scholarly journals Neofunction of ACVR1 in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (50) ◽  
pp. 15438-15443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyosuke Hino ◽  
Makoto Ikeya ◽  
Kazuhiko Horigome ◽  
Yoshihisa Matsumoto ◽  
Hayao Ebise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Endochondral Ossification ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva ◽  
Type I ◽  
Induced Pluripotent

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disease characterized by extraskeletal bone formation through endochondral ossification. FOP patients harbor point mutations in ACVR1 (also known as ALK2), a type I receptor for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Two mechanisms of mutated ACVR1 (FOP-ACVR1) have been proposed: ligand-independent constitutive activity and ligand-dependent hyperactivity in BMP signaling. Here, by using FOP patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (FOP-iPSCs), we report a third mechanism, where FOP-ACVR1 abnormally transduces BMP signaling in response to Activin-A, a molecule that normally transduces TGF-β signaling but not BMP signaling. Activin-A enhanced the chondrogenesis of induced mesenchymal stromal cells derived from FOP-iPSCs (FOP-iMSCs) via aberrant activation of BMP signaling in addition to the normal activation of TGF-β signaling in vitro, and induced endochondral ossification of FOP-iMSCs in vivo. These results uncover a novel mechanism of extraskeletal bone formation in FOP and provide a potential new therapeutic strategy for FOP.

scholarly journals Challenges and Opportunities for Drug Repositioning in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
Francesc Ventura ◽  
Eleanor Williams ◽  
Makoto Ikeya ◽  
Alex N. Bullock ◽  
Peter ten Dijke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Drug Repositioning ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Activin A ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva ◽  
Endochondral Bone Formation ◽  
Type I

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultrarare congenital disease that progresses through intermittent episodes of bone formation at ectopic sites. FOP patients carry heterozygous gene point mutations in activin A receptor type I ACVR1, encoding the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I serine/threonine kinase receptor ALK2, termed activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)2. The mutant ALK2 displays neofunctional responses to activin, a closely related BMP cytokine that normally inhibits regular bone formation. Moreover, the mutant ALK2 becomes hypersensitive to BMPs. Both these activities contribute to enhanced ALK2 signalling and endochondral bone formation in connective tissue. Being a receptor with an extracellular ligand-binding domain and intrinsic intracellular kinase activity, the mutant ALK2 is a druggable target. Although there is no approved cure for FOP yet, a number of clinical trials have been recently initiated, aiming to identify a safe and effective treatment for FOP. Among other targeted approaches, several repurposed drugs have shown promising results. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying ALK2 mutation-induced aberrant signalling and ectopic bone formation. In addition, we recapitulate existing in vitro models to screen for novel compounds with a potential application in FOP. We summarize existing therapeutic alternatives and focus on repositioned drugs in FOP, at preclinical and clinical stages.

scholarly journals Developmentally inspired programming of adult human mesenchymal stromal cells toward stable chondrogenesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (18) ◽  
pp. 4625-4630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Occhetta ◽  
Sebastien Pigeot ◽  
Marco Rasponi ◽  
Boris Dasen ◽  
Arne Mehrkens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Endochondral Ossification ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Type I ◽  
Cartilage Formation ◽  
Adult Human

It is generally accepted that adult human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are default committed toward osteogenesis. Even when induced to chondrogenesis, hMSCs typically form hypertrophic cartilage that undergoes endochondral ossification. Because embryonic mesenchyme is obviously competent to generate phenotypically stable cartilage, it is questioned whether there is a correspondence between mesenchymal progenitor compartments during development and in adulthood. Here we tested whether forcing specific early events of articular cartilage development can program hMSC fate toward stable chondrogenesis. Inspired by recent findings that spatial restriction of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling guides embryonic progenitors toward articular cartilage formation, we hypothesized that selective inhibition of BMP drives the phenotypic stability of hMSC-derived chondrocytes. Two BMP type I receptor-biased kinase inhibitors were screened in a microfluidic platform for their time- and dose-dependent effect on hMSC chondrogenesis. The different receptor selectivity profile of tested compounds allowed demonstration that transient blockade of both ALK2 and ALK3 receptors, while permissive to hMSC cartilage formation, is necessary and sufficient to maintain a stable chondrocyte phenotype. Remarkably, even upon compound removal, hMSCs were no longer competent to undergo hypertrophy in vitro and endochondral ossification in vivo, indicating the onset of a constitutive change. Our findings demonstrate that adult hMSCs effectively share properties of embryonic mesenchyme in the formation of transient but also of stable cartilage. This opens potential pharmacological strategies to articular cartilage regeneration and more broadly indicates the relevance of developmentally inspired protocols to control the fate of adult progenitor cell systems.

Vitamin K promotes mineralization, osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition, and an anticatabolic phenotype by γ-carboxylation-dependent and -independent mechanisms

2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (6) ◽  
pp. C1358-C1367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald J. Atkins ◽  
Katie J. Welldon ◽  
Asiri R. Wijenayaka ◽  
Lynda F. Bonewald ◽  
David M. Findlay
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Vitamin K2 ◽  
Type I ◽  
Vitamin K1 ◽  
Vitamin K3 ◽  
Positive Effect

The vitamin K family members phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and the menaquinones (vitamin K2) are under study for their roles in bone metabolism and as potential therapeutic agents for skeletal diseases. We have investigated the effects of two naturally occurring homologs, phytonadione (vitamin K1) and menatetrenone (vitamin K2), and those of the synthetic vitamin K, menadione (vitamin K3), on human primary osteoblasts. All homologs promoted in vitro mineralization by these cells. Vitamin K1-induced mineralization was highly sensitive to warfarin, whereas that induced by vitamins K2 and K3 was less sensitive, implying that γ-carboxylation and other mechanisms, possibly genomic actions through activation of the steroid xenobiotic receptor, are involved in the effect. The positive effect on mineralization was associated with decreased matrix synthesis, evidenced by a decrease from control in expression of type I collagen mRNA, implying a maturational effect. Incubation in the presence of vitamin K2 or K3 in a three-dimensional type I collagen gel culture system resulted in increased numbers of cells with elongated cytoplasmic processes resembling osteocytes. This effect was not warfarin sensitive. Addition of calcein to vitamin K-treated cells revealed vitamin K-dependent deposition of mineral associated with cell processes. These effects are consistent with vitamin K promoting the osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition in humans. To test whether vitamin K may also act on mature osteocytes, we tested the effects of vitamin K on MLO-Y4 cells. Vitamin K reduced receptor activator of NF-κB ligand expression relative to osteoprotegerin by MLO-Y4 cells, an effect also seen in human cultures. Together, our findings suggest that vitamin K promotes the osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition, at the same time decreasing the osteoclastogenic potential of these cells. These may be mechanisms by which vitamin K optimizes bone formation and integrity in vivo and may help explain the net positive effect of vitamin K on bone formation.

scholarly journals Innate triggering and antiviral effector functions of activin A

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinda Al-Hourani ◽  
Narayan Ramamurthy ◽  
Emanuele Marchi ◽  
Ruth M Eichinger ◽  
Lian N Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infection ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Human Peripheral Blood ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type I Ifn ◽  
Effector Functions

First-line defence against viral infection is contingent upon rapid detection of conserved viral structural and genomic motifs by germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors, followed by activation of the type I IFN system and establishment of an intracellular antiviral state. Novel antiviral functions of bone morphogenetic protein and related activin cytokines, acting in conjunction with, and independently of, type I IFN, have recently been described. Activin A mediates multiple innate and adaptive immune functions, including antiviral effects. However, how such effects are mediated and how activin might be triggered by viral infection have not been defined. Here we addressed this in vivo and in vitro, in humans and mice. Transcriptomic analyses delineated strikingly congruent patterns of gene regulation in hepatocytes stimulated with recombinant activin A and IFNα in vitro. Activin A mRNA, encoded by INHBA, is induced upon activation of RIG-I, MDA5 and TLR7/8 viral nucleic acid sensors in vitro, across multiple cell lines and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In vivo, infection of mice with influenza A also upregulated Inhba mRNA in the lung; this local upregulation of Inhba is retained in MAVS knockout mice, indicating a role for non-RIG-I-like receptors in its induction. Activin induction and signalling were also detectable in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Together, these data suggest Activin A is triggered in parallel with type I IFN responses and can trigger related antiviral effector functions. This model has implications for the development of targeted antiviral therapies, in addition to revealing novel facets of activin biology.

scholarly journals Fibrillin-1 and -2 differentially modulate endogenous TGF-β and BMP bioavailability during bone formation

2010 ◽  
Vol 190 (6) ◽  
pp. 1107-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harikiran Nistala ◽  
Sui Lee-Arteaga ◽  
Silvia Smaldone ◽  
Gabriella Siciliano ◽  
Luca Carta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Bone Mineralization ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Fibrillin 1 ◽  
Osteoblast Maturation

Extracellular regulation of signaling by transforming growth factor (TGF)–β family members is emerging as a key aspect of organ formation and tissue remodeling. In this study, we demonstrate that fibrillin-1 and -2, the structural components of extracellular microfibrils, differentially regulate TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) bioavailability in bone. Fibrillin-2–null (Fbn2−/−) mice display a low bone mass phenotype that is associated with reduced bone formation in vivo and impaired osteoblast maturation in vitro. This Fbn2−/− phenotype is accounted for by improper activation of latent TGF-β that selectively blunts expression of osterix, the transcriptional regulator of osteoblast maturation, and collagen I, the structural template for bone mineralization. Cultured osteoblasts from Fbn1−/− mice exhibit improper latent TGF-β activation as well, but mature faster because of increased availability of otherwise matrix-bound BMPs. Additional in vitro evidence excludes a direct role of microfibrils in supporting mineral deposition. Together, these findings identify the extracellular microfibrils as critical regulators of bone formation through the modulation of endogenous TGF-β and BMP signaling.

179. CHARACTERISATION OF THE IN VITRO FUNCTION OF ACTIVIN AC

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
E. Gold ◽  
C. Harrison ◽  
Y. Makanji ◽  
G. Risbridger
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Role ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Type I ◽  
Lncap Cells ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Growth Inhibitory ◽  
Potent Growth

Activins are members of the TGF-β superfamily that signal via type II and type I receptor subunits and intracellular Smads1. Activin A stimulates FSH release from the pituitary and is also a potent growth and differentiation factor in many physiological systems2. Over-expression of the activin-βC subunit in vitro leads to a reduction in activin A and an increase in activin AC3. Transgenic mice over-expressing activin-βC show decreased circulating activin A, implying that activin AC may also be formed in vivo4. Recently recombinant activin AC has become available, therefore this study examines the in vitro function and mechanism of action of activin AC. Activin AC stimulates FSH release in LβT2 cells and is a negative growth regulator in LNCaP cells, however the potency of activin AC is 8-10 fold less than activin A. Incubation of LNCaP cells with activin receptor antibodies (ALK4, ActRIIA, ActRIIB) abolishes the growth inhibitory effects of activin AC. Activin AC binds to ActRIIB, however a 20-30 fold decrease in both the potency and affinity of activin AC is evident compared to activin A. In addition, activin AC increases Smad-2 phosphorylation. These results indicate activin AC utilises the same receptors and intracellular signalling molecules as activin A. The activin A antagonists, follistatin and activin C4, also antagonise the growth inhibitory effects of activin AC and reduce Smad-2 phosphorylation and Smad-4 expression. This study shows for the first time that the in vitro function of activin AC is similar to activin A, albeit at a lower potency and provides the impetus to determine the physiological role of activin AC in vivo.

scholarly journals The role of Activin A in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: a prominent mediator

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Lin ◽  
Fuli Shi ◽  
Jiayu Gao ◽  
Ping Hua
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva ◽  
Type I ◽  
Heterotopic Bone ◽  
Heterotopic Bone Formation

Abstract Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the aberrant formation of mature, lamellar bone in nonosseous tissue. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare and devastating genetic disorder that causes progressive HO in the ligaments, tendons, and muscles throughout the body. FOP is attributed to an autosomal mutation in activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ALK2), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor. Initial studies show that mutant ALK2 drives HO by constitutively activating the BMP signaling pathway. Recently, mutant ALK2 has been shown to transduce Smad1/5 signaling and enhance chondrogenesis, calcification in response to Activin A, which normally signals through Smad2/3 and inhibits BMP signaling pathway. Furthermore, Activin A induces heterotopic bone formation via mutant ALK2, while inhibition of Activin A blocks spontaneous and trauma-induced HO. In this manuscript, we describe the molecular mechanism of the causative gene ALK2 in FOP, mainly focusing on the prominent role of Activin A in HO. It reveals a potential strategy for prevention and treatment of FOP by inhibition of Activin A. Further studies are needed to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Activin A in FOP in more detail.

scholarly journals Functional interaction between Wnt and Bmp signaling in periosteal bone growth

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deye Song ◽  
Guangxu He ◽  
Yu Shi ◽  
Jiangdong Ni ◽  
Fanxin Long
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Trabecular Bone ◽  
Bone Growth ◽  
Bone Development ◽  
Potential Interaction ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Type I ◽  
Deficient Mice

AbstractWnt and Bmp proteins are well known to regulate bone development and homeostasis. Although both signals are extensively studied, their potential interaction in vivo is less well understood. Previous studies have shown that deletion of Bmpr1a, a type I receptor for Bmp signaling, results in excessive trabecular bone formation while diminishing periosteal bone growth. Moreover, forced-expression of the Wnt antagonist Sost suppresses the overgrowth of trabecular bone caused by Bmpr1a deletion, thus implicating hyperactive Wnt signaling in the excessive trabecular bone formation. However, it remains uncertain whether Wnt and Bmp signaling interacts in regulating the periosteal bone growth. Here we show that multiple Wnt genes are markedly suppressed in the cortical bone without Bmpr1a. Importantly, overexpression of Wnt7b fully rescues periosteal bone growth in the Bmpr1a-deficient mice. Thus, pharmacological activation of Wnt signaling can restore normal bone size without intact Bmp signaling.

scholarly journals BMPER Enhances Bone Formation by Promoting the Osteogenesis-Angiogenesis Coupling Process in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 1927-1939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Xiao ◽  
Chuandong Wang ◽  
Chenglong Wang ◽  
Yuan Gao ◽  
Xiaoling Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Bone Formation ◽  
Bone Repair ◽  
Ectopic Bone Formation ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Coupling Process ◽  
Ectopic Bone

Background/Aims: During bone repair and remodeling, osteogenesis is coupled with angiogenesis. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists are important modulators of BMP signaling and bone homeostasis. Several investigations have demonstrated that one ‘BMP antagonist’, BMP-binding endothelial cell precursor-derived regulator (BMPER), participates in the regulation of BMP signaling. In this study, we examined the role of BMPER in the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling process. Methods: Human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used in this experiment. After overexpressing or silencing BMPER with lentiviruses or siRNA, hBMSCs were stimulated by BMP-2, and osteogenic differentiation activity was detected by alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining. VEGF and endostatin release were assessed by ELISA. HUVEC migration was detected by the cell scratch test and transwell migration assay, and in vitro angiogenesis was determined by the tube formation assay. Bone formation was assessed using in vivo femoral monocortical defect and ectopic bone formation models. Results: BMP-2 upregulated BMPER expression. Overexpression of BMPER remarkably enhanced BMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation, while suppression of BMPER effectively inhibited this process both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, overexpression of BMPER promoted BMP-2-induced VEGF expression in vitro and vascularization in the ectopic bone formation model. Conclusion: BMPER functions as a positive regulator of the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling process in hBMSCs, suggesting a novel therapeutic role of BMPER in the regenerative capacity of bone repair.

scholarly journals Insight into Molecular Mechanism for Activin A-Induced Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6498
Author(s):  
Chen Xie ◽  
Wenjuan Jiang ◽  
Jerome J. Lacroix ◽  
Yun Luo ◽  
Jijun Hao
Keyword(s):  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Molecular Mechanism ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Signaling Complex ◽  
Bmp Receptors ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein

Activins transduce the TGF-β pathway through a heteromeric signaling complex consisting of type I and type II receptors, and activins also inhibit bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling mediated by type I receptor ALK2. Recent studies indicated that activin A cross-activates the BMP pathway through ALK2R206H, a mutation associated with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). How activin A inhibits ALK2WT-mediated BMP signaling but activates ALK2R206H-mediated BMP signaling is not well understood, and here we offer some insights into its molecular mechanism. We first demonstrated that among four BMP type I receptors, ALK2 is the only subtype able to mediate the activin A-induced BMP signaling upon the dissociation of FKBP12. We further showed that BMP4 does not cross-signal TGF-β pathway upon FKBP12 inhibition. In addition, although the roles of type II receptors in the ligand-independent BMP signaling activated by FOP-associated mutant ALK2 have been reported, their roles in activin A-induced BMP signaling remains unclear. We demonstrated in this study that the known type II BMP receptors contribute to activin A-induced BMP signaling through their kinase activity. Together, the current study provided important mechanistic insights at the molecular level into further understanding physiological and pathophysiological BMP signaling.

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