No / Runt-related (RUNX) transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved either in vertebrate or invertebrate. Lozenge (Lz), a members of RUNX family as well as homologue of AML-1, functions as an important transcription factor regulating the hemocytes differentiation. In this paper, we identified and characterized RUNX family especially Lz in silkworm, which is a lepidopteran model insect. The gene expression analysis illustrated that BmLz was highly expressed in hemocytes throughout the whole development period, and reached a peak in glutonous stage. Over-expression of BmLz in silkworm accelerated the melanization process of hemolymph, and led to instantaneously up-regulation of prophenoloxidases (PPOs), which were key enzymes in the melanization process. Further down-regulation of BmLz expression by RNA interference resulted in the significant delay of melanization reaction of hemolymph. These findings suggested that BmLz regulated the melanization process of hemolymph by inducing PPOs expression, and played a critical role in innate immunity defense in silkworm.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a reflection of the action of osteoblasts compared to osteoclasts. An imbalance in the activity of osteoblasts or osteoclasts, results in bone disease such as osteoporosis caused by overactive osteoclasts. BMD is influenced by genetic and environmental factors as demonstrated through twin studies, association studies and linkage analysis (Ralston, 1999). Several polymorphisms involved in the determination of BMD have been identified, with Vitamin D receptor and Collagen Type 1 showing reproducible associations. To identify genes influencing BMD two distinct strategies have been employed: 1) To determine if DNA polymorphism within the runt related transcription factor (RUNX2) gene is a determinant of BMD and fracture in women. 2) The identification of RANKL target genes in osteoclastogenesis. RUNX2 is a runt domain transcription factor (Werner et al., 1999) essential for osteoblast differentiation (Lee et al., 1997). RUNX2 gene knock-out mice have no osteoblasts due to a failure in osteoblast differentiation and consequently unmineralised skeletons, (Komori et al., 1997; Otto et al., 1997). In humans, mutations in RUNX2 cause cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a disorder characterised by hypoplasia or aplasia of the clavicles, short stature, supernumerary teeth, patent fontanelles and other changes in skeletal patterning and growth (Mundlos et al., 1997). RUNX2 contains a poly-glutamine poly-alanine (polyQ/polyA) repeat where mutations causing cleidocranial dysplasia have been observed. BMD has not been routinely examined in CCD, two studies have identified CCD patients with lower BMD with one fracture case identified (Quack et al., 1999; Bergwitz et al., 2001). The central role of RUNX2 in determining osteoblast differentiation makes RUNX2 a prime candidate gene for regulating adult bone density. To determine if polymorphism was present in the polyQ/polyA tract the repeat was amplified within the upper and lower deciles of femoral neck (FN) BMD in the Geelong Osteoporosis study (GOS). The upper and lower deciles of FN BMD acted as a surrogate for genotyping the entire cohort. This study identified two common variants within the polyA repeat: an 18 base pair deletion (11Ala) and a synonymous alanine codon polymorphism with alleles, GCA and GCG (noted as A and G alleles, respectively). The 11Ala and SNP polymorphism are found on codon 64 and 66 respectively (RUNX2 MRIPV variant). A allele frequencies were significantly different in a comparison of the upper and lower deciles of FN BMD (p=0.019). In 495 randomly selected women of the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS), the A allele was associated with higher BMD at all sites tested. The association was maximal at the ultra-distal radius (p=0.001). In a separate fracture study, the A allele was significantly protective against Colles' fracture in elderly women but not spine and hip fracture. The 11Ala polymorphism was not related to BMD in GOS. To further decipher the role of the RUNX2 A allele we genotyped 992 women from a Scottish cohort. The alleles of RUNX2 within the glutamine/alanine repeat were determined by MspA1I restriction digest. To examine the possible influence on estrogen related therapies or estrogen status on the potential genetic effect conferred by RUNX2, we divided the cohort by menopausal and hormone replacement therapy status. Within postmenopausal Scottish women the RUNX2 A allele was associated with significantly higher FN BMD (p=0.028, n=312) but not lumbar spine (LS) BMD. The A allele was associated with higher FN BMD (p=0.035) within a postmenopausal subgroup of the population (n=312). To investigate the effect of weight on the RUNX2 alleles the Scottish cohort was segregated into thin/normal (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and overweight /obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2). RUNX2 A allele showed a stronger effect on FN BMD in postmenopausal women above the median BMI. The 11Ala RUNX2 deletion allele was significantly associated with decreased LS BMD (p=0.018) within overweight/obese women (n=546). The 11Ala allele was significantly associated with increased levels of pyridinoline (p=0.014) and deoxypyridinoline (p=0.038) in the HRT treated subgroup of the population (n=492). Glutamine variants and an alanine insertion were identified within the group. These data suggest that the RUNX2 11Ala and A alleles exert differing affects on BMD showing preference for different skeletal sites in a weight dependent manner. We genotyped 78 individuals from an osteoarthritic population to elucidate the role of the RUNX2 alleles on markers of bone turnover and inflammation. The RUNX2 11Ala allele was significantly associated with decreased osteocalcin (OC) serum levels (p = 0.01). The RUNX2 A allele was significantly related to reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) serum levels (p = 0.004). RUNX2 is known to bind to the OC promoter. An OC promoter polymorphism is found 7bp upstream from a putative RUNX2 binding site. We hypothesized that OC polymorphism may effect the RUNX2 transactivation of the OC gene and thus affect OC serum levels. OC promoter polymorphism was not related to OC serum levels (n=78). These data present a novel link between RUNX2 alleles and OC and TNF serum levels, providing putative mechanisms of action for the RUNX2 alleles. Further studies in larger populations are required to confirm these findings. Ten individuals within the GOS and the Scottish cohort were found to carry rare mutations of the polyQ/polyA repeat. All polyQ variants had a normal polyA repeat (17 amino acids) and were heterozygous for a normal 23Q/17A allele. Variants observed were 15, 16, 24 and 30Q. One individual was observed with an extended polyA repeat (24A). Patient records indicated otherwise unremarkable clinical history except for fracture in 4/10 individuals from GOS (hip and spine). BMD data from the LS and the FN were expressed as T-scores, a measure that relates BMD in terms of standard deviations below the young normal value. In addition, BMD data were also expressed as Z-scores around the age-mean. Under the null hypothesis, where RUNX2 Q repeat variation has no effect on BMD, Z scores would be expected to be distributed around a mean of zero. However, when all variants were pooled the BMD was significantly lower than expected. This effect persisted when deletion variants were considered alone. The effect was stronger on FN BMD (p=0.001) rather than LS BMD (p=0.096), reflecting either difference in precision of BMD measurements at these sites or perhaps a differential genetic effect on different skeletal sites. These data suggest that polyQ and polyA variants are associated with significantly lower BMD, and may be an important determinant for fracture. Glutamine variants exist at high frequency (~0.7%): this rate of mutation could be important when considering large populations at risk of age related osteoporosis. Considering that these subjects are heterozygous for a normal allele, it suggests that a more severe phenotype might be expected in rare subjects homozygous for glutamine repeat variants. In summary, this study investigated the role of novel polymorphisms and rare variants of the RUNX2 gene in influencing BMD, fracture and markers of bone turnover. Two common polymorphisms were identified within the polyA repeat: an 18 base pair deletion and a synonymous alanine codon polymorphism with alleles, A and G. The A allele was associated with increased BMD and was protective against a common form of osteoporotic fracture within a Geelong population. To verify these findings the RUNX2 alleles were genotyped in 992 women from a Scottish cohort. The magnitude and the direction of the effect of the A allele was maintained in the Scottish cohort. Interestingly, the A allele was shown to exert a menopause specific effect, with postmenopausal women showing the strongest effect. On re-analysis of the GOS data the post-menopausal women were found to drive the significance identified in the cohort. The magnitude of the effect of the A allele on BMD was greater in overweight/obese postmenopausal women indicating a gene-weight interaction for RUNX2. The RUNX2 11Ala allele showed a significant relationship with decreased LS BMD in overweight/obese Scottish women. The 11Ala allele was also associated with higher levels of urinary PYD and DPD in women treated with HRT, indicating higher levels of bone turnover in carriers of the 11Ala allele. In contrast to the Scottish cohort, no significant association with heterozygous carriers of 11Ala was observed in GOS, although a significant association was detected for homozygous carriers and LS BMAD. The 11 Ala RUNX2 allele was significantly associated with decreased serum osteocalcin levels and the A allele was significantly associated with TNF in OA patients. Glutamine variants and an alanine insertion were identified within Geelong and Scottish cohorts, which showed low Z and T scores suggesting that RUNX2 variants may be related to genetic effects on BMD and osteoporosis. Polymorphism of the polyQ/polyA region of RUNX2 were identified within this study were shown to associate with significant differences in BMD. The A allele showed a significant association with increased BMD in postmenopausal women from a Geelong and Scottish cohort, with a decreased frequency of the A allele observed in Colles' fracture patients from Geelong. The 11Ala deletion allele was significantly associated with decreased LS BMD and increases in markers of bone turnover in the Scottish cohort. A significant decrease in OC serum levels was observed in OA patients suggesting a direct effect of the allele on the transactivation of the RUNX2 gene. Rare variants of RUNX2 were identified which showed low BMD. These studies have provided insight into the role of RUNX2 in influencing BMD, further studies are required to verify the role of the A allele on BMD and fracture, the role of the rare variants and to identify the precise mechanisms behind the observed changes in BMD. - 2) The identification of RANKL target genes in osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclastogenesis is regulated in vivo by the action of osteoblast/stromal cells that express membrane bound, receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL). Monocytes treated in vitro with a soluble form of RANKL and macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) differentiate to osteoclasts, whereas monocytes treated with M-CSF alone differentiate to macrophage-like cells. The gene expression profile of human osteoclasts has not been extensively explored. Genes highly expressed by rabbit osteoclasts were identified through random sequencing of an osteoclast cDNA library (Sakai et al., 1995). Differential gene expression of mouse osteoclastogenesis was elucidated by array analysis (Cappellen et al., 2002). To identify genes important for human osteoclastogenesis, total RNA was isolated from monocytes treated for three weeks with either M-CSF alone or with RANKL and M-CSF. RANKL treatment for 3 weeks and 12 hours was investigated in this study, to complement previous data. Differential display was performed on RNA (12 hour treatment with RANKL) and differential gene expression profiles examined. The differential display products were pooled to generate a probe for screening a gene array system derived from a human osteoclast cDNA library. cDNA (3 week treatment with RANKL) hybridisation experiments against the array revealed additional regulated genes. Gene clones that showed significant regulation in M-CSF and RANKL treated cells compared M-CSF treated cells represent genes that are targets for RANKL-specific regulation. Osteopontin, creatine kinase and various mitochondrial genes were up regulated by the treatment of RANKL. Changes in gene expression observed in the array data were confirmed with real-time PCR using mRNA derived from in vitro induced osteoclasts. Cathepsin K gene expression was more than 300 fold greater in osteoclasts compared to macrophage-like cells after one week treatment with RANKL and M-CSF. Cystatin C expression showed a six-fold induction at two weeks of RANKL and M-CSF treatment and cystatin B showed a steady increase in expression. Some of these regulated genes may provide useful targets for influencing BMD.

The underlying inflammatory storm in renal or diabetic disease may induce expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Similarly, expression of iNOS or nitric oxide (NO) production in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in a calcifying environment, may promote vascular calcification (VC) (Zaragoza et al., 2006). However, emerging data suggests that NO generated by either endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) or iNOS may protect VSMCs from VC (Kanno et al., 2008). Thus, the role of NO and its associated enzymes in the development of VC is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify whether NO produced by iNOS regulates calcification in VSMCs, and to further understanding of potential mechanisms that may mediate the actions of NO/iNOS. A significant and sustained production of NO by iNOS, which peaked at day 3 and declined thereafter was found in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) that were preactivated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100μg ml-1) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ;100U ml-1) in the presence of calcification buffer (CB) containing calcium chloride (CaCl2; 7mM) and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP; 7mM). This was associated with formation of hydroxyapatite crystals (HA) or calcification plaques, observed via alizarin red staining (ARS) and/or fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. However, when RASMCs were incubated with the iNOS inhibitor GW274150 at 10 μM, together with LPS + IFN-γ + CB, HA crystal formation was abolished. When RASMCs were pretreated with diethylenetriamine/nitric oxide adduct (NOC 18) at either 30 or 50 μM for an hour prior to addition of CB, to generate NO; calcium levels were elevated leading to form HA crystals. However, the elevation of calcium caused by the presence of NO generated via iNOS, did not result in phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erks), and protein kinase B. Furthermore, there was a reduction of Runx2 levels (pro-calcific factor) which could be another pro-calcific factor involved in this mechanism. These findings suggest that NO may indeed play a fundamental role in calcification, enhancing mineralisation of smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, the expression of iNOS/ NO appears to be enhanced under conditions that favour calcification and these together may contribute to enhanced calcification with potential detrimental consequences in vivo.

A alveolite é uma complicação pós-operatória de carácter inflamatório que acomete alvéolos de dentes recém-extraídos. A incidência dessa complicação varia de 1 a 4% e pode chegar a 30%. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os mecanismos biológicos envolvidos no processo de reparo de alvéolos intencionalmente infectados, em ratos; comparar diferentes modalidades de tratamento e correlacionar os resultados encontrados através de duas análises (microscópica e molecular). Foram utilizados 84 ratos, divididos nos grupos: I: alvéolo não infectado; II: alvéolo infectado sem nenhum tratamento; III: alvéolo infectado tratado com irrigação de solução de iodeto de sódio a 2% e peróxido de hidrogênio a 3% na proporção de 1:1; e IV: alvéolo infectado submetido à curetagem, irrigação com soro fisiológico e preenchimento com uma pasta à base de metronidazol. Os animais foram eutanasiados aos 6, 15 e 28 dias pós-operatório. Foi realizada a análise quantitativa da expressão de genes envolvidos no processo de reparo [colágeno tipo I (COL-I), fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular (VEGF), osteocalcina (OCN), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) e fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-\'alfa\')], através da RealTimePCR, correlacionando sua expressão com as características microscópicas observadas qualitativa e quantitativamente. Com base nos resultados da análise microscópica e molecular, podemos concluir que os marcadores RUNX2, OCN e TNF-\'alfa\' podem ser usados como indicadores para avaliar a neoformação óssea e a quantidade de infiltrado inflamatório em alveolite. Os marcadores ALP e VEGF não representaram adequadamente o que se observou microscopicamente. Embora o tratamento da alveolite com a pasta à base de metronidazol promova maior densidade de neoformação óssea aos 28 dias, não há diferenças entre os tratamentos. / Dry socket is an inflammatory postoperative complication that undertakes sockets of recently extracted teeth. The incidence of such complication varies from 1 to 4% and might reach up to 30%. The objective of this study was to analyze the biological mechanisms involved in the repair process of intentionally infected sockets in mice; compare different treatment conditions and correlate the results of two different analysis (microscopic and molecular). 84 mice were used in this study, divided according the following groups: I: uninfected socket; II: infected socket without any treatment; III: infected socket treated with irrigation of 2% sodium iodide and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution at 1:1 proportion; and IV: infected socket submitted to curettage, physiological saline solution irrigation and fulfillment with metronidazole base paste. The animals were killed at a postoperative period of 6, 15 and 28 days. A quantitative analysis was performed using a RealTimePCR to evaluate the genes expression involved [Collagen Type I (COL-I), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-\'alpha\')], in the repair process, correlating its expression with the microscopic characteristics observed in both qualitative and quantitative manner. Based in the results of the microscopic and molecular analysis, it can be concluded that the RUNX2, OCN and TNF-\'alpha\' markers can be used as indicators to evaluate the dry socket bone neoformation and inflammatory infiltrate quantity. The ALP and VEGF markers did not represented appropriately what was observed microscopically. Although the dry socket treatment with metronidazole base paste promotes an increase in the bone neoformation density at 28 days, no difference was found among the treatments.

A alveolite é uma complicação pós-operatória de carácter inflamatório que acomete alvéolos de dentes recém-extraídos. A incidência dessa complicação varia de 1 a 4% e pode chegar a 30%. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os mecanismos biológicos envolvidos no processo de reparo de alvéolos intencionalmente infectados, em ratos; comparar diferentes modalidades de tratamento e correlacionar os resultados encontrados através de duas análises (microscópica e molecular). Foram utilizados 84 ratos, divididos nos grupos: I: alvéolo não infectado; II: alvéolo infectado sem nenhum tratamento; III: alvéolo infectado tratado com irrigação de solução de iodeto de sódio a 2% e peróxido de hidrogênio a 3% na proporção de 1:1; e IV: alvéolo infectado submetido à curetagem, irrigação com soro fisiológico e preenchimento com uma pasta à base de metronidazol. Os animais foram eutanasiados aos 6, 15 e 28 dias pós-operatório. Foi realizada a análise quantitativa da expressão de genes envolvidos no processo de reparo [colágeno tipo I (COL-I), fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular (VEGF), osteocalcina (OCN), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) e fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-\'alfa\')], através da RealTimePCR, correlacionando sua expressão com as características microscópicas observadas qualitativa e quantitativamente. Com base nos resultados da análise microscópica e molecular, podemos concluir que os marcadores RUNX2, OCN e TNF-\'alfa\' podem ser usados como indicadores para avaliar a neoformação óssea e a quantidade de infiltrado inflamatório em alveolite. Os marcadores ALP e VEGF não representaram adequadamente o que se observou microscopicamente. Embora o tratamento da alveolite com a pasta à base de metronidazol promova maior densidade de neoformação óssea aos 28 dias, não há diferenças entre os tratamentos. / Dry socket is an inflammatory postoperative complication that undertakes sockets of recently extracted teeth. The incidence of such complication varies from 1 to 4% and might reach up to 30%. The objective of this study was to analyze the biological mechanisms involved in the repair process of intentionally infected sockets in mice; compare different treatment conditions and correlate the results of two different analysis (microscopic and molecular). 84 mice were used in this study, divided according the following groups: I: uninfected socket; II: infected socket without any treatment; III: infected socket treated with irrigation of 2% sodium iodide and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution at 1:1 proportion; and IV: infected socket submitted to curettage, physiological saline solution irrigation and fulfillment with metronidazole base paste. The animals were killed at a postoperative period of 6, 15 and 28 days. A quantitative analysis was performed using a RealTimePCR to evaluate the genes expression involved [Collagen Type I (COL-I), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-\'alpha\')], in the repair process, correlating its expression with the microscopic characteristics observed in both qualitative and quantitative manner. Based in the results of the microscopic and molecular analysis, it can be concluded that the RUNX2, OCN and TNF-\'alpha\' markers can be used as indicators to evaluate the dry socket bone neoformation and inflammatory infiltrate quantity. The ALP and VEGF markers did not represented appropriately what was observed microscopically. Although the dry socket treatment with metronidazole base paste promotes an increase in the bone neoformation density at 28 days, no difference was found among the treatments.