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Biomedical subjects

A Berdal

Publications and source records attributed to A Berdal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of 58S sol-gel glasses on the temporal expression of bone markers during mouse osteoblastic differentiation.

Previous studies have shown that bioactive glasses can support osteoblastic growth and differentiation in vitro as well as in vivo. More recently, a new category of sol-gel glasses has been developed with enhanced bioactivity and open pores enclosed in a mesoporous matrix. In our study, we investigated the effect of 58S sol-gel glasses on the growth and differentiation of mouse calvaria osteoblasts. Two types of granules were used: 58S sol-gel granules and 60S inert glasses used as control. Phase contrast microscopy showed that cells proliferated and formed mineralized bone nodules in both cultures. However, this phenomenon occurred earlier and to a higher degree in cultures with 58S sol-gel glasses. Northern blot analysis of the expression of osteoblastic markers revealed that osteoblasts retained their phenotype in both types of cultures. Interestingly, stimulation of alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin was noticed at day 18 in sol-gel cultures when compared with that in control. These data confirm that 58S bioactive glasses are capable of supporting the growth and maturation of primary mouse osteoblasts. In addition, it was shown that 58S glasses affected the gene-expression profile, causing an up-regulation of the major bone markers. These results indicated that 58S sol-gel glasses appeared as suitable candidates for osteoblast scaffolds in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Animals↗

Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical characterization of immortalized odontoblast MO6-G3.

AIM: To investigate an immortalized murine odontoblast cell line as a potential alternative for experimental studies on dentinogenesis. METHODOLOGY: The MO6-G3 cell line was investigated morphologically over 3, 7, 11 and 42 days of culture, using histochemical localization of dentine sialoprotein (DSP), alkaline phosphatase (AP), type I collagen and actin filaments, histoenzymatic staining and biochemical investigation of AP and finally, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Scanning electron micrographs showed elongated cells. Accordingly, a polarized organization of odontoblasts was observed by transmission electron microscopy, identifying distinct subcellular compartments as described in vivo. The secretion apparatus, which includes cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus saccules and secretion vesicles and granules, was longitudinally organized in the supranuclear compartment ending distally in the secretory pole. A cellular process was observed. The investigation of the cytoskeleton network revealed that actin microfilaments were organized in parallel stress fibre oriented depending on the longitudinal axis of the cytoplasm. Immunofluorescent labelling showed a continuous expression of type I collagen, DSP and AP. A unipolar distribution characterized intracellular DSP immunoreactivity. Histoenzymology revealed AP active sites increasing from 3 to 11 days albeit with a moderate level of activity comparatively to the in vivo situation in dental cells. CONCLUSION: This cell line MO6-G3 not only showed the criteria of odontoblast phenotype as previously reported but also the characteristic morphodifferentiation pattern of polarized odontoblasts at the cellular level but with an apparent random distribution.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Potential of biomimetic surfaces to promote in vitro osteoblast-like cell differentiation.

Bioactive glasses, osteoproductive materials, have received considerable attention as bone graft substitutes in the treatment of bony defects. More recent strategies for achieving a predictable periodontal regeneration include the use of enamel matrix proteins, due to their role in the formation of bone tissue. The aim of our study is to examine the effects of these materials on the proliferation and differentiation of the mouse preosteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1. Cells were cultured up to 28 days in contact with three types of granules: Bioglass 45S5 granules (BG), 45S5 granules coated with enamel matrix proteins (Emdogain) (BG/EMD), and a less reactive glass used as a control (60S). Phase contrast microscopic observations have shown that all substrates supported the growth of osteoblastic cells. Zones of differentiation were observed at an earlier stage in cultures of BG and BG/EMD. TEM observations revealed ultrastructural features very close to what is observed in vivo during intramembranous ossification with a direct bone apposition on the bioactive glasses. Total protein production was higher in the cultures with BG and BG/EMD. Northern Blot analysis revealed a stimulation of the transcription factor Cbfa1/Runx2 at day 13 in cultures of BG when compared to the two other cultures. Bone sialoprotein (early marker of differentiation) and osteocalcin (marker of late-stage differentiation) expression was increased in cultures with BG and BG/EMD when compared to 60S. Taken together, our findings indicate that Bioglass alone or combined with Emdogain, have the ability to support the growth of osteoblast-like cells in vitro and to promote osteoblast differentiation by stimulating the expression of major phenotypic markers. In addition, we noticed that the bioactive granules coated with Emdogain revealed significantly higher protein production than the bioactive granules alone at day 20.

Biomarkers↗

Does Vitamin D play a role on Msx1 homeoprotein expression involving an endogenous antisense mRNA?

Msx1 homeobox gene, a member of Msx family, has been implicated in numerous organs. Its participation was established in different events, such as morphogenetic field determinism and epithelio-mesenchymal interactions. Most of Msx1 target organs are also known for their sensitivity to Vitamin D: such as bone, tooth germ, and hair follicle. Whereas, the expression of Msx2, another member of Msx family, has been shown to be controlled by Vitamin D, no information is available for Msx1. This study aims to analyze the potential relationships between Vitamin D and Msx1 through: (1) comparative analysis of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and Msx1 protein expression, (2) investigation of Msx1 expression in VDR null mutant mice, and (3) study of Msx1 overexpression impact on osteocalcin VDR expression in immortalized MO6-G3 odontoblasts. Results show the existence of cross-talks between Vitamin D and Msx1 regulation pathways. In odontoblastic cells, Msx1 overexpression decrease VDR expression, whereas in rickets Msx1 sense transcript expression is decreased. These cross-talks may open a new window in the analysis of rickets mineralized tissues physiopathology. In Vitamin D null mutants, the study of the natural Msx1 antisense transcript which has been recently described should be informative.

Animals↗

Dental alveolar bone defects related to Vitamin D and calcium status.

Vitamin D is important for skeletal development, growth, and homeostasis but has been sparsely studied in the oro-facial bone. Dental alveolar bone anchors teeth to mandible and maxilla bones via a periodontal ligament. Its formation and maintenance are strictly dependent on the presence of tooth organs and it is characterized by a high turnover rate. In order to study the role of Vitamin D and the calcium status on dental alveolar bone formation, microradiographic and histologic comparison of wild-type, Vitamin D receptor null mutant (VDR (-/-) hypo- and normo-calcemic mice and tissues were performed at 2 months. In hypo-calcemic VDR (-/-) mice, alveolar bone was hypomineralized and demonstrated a cellular and matrix organization, similar to the immature woven bone. In normo-calcemic VDR (-/-) mice, mineralization of dental alveolar bone appeared normal, but bone was morphologically abnormal in some specific anatomical locations. These data show that Vitamin D and calcium status may control the formation of dental alveolar bone. The differences of phenotype between hypo- and normo-calcemic VDR null mutant mice suggested a specific Vitamin D control of alveolar bone formation by the Vitamin D nuclear receptor pathway.

Alveolar Process↗

Expression of amelogenin in odontoblasts.

Amelogenin is the major enamel protein produced by ameloblasts. Its expression has been shown to be down-regulated in ameloblasts of vitamin-D-deficient (-D) rats. The potential expression and localization of amelogenin in odontoblasts and its regulation by vitamin D were investigated in this study. RT-PCR and semi-quantitative Northern blot analyses were performed using the odontoblast cell line MO6-G3 and microdissected dental pulp mesenchyme. Both in vitro and in vivo odontoblasts expressed various alternatively spliced amelogenin transcripts. In situ hybridization studies showed that amelogenin expression was restricted to young odontoblasts during mantle dentin deposition. Electron microscopy studies localized the amelogenin protein in the odontoblast cell process cytoplasm and mantle dentin. Amelogenin immunolabeling was stronger in -D rats, suggesting an inverse regulation by vitamin D in odontoblasts. Furthermore, amelogenin mRNA steady-state levels were significantly increased in -D dental pulp mesenchyme. In addition, a temporal-spatial lengthening of the mantle dentin stage was observed in -D animals, suggesting that developmental perturbations occur in relation to the vitamin D status and/or amelogenin expression. These data show that amelogenin is expressed by odontoblasts selectively during mantle dentin deposition. This developmental regulated expression pattern is enhanced under vitamin-D-deficiency status and in a broader context may play an important role during ameloblast and odontoblast differentiation and function.

Amelogenin↗

Putative membrane receptor for 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 in human mineralized tissues during prenatal development.

The calciotropic hormone, 1,25(OH)2vitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3], controls the formation of dental and bone mineralized tissues. The role of nuclear 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor has been extensively studied in the diverse secretory cells, i.e., osteoblasts, chondrocytes, ameloblasts, and odontoblasts. A nongenomic pathway also has been characterized and related to the interactions of 1,25(OH)2D3 ligand with a putative cell membrane receptor. This recognition moiety called 1,25(OH)2vitamin D3 membrane-associated, rapid-response steroid-binding [1,25D3-MARRS] protein is investigated here in the craniofacial skeleton of human embryos and fetuses. Immunolocalization using a specific Ab099 against chick intestinal basolateral 1,25D3-MARRS protein was performed. The data show a complementary expression pattern of the membrane receptor when compared with published data on the nuclear receptor, notably during amelogenesis. In mandible, membrane receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 were identified in the heterogenous bone cell population, including osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Differential 1,25D3-MARRS protein levels were observed in distinct developmental stages and anatomical sites of tooth and bone, suggesting the existence of cross-talk between local factors and 1,25D3-MARRS protein expression.

Gestational Age↗

[Genetic and experimental approach to bony craniofacial growth: the role of the divergent homeobox gene Msx1].

Tooth agenesis and clef palate are associated to the mutation of the Msx1 homeobox genes, highlighting the pivotal role of homeobox genes during the initial development of the craniofacial skeleton. Msx1 also controls the terminal differentiation of mineralised tissues forming cells. Recently, a Msx1 antisense RNA has been identified which inhibits Msx1 protein expression in odontoblastic cells. In order to investigate the role of Msx1 gene and its antisense RNAs during the late developmental stages of the craniofacial bone formation, the expression pattern of Msx1 protein, sense and antisense transcripts and the aspects of bone growth have been studied in post-natal normal and Msx1 knock-in mutant mice. Msx1 protein was strongly expressed in preosteoblasts of specific bone sites such as the basal mandible. At the same bone sites, bone growth was impaired or markedly decreased in knock-in mice. The comparison between the various expression patterns of Msx1 protein, sense and antisense RNAs suggests that the site-specific action of Msx1 protein on bone growth and craniofacial morphogenesis and that Msx1 protein level could be controlled by the local ratio of Msx1 sense and antisense RNAs. Regarding our experimental data and hypothesis, a clinical study of patients with MSX1 mutation will be performed in order to better characterize the abnormalities of the craniofacial skeleton growth.

Animals↗

Behaviour of moderately differentiated osteoblast-like cells cultured in contact with bioactive glasses.

Bioactive glasses have been shown to stimulate osteogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are still poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the behaviour of osteoblast-like cells (MG63), cultured in the presence of bioglass particles. Three types of granules were used: 45S5 bioactive glass, 45S5 granules preincubated in tris buffer and 60S non-reactive glass, used as control. Phase contrast microscopy permitted step-by-step visualization of cell cultures in contact with the particles. Ultrastructural observations of undecalcified sections revealed direct contacts of the cells and an electron-dense layer located at the periphery of the material. Protein synthesis was evaluated biochemically and showed a gradual increase throughout the culture time in the three types of cultures. Alkaline phosphatase was detected in situ, in clusters of packed cells either in contact with the material or in the background cell layer. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of the main osteoblastic markers showed that gene expression was maintained in all three cultures. The fact that osteocalcin was not detected, supports the fact that the MG63 cell line is composed of less differentiated osteogenic cells rather than mature osteoblasts. We also demonstrated for the first time in this cell line, the expression of Msx-2, Dlx-3 and Dlx-7 homeogenes, known to regulate in vivo foetal skeletogenesis as well as adult skeletal regeneration. However, no significant differences could be recognised in the expression pattern of bone markers between the three types of cultures. Yet these preliminary results indicate that bioactive glasses provided a suitable environment for the growth and proliferation of osteoblasts in vitro, since no drastic changes in phenotype expression of pre-osteoblasts was noted.

Journal Article↗

Investigation of osteocalcin, osteonectin, and dentin sialophosphoprotein in developing human teeth.

Biochemical investigations in rodents have shown that numerous mineralized matrix proteins share expression in bone, dentin, and cementum. Little information is available regarding the expression pattern of these proteins in human tissues, particularly during tooth formation. The aim of this study was to identify the expression pattern of the two major noncollagenous proteins of bone and dentin, osteocalcin (OC) and osteonectin (ON), in comparison to the dentin-specific protein, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). Mandibles from fetuses (5-26 weeks), neonate autopsies, forming teeth from 10-12-year-old patients, third molars extracted for orthodontic reasons, and bone tumors were collected with approval from the National Ethics Committee. Human OC, ON, and DSPP mRNAs were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in fetal mandibles (5-11 weeks) and in primary cell cultures of dental pulp. In addition, OC, ON, and DSPP proteins were localized in forming human mineralized tissues using immunohistochemistry. In vivo, DSPP expression was associated with tooth terminal epithelial-mesenchymal interaction events, amelogenesis and dentinogenesis. Transient DSPP expression was seen in the presecretory ameloblasts with continuous expression in the odontoblasts. In contrast, both osteoblasts and odontoblasts showed a temporal gap between OC and ON expression in early development. ON was expressed in the initial stages of cytodifferentiation, whereas OC was expressed only during the later stages, especially in the teeth. At the maturation stage of enamel formation, both proteins were detected in odontoblasts and their processes within the extracellular matrix. In contrast to bone, OC was not localized extracellularly within the collagen-rich dentin matrix (predentin or intertubular dentin), but was found in the mature enamel. ON was present mostly in the nonmineralized predentin. These results demonstrate for the first time that both OC and ON are produced by human odontoblasts and determine the expression pattern of DSPP in human teeth, and suggest that OC and ON move inside the canalicule via odontoblast cell processes becoming localized to specific extracellular compartments during dentin and enamel formation. These distinct extracellular patterns may be related to the nature of DSPP, OC, and ON interactions with other matrix-specific macromolecules (i.e., amelogenin, dentin matrix protein-1) and/or to the polarized organization of odontoblast secretion as compared with osteoblasts.

Adult↗

Msx1 is a regulator of bone formation during development and postnatal growth: in vivo investigations in a transgenic mouse model.

The present study is devoted to Msx1 distribution and function from birth to 15 months, events and periods still unexplored in vivo using Msx1 knock in transgenic mice. The study is focused on the mandible, as an exemplary model system for Msx1-dependent neural crest-derived skeletal unit. The transgenic line enabled study of morphological abnormalities in Msx1 null mutation mice and Msx1 protein expression in Msx1+/- heterozygous mice. In Msx1 null mutation, the most striking feature was an inhibition of the mandibular basal convexity, the absence of teeth and alveolar bone processes, and absence of endochondral ossification in the mandibular condyle. At birth, in Msx1+/- heterozygous animals, we identified for the first time a double Msx1 aboral-oral and disto-proximal gradient field developmental pattern located in the low border of the mandibular bone in relation with this bone segment modeling. Msx1 expression involved both osteoblast and osteoclast cells. A distinct pattern characterized bone surfaces: Periosteum osteoblast differentiation was related to Msx1 down-regulation, while in the endosteum both differentiated osteoblasts and osteoclasts expressed the homeoprotein. In postnatal stages, Msx1 expression was maintained in the alveolar bone processes and dento-alveolar cells in relation with tooth function. Our data suggest that Msx1 play a role in a site-specific manner not only in early patterning but also in skeletal growth and modeling by acting on heterogenous bone cell populations.

Animals↗

Cross-talk between Msx/Dlx homeobox genes and vitamin D during tooth mineralization.

Rickets is associated with site-specific disorders of enamel and dentin formation, which may reflect the impact of vitamin D on a morphogenetic pathway. This study is devoted to potential cross-talk between vitamin D and Msx/Dlx transcription factors. We raised the question of a potential link between tooth defects seen in mice with rickets and Msx2 gene misexpression, using mutant mice lacking the nuclear vitamin D receptor as an animal model. Our data showed a modulation of Msx2 expression. In order to search for a functional impact of this Msx2 misexpression secondary to rickets, we focused our attention on osteocalcin as a target gene for both vitamin D and Msx2. Combining Msx2 overexpression and vitamin D addition in vitro, we showed an inhibitory effect on osteocalcin expression in immortalized MO6-G3 odontoblasts. Finally, in the same cells, such combinations appeared to modulate VDR expression outlining the existence of complex cross-regulations between vitamin D and Msx/Dix pathways.

Animals↗

Genomic organization and localization of mouse Nma/BAMBI: possible implications related to ameloblastoma formation.

Our laboratory has determined the DNA sequence and transcriptional expression pattern of a mouse cDNA clone termed Nma/BAMBI. This clone encodes a highly conserved protein with 89% identity to the human homologue (termed Nma) and 78% similarity to the Xenopus homologue (termed BAMBI) at the predicted amino acid level. Nma/BAMBI encodes a 260-amino-acid transmembrane protein that has homology to the transforming growth factor (TGF) beta type I receptor family. This protein contains an extracellular ligand binding domain, a 24-amino-acid transmembrane domain, and a short intracellular domain that lacks a functional serine/threonine kinase domain. It is believed that Nma/BAMBI is important in the negative regulation of TGF beta signal transduction pathways during development and has implications in tumor progression. We have determined the genomic organization of the mouse Nma/BAMBI gene and confirmed the chromosomal mapping to human chromosome 10 and mouse chromosome 2. Furthermore, we report the production and utilization of an anti-peptide antibody in preliminary immunohistochemical analysis of an ameloblastoma.

Ameloblastoma↗

Differential epithelial and mesenchymal regulation of tooth-specific matrix proteins expression by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in vivo.

Enamel defects have been reported in rickets and related to disturbed expression of amelogenin in ameloblasts. The present study is devoted to amelogenin, enamelin, ameloblastin, and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) expression in both the epithelium and mesenchyme of vitamin D-deficient rat incisors. Quantitative Northern blotting analysis (relatively to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA steady-state levels) was performed on microdissected cells of rachitic (-D) and control (+D) 56 day old rats. Steady-state levels of amelogenin and enamelin mRNA were significantly reduced in the -D epithelium versus the +D epithelium ones. In contrast, ameloblastin expression was slightly increased in -D epithelium. In the same samples, DSPP mRNA levels remained unchanged in -D dental mesenchyme. Comparative electron microscopy studies between +D and -D animals showed a dramatic decrease of intraprismatic enamel (amelogenin and enamelin immunoreactive) consistent with our molecular results. In conclusion, tooth formation results from the coordinated expression of several matrix proteins that may be controlled by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3].

Animals↗

Msx1 homeogene antisense mRNA in mouse dental and bone cells.

Msx1 plays a key role in early dental and cranio-facial patterning. A systematic screening of Msx1 transcripts during late postnatal stages of development evidenced not only sense mRNA but also antisense mRNA in the skeleton. Natural antisenses are able to bind their corresponding sense RNAs and block protein expression. Specific reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Northern-blotting using riboprobes and primer extension analysis allowed to identify and sequence a mouse 2184-base Msx1 antisense transcript. The transcription start site was located in a region including a consensus TATA box. In situ hybridization evidenced an increase in antisense mRNA expression during dental and bone cell differentiation in prenatal (Theiler stages E15.5-18.5) and newborn mice. This upregulation was related to Msx1 protein downregulation in cells expressing Msx1 sense mRNA. In vitro, transient Msx1 sense and antisense mRNA overexpression was performed in MO6-G3 cells, which pertain to the odontoblast lineage (polarization and dentin sialoprotein and phosphoprotein synthesis). The balance between antisense and sense Msx1 mRNAs appeared to control Msx1 protein levels. These data suggest that a bidirectional transcription of Msx1 homeogene may control Msx1 protein levels, and therefore may be critical in cell communication and differentiation during dental and cranio-facial development and mineralization.

Animals↗

Investigation of flow properties of powders by means of a uniaxial tester, in relation to direct tablet compression.

Unexpected poor flowability during commercial production of a direct compression tablet formulation initiated an investigation of the flow properties of the powder mixture and its components by means of a uniaxial tester. The failure function--a curve describing the strength of the powder bed as a junction of the maximum main stress that has consolidated the bed--of the powder mixture and its components was determined. The drug was more cohesive than the filler, which was somewhat more cohesive than the powder mixture. Three excipients--a hinder, a glidant and a lubricant constituting 3.5 w/w% of the formulation improved the flowability of the mixture of active ingredient and filler. The failure function discriminated powder mixtures with poor flow from mixtures with medium or good flow. However, it was not possible to discriminate medium from good flow by means of the failure function. Attempts to correlate univariately the flow property parameters of the powder mixtures with particle size data or flow property data of included active ingredient and filler batches failed. Therefore a multivariate approach was tested. Principal component analysis (PCA) and projection to latent structures by means of partial least squares (PLS) were employed. An excellent PCA model was obtained with the flow properties of the powder mixture. A good PCA model of tableting performance--based on tablet weight variation and tablet machine speed-was obtained.

Drug Compounding↗

Bone formation in the context of growth retardation induced by hIGFBP-1 overexpression in transgenic mice.

In humans, intrauterine growth retardation (hIUGR) is correlated with an overexpression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1). The affected children also present a delay in bone mineralization. In this study, transgenic 12-day-old mutant mice overexpressing human IGFBP-1 hepatospecifically showed a severe growth retardation. Alcian blue and alizarin red S staining of the skeleton revealed mineralization defects at the posterior level of the skull (delayed suture closure) and in appendicular and axial skeleton. Furthermore, microradiographic analysis showed a reduced bone density in the same areas. Thus, overexpressing of hIGFBP-1 demonstrates early postnatal life growth retardation and a delay in mineralization in transgenic mutant mice. These data show the involvement of the IGF/IGFBP system and more particularly IGFBP-1 in the biomineralization process.

Animals↗