1.
NEAT1 functions as a key mediator of BMP2 to promote osteogenic differentiation of renal interstitial fibroblasts.
Zhu, Z, Zhang, X, Jiang, Y, Ruan, S, Huang, F, Zeng, H, Liu, M, Xia, W, Zeng, F, Chen, J, et al
Epigenomics. 2021;(15):1171-1186
Abstract
Aim: To clarify the mechanism of NEAT1, an aberrantly upregulated lncRNA in Randall's plaques (RP) similar to biomineralization, in mediating osteogenic differentiation of human renal interstitial fibroblasts. Materials & methods: A comprehensive strategy of bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification was performed. Results:BMP2 silence abolished the osteogenic differentiation of human renal interstitial fibroblasts promoted by NEAT1. Mechanically, NEAT1 not only induced the nucleolar translocation of EGR1 binding to BMP2 promotor, but also functioned as a sponge of miR-129-5p in the cytoplasm to promote BMP2 expression. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between NEAT1 and BMP2 expression in RP instead of normal renal papilla. Conclusion:NEAT1 acted as a key mediator of BMP2 to promote human renal interstitial fibroblast osteogenic differentiation, through which NEAT1 might be involved in RP formation.
2.
The ECM-cell interaction of cartilage extracellular matrix on chondrocytes.
Gao, Y, Liu, S, Huang, J, Guo, W, Chen, J, Zhang, L, Zhao, B, Peng, J, Wang, A, Wang, Y, et al
BioMed research international. 2014;:648459
Abstract
Cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed primarily of the network type II collagen (COLII) and an interlocking mesh of fibrous proteins and proteoglycans (PGs), hyaluronic acid (HA), and chondroitin sulfate (CS). Articular cartilage ECM plays a crucial role in regulating chondrocyte metabolism and functions, such as organized cytoskeleton through integrin-mediated signaling via cell-matrix interaction. Cell signaling through integrins regulates several chondrocyte functions, including differentiation, metabolism, matrix remodeling, responses to mechanical stimulation, and cell survival. The major signaling pathways that regulate chondrogenesis have been identified as wnt signal, nitric oxide (NO) signal, protein kinase C (PKC), and retinoic acid (RA) signal. Integrins are a large family of molecules that are central regulators in multicellular biology. They orchestrate cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesive interactions from embryonic development to mature tissue function. In this review, we emphasize the signaling molecule effect and the biomechanics effect of cartilage ECM on chondrogenesis.