Mutations in the TRPS1 gene lead to the tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome, which is characterized by skeletal defects and abnormal hair development. The TRPS1 gene encodes an atypical member of the GATA-type family of transcription factors. Here we show that mice with a disrupted Trps1 gene develop a chondrodysplasia characterized by diminished chondrocyte proliferation and decreased apoptosis in growth plates. Our analyses revealed that Trps1 is a repressor of Stat3 expression, which in turn controls chondrocyte proliferation and survival by regulating the expression of cyclin D1 and Bcl2. Our conclusion is supported (i) by siRNA-mediated depletion of Stat3 in Trps1-deficient chondrocytes, which normalized the expression of cyclin D1 and Bcl2, (ii) by overexpression of Trps1 in ATDC5 chondrocytes, which diminished Stat3 levels and increased proliferation and apoptosis, and (iii) by mutational analysis of the GATA-binding sites in the Stat3 gene, which revealed that their integrity is critical for the direct association with Trps1 and for Trps1-mediated repression of Stat3. Altogether our findings identify Trps1 as a novel regulator of chondrocytes proliferation and survival through the control of Stat3 expression.

Mechanical strain reportedly stimulates the synthesis of collagen in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The present study was designed to investigate a possible involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in stretch-induced collagen synthesis of cultured SMCs derived from the rabbit aortic media. SMCs were cyclically stretched at a rate of 10% elongation and 30 cycles/min for 24 h using the Flexercell^® strain unit (Flexcell International Corp., McKeesport, Pa.). A two-fold increase in collagen synthesis and a concurrent increase in total protein synthesis were noted in stretched SMCs. Concentration of immunoreactive Ang II in the conditioned medium was elevated under the mechanical strain. Stretch-induced collagen and total protein synthesis were inhibited by either a selective antagonist to Ang II (saralasin), an angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) or an antisense oligonucleotide for angiotensinogen mRNA. An elevated secretion of TGF-β, both active and latent forms, was found in the medium of stretched SMCs. Saralasin inhibited the stretch-induced secretion of TGF-β from SMCs. Stretch-induced collagen and total protein synthesis was further inhibited by either an anti-TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody or an adenovirus-mediated transfer of a truncated TGF-β type II receptor. Elevated expression of collagen α1(III) chain and TGF-β1 mRNAs, and its reversal by saralasin were also demonstrated in stretched SMCs. Results indicate that the stretch-induced collagen and total protein synthesis appears to be mediated via an autocrine-paracrine mechanism of Ang II and TGF-β released from SMCs.

Abstract.The reduced expression level of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is attributed to the hyposensitivity of parathyroid cells to extracellular calcium concentration [Ca 2ϩ ]o, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients and rats with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). Calcimimetic compounds have been demonstrated to improve the decreased sensitivity of CaR to extracellular calcium concentration and to suppress both parathyroid hormone (PTH) oversecretion and parathyroid cell proliferation. However, the effect of calcimimetics on the reduced CaR expression level in parathyroid cells in CRI remains unclarified. The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of the calcimimetic compound NSP R-568 (R-568) on the CaR expression in the parathyroid cells of rats with experimental CRI. Subtotally nephrectomized rats were fed a high-phosphorus diet for 8 (n ϭ 12; Nx-8 group) or 9 wk (n ϭ 11; Nx-9 group) to induce severe SHPT. Another group of uremic rats were fed a high-phosphorus diet for 8 wk and then orally administered R-568 (100 mol/kg body wt) once a day for 7 d (n ϭ 11; NxϩR-568 group). Sham-operated rats that were fed a standard diet for 9 wk were used as controls (n ϭ 8). R-568 treatment induced a significant reduction in plasma PTH level with significant decrease in serum calcium and without change in serum phosphorus concentration. Serum 1,25(OH)2D3 level was not affected by R-568 administration. CaR mRNA and protein levels in the Nx-8 and Nx-9 groups significantly decreased compared with those in the controls; however, no significant difference in these parameters was observed between the Nx-8 and Nx-9 groups. In the NxϩR-568 group, CaR mRNA and protein levels significantly increased compared with those in either the Nx-8 or Nx-9 group. R-568 was effective in reducing the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells along with parathyroid gland growth suppression in the NxϩR-568 group compared with that in the Nx-9 group. The results suggest that the calcimimetic compound R-568 upregulates decreased CaR expression, and the upregulation possibly has an enhancement effect on PTH secretion and parathyroid cell hyperplasia through the improved sensitivity of CaR to [Ca 2ϩ ]o.The parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a critical role in calcium (Ca) homeostasis and bone mineral metabolism. PTH secretion from parathyroid gland cells is closely regulated by several factors, including serum Ca and phosphorus (P) levels. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) on the parathyroid cell surface senses extracellular Ca concentration ([Ca 2ϩ ]o) accurately and mediates PTH synthesis and PTH secretion with other factors, including P and vitamin D (1). It has been reported that the expression levels of the CaR gene and CaR protein are reduced in the parathyroid glands of patients with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), in which PTH is oversecreted despite normal or high [Ca 2ϩ ]o (2-5). The mechanism underlying the regulation ...

These results suggest that medial layer vascular calcification in uraemic rats with severe hyperphosphataemia and SHPT may be caused in part by Cbfa1 and Pit-1.

These results indicate that phosphate uptake through the type III sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter, Pit-1, leads to induction of apoptosis and subsequent calcification of VSMC.

During embryonic development, the mesenchyme of the lungs, gut, kidneys, and other tissues expresses Trps1, an atypical member of the GATA-type family of transcription factors. Our previous work suggested the possibility that Trps1 acts downstream of bone morphogenic protein 7 (Bmp7), which is essential for normal renal development. To examine the role of Trps1 during early renal development, we generated Trps1-deficient mice and examined their renal histology. Compared with wild-type mice, Trps1-deficient newborn mice had fewer tubules and glomeruli, an expanded renal interstitium, and numerous uninduced metanephric mesenchymal cells, which resulted in fewer nephrons. In wild-type kidneys, Trps1 expression was present in ureteric buds, cap mesenchyme, and renal vesicles, whereas Trps1 was virtually absent in Bmp7-deficient kidneys. Furthermore, Trps1-deficient kidneys had low levels of Pax2 and Wt1, which are markers of condensed mesenchymal cells, suggesting that a lack of Trps1 affects the differentiation of cap mesenchyme to renal vesicles. In cultured metanephric mesenchymal cells, Bmp7 induced Trps1 and E-cadherin and downregulated vimentin. Knockdown of Trps1 with small interference RNA inhibited this Bmp7-induced mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. Last, whole-mount in situ hybridization of Wnt9b and Wnt4 demonstrated prolonged branching of ureteric buds and sparse cap mesenchyme in the kidneys of Trps1-deficient mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that normal formation of nephrons requires Trps1, which mediates mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and ureteric bud branching during early renal development.

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates renal phosphate reabsorption and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)₂D₃] metabolism. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased levels of circulating FGF23, but the direct regulation of this elevation of FGF23 is incompletely understood. Method:We measured plasma parameters in uremic rats fed a high-phosphorus diet and then performed parathyroidectomy (PTX) to determine its effect. We also investigated FGF23 mRNA expression in various tissues to identify the major source of circulating FGF23. Result: The uremic rats displayed dramatic changes in plasma FGF23 levels, consistent with increased expression of FGF23 in bone. Elevated FGF23 was associated with phosphate and parathyroid hormone (PTH). After PTX, the elevated FGF23 had decreased, consistent with decreased expression of FGF23 in bone. Significant decreases in plasma FGF23 were associated with PTH and 1,25(OH)₂D₃, but not phosphate. Conclusion: Elevated plasma FGF23 levels in uremic rats reflect the increased expression of FGF23 in bone. The expression of FGF23 in bone may be regulated by a PTH-1,25(OH)₂D₃ axis-dependent pathway and another PTH-dependent and 1,25(OH)₂D₃-independent pathway in uremic rats. The pathway may be decided by the degree of renal dysfunction.

No abstract