druggable epigenetic modulator classes. This approach identified around 100 epigenetic modulator candidates involved in osteoblast differentiation, of these candidates approximately 2/3 downregulated and 1/3 upregulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Serving as a proof-of-concept, orthogonal validation experiments employing locked nucleic acid (LNA) knockdown were performed to validate a subset of candidates. Two identified target genes were selected for further investigation. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) was identified as one component of epigenetic regulation; its inhibition led to a decrease in ALP expression, downregulation of key osteoblast transcription factors Runx2 and Osterix, as well as impaired bone matrix formation. Knockdown of lysine (K)-specific demethylase 1A (KDM1A/LSD1) upregulated ALP activity and treatment with a small molecule inhibitor targeting KDM1A led to an increase in ALP, RUNX2, and bone sialoprotein expression. Intriguingly, in a transgenic mouse model overexpressing Kdm1a a decrease in bone volume and bone mineral density was observed, thus supporting the hypothesis that KDM1A is a central regulator of osteoblast differentiation.

Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), found in many adult tissues, may be useful for regenerative medicine applications. Their identification and purification have been difficult due to their low frequency and lack of unambiguous markers. Using a magnetic micro-beads negative selection technique to remove contaminating hematopoietic cells from mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), our lab recently isolated a highly purified osteoprogenitor (HipOp) population that was also enriched for other mesenchymal precursors, including MSCs (Itoh and Aubin, 2009). To further enhance enrichment, we positively selected BMSCs and HipOps for CD73, a putative MSC marker, which resulted in no significant additional enrichment for osteoprogenitors when the population was tested in vitro. However, we also found that HipOps were enriched in vascular endothelial cells, and that removing these cells by further negative selection with CD31/PECAM resulted in a CD31(-) HipOp population with higher osteogenic capacity than HipOps in vitro and in vivo.