Journal of Developmental Biology

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Open AccessReview

Role of Chondrocytes in Cartilage Formation, Progression of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Regeneration

by Hemanth Akkiraju and Anja Nohe

J. Dev. Biol. 2015, 3(4), 177-192; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb3040177 - 18 Dec 2015

Cited by 325 | Viewed by 22433

Articular cartilage (AC) covers the diarthrodial joints and is responsible for the mechanical distribution of loads across the joints. The majority of its structure and function is controlled by chondrocytes that regulate Extracellular Matrix (ECM) turnover and maintain tissue homeostasis. Imbalance in their function leads to degenerative diseases like Osteoarthritis (OA). OA is characterized by cartilage degradation, osteophyte formation and stiffening of joints. Cartilage degeneration is a consequence of chondrocyte hypertrophy along with the expression of proteolytic enzymes. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) are an example of these enzymes that degrade the ECM. Signaling cascades involved in limb patterning and cartilage repair play a role in OA progression. However, the regulation of these remains to be elucidated. Further the role of stem cells and mature chondrocytes in OA progression is unclear. The progress in cell based therapies that utilize Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) infusion for cartilage repair may lead to new therapeutics in the long term. However, many questions are unanswered such as the efficacy of MSCs usage in therapy. This review focuses on the role of chondrocytes in cartilage formation and the progression of OA. Moreover, it summarizes possible alternative therapeutic approaches using MSC infusion for cartilage restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Fate Decisions in Development and Disease)

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Open AccessArticle

Col11a1 Regulates Bone Microarchitecture during Embryonic Development

by Anthony Hafez, Ryan Squires, Amber Pedracini, Alark Joshi, Robert E. Seegmiller and Julia Thom Oxford

J. Dev. Biol. 2015, 3(4), 158-176; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb3040158 - 16 Dec 2015

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6409

Abstract

Collagen XI alpha 1 (Col11a1) is an extracellular matrix molecule required for embryonic development with a role in both nucleating the formation of fibrils and regulating the diameter of heterotypic fibrils during collagen fibrillar assembly. Although found in many different tissues throughout the vertebrate body, Col11a1 plays an essential role in endochondral ossification. To further understand the function of Col11a1 in the process of bone formation, we compared skeletal mineralization in wild-type (WT) mice and Col11a1-deficient mice using X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) and histology. Changes in trabecular bone microstructure were observed and are presented here. Additionally, changes to the periosteal bone collar of developing long bones were observed and resulted in an increase in thickness in the case of Col11a1-deficient mice compared to WT littermates. Vertebral bodies were incompletely formed in the absence of Col11a1. The data demonstrate that Col11a1 depletion results in alteration to newly-formed bone and is consistent with a role for Col11a1 in mineralization. These findings indicate that expression of Col11a1 in the growth plate and perichondrium is essential for trabecular bone and bone collar formation during endochondral ossification. The observed changes to mineralized tissues further define the function of Col11a1. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Cell Fate Decision Making through Oriented Cell Division

by Evan B. Dewey, Danielle T. Taylor and Christopher A. Johnston

J. Dev. Biol. 2015, 3(4), 129-157; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb3040129 - 14 Dec 2015

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9235

Abstract

The ability to dictate cell fate decisions is critical during animal development. Moreover, faithful execution of this process ensures proper tissue homeostasis throughout adulthood, whereas defects in the molecular machinery involved may contribute to disease. Evolutionarily conserved protein complexes control cell fate decisions across diverse tissues. Maintaining proper daughter cell inheritance patterns of these determinants during mitosis is therefore a fundamental step of the cell fate decision-making process. In this review, we will discuss two key aspects of this fate determinant segregation activity, cortical cell polarity and mitotic spindle orientation, and how they operate together to produce oriented cell divisions that ultimately influence daughter cell fate. Our focus will be directed at the principal underlying molecular mechanisms and the specific cell fate decisions they have been shown to control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Fate Decisions in Development and Disease)

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Open AccessReview

Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) is a Determinant of Stem Cell Fate: Lessons from an Ultra-Rare Disease

by Usman Sagheer, Jingjing Gong and Chuhan Chung

J. Dev. Biol. 2015, 3(4), 112-128; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb3040112 - 20 Nov 2015

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8470

Abstract

PEDF is a secreted glycoprotein that is widely expressed by multiple organs. Numerous functional contributions have been attributed to PEDF with antiangiogenic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and neurotrophic properties among the most prominent. The discovery that null mutations in the PEDF gene results in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type VI, a rare autosomal recessive bone disease characterized by multiple fractures, highlights a critical developmental function for this protein. This ultra-rare orphan disease has provided biological insights into previous studies that noted PEDF’s effects on various stem cell populations. In addition to bone development, PEDF modulates resident stem cell populations in the brain, muscle, and eye. Functional effects on human embryonic stem cells have also been demonstrated. An overview of recent advances in our understanding by which PEDF regulates stem cells and their potential clinical applications will be evaluated in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Fate Decisions in Development and Disease)

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6269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pbx4 is Required for the Temporal Onset of Zebrafish Myocardial Differentiation

by Robert M. Kao, Joel G. Rurik, Gist H. Farr III, Xiu Rong Dong, Mark W. Majesky and Lisa Maves

J. Dev. Biol. 2015, 3(4), 93-111; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb3040093 - 12 Nov 2015

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7529

Abstract

Proper control of the temporal onset of cellular differentiation is critical for regulating cell lineage decisions and morphogenesis during development. Pbx homeodomain transcription factors have emerged as important regulators of cellular differentiation. We previously showed, by using antisense morpholino knockdown, that Pbx factors are needed for the timely activation of myocardial differentiation in zebrafish. In order to gain further insight into the roles of Pbx factors in heart development, we show here that zebrafish pbx4 mutant embryos exhibit delayed onset of myocardial differentiation, such as delayed activation of tnnt2a expression in early cardiomyocytes in the anterior lateral plate mesoderm. We also observe delayed myocardial morphogenesis and dysmorphic patterning of the ventricle and atrium, consistent with our previous Pbx knock-down studies. In addition, we find that pbx4 mutant larvae have aberrant outflow tracts and defective expression of the proepicardial marker tbx18. Finally, we present evidence for Pbx expression in cardiomyocyte precursors as well as heterogeneous Pbx expression among the pan-cytokeratin-expressing proepicardial cells near the developing ventricle. In summary, our data show that Pbx4 is required for the proper temporal activation of myocardial differentiation and establish a basis for studying additional roles of Pbx factors in heart development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Fate Decisions in Development and Disease)

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J. Dev. Biol., Volume 3, Issue 4 (December 2015) – 5 articles , Pages 93-192

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