Changes in gene expression associated with matrix turnover, chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy in the bovine growth plate.

The aim of the study is to investigate the interrelationships between the expression of genes for structural extracellular matrix molecules, proteinases and their inhibitors in the bovine fetal growth plate. This was analyzed by RT-PCR in microsections of the proximal tibial growth plate of bovine fetuses in relationship to expression of genes associated with chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and matrix vascularization. In the resting zone the genes for extracellular matrix molecule synthesis were expressed. Extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and their inhibitors were also expressed here. Onset of proliferation involved cyclic upregulation of cell division-associated activity and reduced expression of extracellular matrix molecules. Later in the proliferative zone we noted transient expression of proteinases and their inhibitors, extracellular matrix molecules, as well as activity associated with vascularization and apoptosis. With the onset of hypertrophy expression of proteinases and their inhibitors, extracellular matrix molecules, as well as activity associated with vascularization and apoptosis were significantly upregulated. Terminal differentiation was characterized by high expression of proteinases and their inhibitors, extracellular matrix molecules, as well as activity associated with apoptosis. This study reveals the complex interrelationships of gene expression in the physis that accompany matrix assembly, resorption, chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy, vascularization and cell death while principal zones of the growth plate are characterized by a distinct signature profile of gene expression.

Distinct phases of coordinated early and late gene expression in growth plate chondrocytes in relationship to cell proliferation, matrix assembly, remodeling, and cell differentiation.

Although much has been learned about growth plate development and chondrocyte gene expression during cellular maturation and matrix remodeling in the mouse, there has been a limited study of the interrelationships of gene expression between proteinases, growth factors, and other regulatory molecules in the mouse and in other species. Here we use RT-PCR of sequential transverse sections to examine the expression profiles of genes involved in chondrocyte growth, differentiation, matrix assembly, remodeling, and mineralization in the bovine proximal tibial growth plate. Specifically, we studied the expression of genes encoding COL2A1 and COL10A1, the latter a marker of cellular hypertrophy, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), MMP-13 and MMP-9, as well as the transcriptional factors, Sox9 and Cbfa1, the growth factors basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), transforming growth factor (TGF)beta1, and beta2, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), and the matrix protein osteocalcin. These were analyzed in relationship to cell division defined by cyclin B2 expression. Two peaks of gene expression activity were observed. One was transient, limited, and located immediately before and at the onset of cyclin B2 expression in the early proliferative zone. The other was generally much more pronounced and was located in the early hypertrophic zone. The upregulation of expression of COL2A1, its transcriptional activator Sox9, osteocalcin, MMP-13, and TGFbeta2 was observed immediately before and at the onset of cyclin B2 expression and also in the hypertrophic zones. The upregulation of COL10A1, Cbfa1, MMP-9, TGFbeta-1, and Ihh gene expression was associated exclusively with the terminal differentiation of chondrocytes at the time of mineral formation in the extracellular matrix. In contrast, bFGF and PTHrP expression was observed in association with the onset of cyclin B2 expression and hypertrophy. This initial cluster of gene expression associated predominantly with matrix assembly and onset of cell proliferation is therefore characterized by expression of regulatory molecules distinct from those involved at hypertrophy. Together these results identify separate phases of coordinated gene expression associated with the development of the physis in endochondral bone formation.

Cartilage matrix resorption in skeletogenesis.

Chondrocytes assemble an extracellular matrix in which the relative composition of type IX versus type II collagen and aggrecan changes during assembly. On maturation and differentiation into hypertrophic cells type IX collagen first loses the NC4 globular domain of the alpha 1(IX) chain that protrudes from the collagen fibril. Subsequently, collagenase 3 (matrix metalloproteinase 13; MMP13) is up-regulated as type X collagen is expressed leading to extensive cleavage and removal of type II collagen and of the remaining COL2 domain of type IX collagen alpha 1(IX) chain. The proteoglycan aggrecan is selectively retained in the extracellular matrix. Inhibition of collagenase leads to arrest of hypertrophy as well as gene expression of MMP13. Thus proteolysis and in particular MMP13 are required for chondrocyte differentiation and for matrix resorption in skeletal development.

Identification of Lrp-regulated genes by inverse PCR and sequencing: regulation of two mal operons of Escherichia coli by leucine-responsive regulatory protein.

We have used the technique of inverse PCR to identify Escherichia coli chromosomal genes carrying Lrp-regulated inserts. This technique revealed that malT, malEFG, and malB-lamB-malK are all activated two- to fivefold by Lrp and confirmed that Lrp regulates expression of the leuDBCA and livHJKG operons. lacZ transcription is also increased in the presence of Lrp. However, the growth rate of the Lrp mutant on maltose and lactose is not decreased by Lrp deficiency.