The bone morphogenic protein(BMP) can promote migration and growth of mesenchymal cells and initiate process for bone and cartilage formation. Cartilage-derived morphogenic protein(CDMP)-1 and -2 belong to the bone morphogenetic protein family in the transforming growth factor(TGF)-beta superfamily. Although pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands is an epithelial tumor, it frequently shows ectopic cartilaginous formation with biomolecular studies. The mechanism of pathogenesis in cartilaginous formation is still controversy. We examined the expression and localization of CDMP-1 and -2, in comparison with the localization of cartilaginous matrix proteins, in human normal salivary glands and 20 cases of pleomorphic adenoma using immunohistochemical methods. The results were followed. 1. CMP-1 was immunolocalized in the striated ducts and the intercalated ducts , but not expressed in excretory duct, CDMP-2 was not expressed in the normal salivary glands. 2. CMP-1 was immunolocalized in the ductal cell and cuboidal neoplastic myoepithelial cells around the chondroid areas of the pleomorphic adenomas, whereas these molecules were not localized in the spindle-shaped neoplastic myoepithelial cells of the myxoid element in these tumors. CDMP-2 was expressed neither in normal salivary glands nor in any elements of the pleomorphic adenomas. 3. In transmission electron microscopic view, the tumor cells are composed of modifed myoepithelial cells between hyaline and myxoid stroma. 4. In Immuno-blot analysis, strong overexpression of CDMP-1 was frequently seen in pleomorphic adenomas, but the level of CDMP-2 was expressed minimally in pleomorphic adenoma. From the these results, it should be suggested that undifferentiated neoplastic myoepithelial cells around the chondroid areas expressed CDMP-1 and suggested that this molecule may play a role in the differentiation of neoplastic myoepithelial cells in pleomorphic adenoma, but not CDMP-2.
Adenoma, Pleomorphic* ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; Cartilage* ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5 ; Humans ; Hyalin ; Salivary Glands

The integral mature peptide gene of human growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) was cloned to provide the essential foundation for study on the biological characteristics of GDF-5 at gene and protein levels. Two primers were chemosynthesized according to the hGDF-5 sequence reported in Genbank. The hGDF-5 gene was gained by RT-PCR methods from the total RNA extracted from human fetus cartilage tissue, and was cloned into vector pMD18-T. The sequence of recombinant plasmid pMD18-T-hGDF-5 was analyzed by sequence analysis. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the product of RT-PCR was about 380bp, and double enzyme digestion of the recombinant plasmid corresponded with it. The result of sequence assay was in agreement with the reported hGDF-5 sequence in Genbank. Our results showed that the integral mature peptide gene of human GDF-5 was cloned successfully from human fetal cartilage tissue, and totally identified with the sequence of human GDF-5 in Genbank.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cartilage ; chemistry ; Cloning, Molecular ; Fetus ; Genetic Vectors ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5 ; Humans ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; genetics

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease characterized by degenerating joint cartilage in the knee, hip, and hand. A functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) +104T/C; rs143383 in the 5' untranslated region of the growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) gene was recently associated with susceptibility to OA in the Japanese and Chinese populations. METHODS: To investigate whether this association is present in the Korean population, the frequency of the polymorphism was investigated in 276 patients with knee OA and 298 healthy subjects as controls. Polymorphism analysis was performed by amplifying the core promoter region of the GDF5 gene and digesting it with the BsiEI restriction enzyme. RESULTS: The frequency of the TT, CT, and CC genotypes was 54.3% (150/276), 41.7% (115/276), and 4.0% (11/276), respectively, in patients with OA, and 53.4% (159/298), 37.9% (113/298), and 8.7% (26/298), respectively, in healthy controls. No significant differences in genotypic or allelic frequencies of the +104T/C SNP of the GDF5 gene were observed between patients with OA and controls. Also, no significant differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies were found when the individuals were stratified by age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the +104T/C; rs143383 GDF5 core promoter polymorphism is not a risk factor for OA in the Korean population.
5' Untranslated Regions ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cartilage ; Genotype ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5 ; Hand ; Hip ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee ; Osteoarthritis ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the alternation of biological characteristics of residual ear chondrocytes when proliferating in vitro, and study the effects of CDMP-1 on proliferation and differentiation of residual ear chondrocytes.

METHODSResidual ear chondrocytes were cultured in vitro. Then we observed the effect of CDMP-1 on differentiation by immunohistochemistry of collagen type II and dyeing with toluidine blue, investigated proliferation effects of CDMP-1 by method of MIT, and analysis cell cycle changes by flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe quantity of GAG gradually decreased along with the increase of the doubling time of chondrocytes in vitro. The quantity of chondrocytes with positive expression of collagen type II were significantly more in the experimental group used with CDMP-1 than the contrast. And the most efficient concentration of CDMP-1 was 100 ng/ml.

CONCLUSIONSCDMP-1 had a good effect on proliferating and could maintain morphology of the residual ear chondrocytes of microtia cultured in vitro.

Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Ear Deformities, Acquired ; Female ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5 ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Male

Brachydactyly type C (BDC) is characterized by shortening of the middle phalanges of the index, middle, and little fingers. Hyperphalangy of the index and middle finger and shortening of the first metacarpal can also be observed. BDC is a rare genetic condition associated with the GDF5 gene, and this condition has not been confirmed by genetic analysis so far in the Korean population. Herein, we present a case of a 6-yr-old girl diagnosed with BDC confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. The patient presented with shortening of the second and third digits of both hands. Sequence analysis of the GDF5 gene was performed and the pathogenic mutation, c.1312C>T (p.Arg438Cys), was identified. Interestingly, this mutation was previously described in a patient who presented with the absence of the middle phalanges in the second through fifth toes. However, our patient showed no involvement of the feet. Considering intrafamilial and interfamilial variability, molecular analysis of isolated brachydactyly is warranted to elucidate the genetic origin and establish a diagnosis.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics ; Brachydactyly/diagnosis/*genetics ; Child ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Fingers/anatomy & histology ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5/*genetics ; Humans ; Mutation ; Republic of Korea

Adult ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Finger Joint ; physiopathology ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5 ; genetics ; Humans ; Joint Diseases ; congenital ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pedigree ; Young Adult

This experimental study was aimed to construct the recombinant adenovirus vector containing human GDF-5 gene, and to use it for infecting human MSCs and detecting the expression of the gene GDF-5. The core sequence of human GDF-5 was amplified by PCR from pCMV-SPORT6, and then was cloned to pAdtrack-CMV. The linearized shuttle plasmid pAdtrack-CMV-GDF-5 was homogenously recombined with pAdeasy-1 in BJ5183. The potential clone was analyzed by restriction endonuclease digestion. The correct clone was linearized and transfected into QBI-293 cells for packing and amplifying so as to obtain adenovirus pAd-GDF-5 and identify it, while the titer was also determined by TCID50. MSCs were infected by the harvested virus, and the expression of GDF-5 was detected by RT-PCR. The recombinant adenovirus vector containing human GDF-5 gene was constructed successfully, its titer was 1 x 10(9) PFU/ml, and it could infect MSCs efficiently. The human MSCs infected by constructed adenovirus vector could continue expressing GDF-5 in a certain time, and the transgenic MSCs would be much potential on tissue regeneration.
Adenoviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of functional deterioration in older adults and is an immense burden on the aging population. Altered chondrogenesis is the most important pathophysiological process involved in the development of osteoarthritis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of chondrogenesis in patients with osteoarthritis requires further elucidation, particularly with respect to the role of microRNAs. MiR-21 expression in cartilage specimens was examined in 10 patients with knee osteoarthritis and 10 traumatic amputees. The effect of miR-21 on chondrogenesis was also investigated in a chondrocyte cell line. The effect of miR-21 on the expression of growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5) was further assessed by luciferase reporter assay and western blot. We found that endogenous miR-21 is upregulated in osteoarthritis patients, and overexpression of miR-21 could attenuate the process of chondrogenesis. Furthermore, we identified GDF-5 as the direct target of miR-21 during the regulation of chondrogenesis. Our data suggest that miR-21 has an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and is a potential therapeutic target.
Cartilage/metabolism/pathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Cell Line ; Chondrocytes/*metabolism/pathology ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5/genetics/*metabolism ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics/*metabolism ; Osteoarthritis/*metabolism/pathology ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVE: To construct a novel non-viral vector loaded with growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) plasmid using chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis (OA) gene therapy. METHODS: Nano-microspheres (NMPs) were prepared by mixing chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate. GDF-5 plasmid was encapsulated in the NMPs through electrostatic adsorption. The basic characteristics of the NMPs were observed, and then they were co-cultured with chondrocytes to observe their effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression. Finally, NMPs loaded with GDF-5 were injected into the articular cavities of rabbits to observe their therapeutic effects on OA in vivo. RESULTS: NMPs exhibited good physicochemical properties and low cytotoxicity. Their average diameter was (0.61±0.20) μm, and encapsulation efficiency was (38.19±0.36)%. According to Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, relative cell viability was 75%-99% when the total weight of NMPs was less than 560 μg. Transfection efficiency was (62.0±2.1)% in a liposome group, and (60.0±1.8)% in the NMP group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Immunohistochemical staining results suggested that NMPs can successfully transfect chondrocytes and stimulate ECM protein expression in vitro. Compared with the control groups, the NMP group significantly promoted the expression of chondrocyte ECM in vivo (P<0.05), as shown by analysis of the biochemical composition of chondrocyte ECM. When NMPs were injected into OA model rabbits, the expression of ECM proteins in chondrocytes was significantly promoted and the progression of OA was slowed down. CONCLUSIONS Based on these data, we think that these NMPs with excellent physicochemical and biological properties could be promising non-viral vectors for OA gene therapy.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Survival/drug effects* ; Chitosan/chemistry* ; Chondrocytes/cytology* ; Chondroitin Sulfates/chemistry* ; Drug Carriers ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism* ; Genetic Therapy/methods* ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5/genetics* ; Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry* ; Microspheres ; Nanomedicine ; Osteoarthritis/therapy* ; Plasmids/metabolism* ; Rabbits

Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins(IGFBPs) are critical regulators of the mitogenic activity of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). IGFBP5, one of these IGFBPs, has special structural features, including a nuclear transport domain, heparin-binding motif, and IGF/extracellular matrix/acid-labile subunit-binding sites. Furthermore, IGFBP5 has several functional effects on carcinogenesis and even normal cell processes, such as cell growth, death, motility, and tissue remodeling. These biological effects are sometimes related with IGF (IGF-dependent effects) and sometimes not (IGF-independent effects). The functional role of IGFBP5 is most likely determined in a cell-type and tissue-type specific manner but also depends on cell context, especially in terms of the diversity of interacting proteins and the potential for nuclear localization. Clinical findings show that IGFBP5 has the potential to be a useful clinical biomarker for predicting response to therapy and clinical outcome of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the functional diversity and clinical importance of IGFBP5 in different types of cancers.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Movement ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5 ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Protein Binding ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Somatomedins ; metabolism