The p53 tumor suppressor is a transcription factor that mediates varied cellular responses. The C terminus of p53 is subjected to multiple and diverse post-translational modifications. An attractive hypothesis is that differing sets of combinatorial modifications therein determine distinct cellular outcomes. To address this in vivo, a Trp53ΔCTD/ΔCTD mouse was generated in which the endogenous p53 is targeted and replaced with a truncated mutant lacking the C-terminal 24 amino acids. These Trp53ΔCTD/ΔCTD mice die within 2 wk post-partum with hematopoietic failure and impaired cerebellar development. Intriguingly, the C terminus acts via three distinct mechanisms to control p53-dependent gene expression depending on the tissue. First, in the bone marrow and thymus, the C terminus dampens p53 activity. Increased senescence in the Trp53ΔCTD/ΔCTD bone marrow is accompanied by up-regulation of Cdkn1 (p21). In the thymus, the C-terminal domain negatively regulates p53-dependent gene expression by inhibiting promoter occupancy. Here, the hyperactive p53ΔCTD induces apoptosis via enhanced expression of the proapoptotic Bbc3 (Puma) and Pmaip1 (Noxa). In the liver, a second mechanism prevails, since p53ΔCTD has wild-type DNA binding but impaired gene expression. Thus, the C terminus of p53 is needed in liver cells at a step subsequent to DNA binding. Finally, in the spleen, the C terminus controls p53 protein levels, with the overexpressed p53ΔCTD showing hyperactivity for gene expression. Thus, the C terminus of p53 regulates gene expression via multiple mechanisms depending on the tissue and target, and this leads to specific phenotypic effects in vivo.
Tendon injuries are major orthopaedic problems that worsen as the population ages. Type-I (Col1) and type-II (Col2) collagens play important roles in tendon midsubstance and tendon-to-bone insertion healing, respectively. Using double transgenic mice, this study aims to spatiotemporally monitor Col1 and Col2 gene expression, histology and biomechanics up to 8 weeks following a full-length patellar tendon injury. Gene expression and histology were analyzed weekly for up to 5 weeks while mechanical properties were measured at 1, 2, 5, and 8 weeks. At week 1, the healing region displayed loose granulation tissue with little Col1 expression. Col1 expression peaked at 2 weeks, but the ECM was highly disorganized and hypercellular. By 3 weeks, Col1 expression had reduced and by 5 weeks, the ECM was generally aligned along the tendon axis. Col2 expression was not seen in the healing midsubstance or insertion at any time point. The biomechanics of the healing tissue was inadequate at all time points, achieving ultimate loads and stiffnesses of 48% and 63% of normal values by 8 weeks. Future studies will further characterize the cells within the healing midsubstance and insertion using tenogenic markers and compare these results to those of tendon cells during normal development.
The p53 protein has been extensively studied for its role in suppressing tumorigenesis, in part through surveillance and maintenance of genomic stability. p53 has been associated with the induction of a variety of cellular outcomes including cell cycle arrest, senescence, and apoptosis. This occurs primarily, but not exclusively, through transcriptional activation of specific target genes. By contrast, the participation of p53 in normal developmental processes has been largely understudied. This review focuses on possible functions of p53 in cerebellar development. It can be argued that a better understanding of such mechanisms will provide needed insight into the genesis of certain embryonic cancers including medulloblastomas, and thus lead to more effective therapies.
Tendon and ligament injuries present a considerable socioeconomic impact as close to 50% of the 32 million musculoskeletal injuries in the US per year include these structures [1]. The inadequate healing in these tissues requires novel treatment modalities. Improving tendon tissue engineering dictates that we better understand the process of natural adult tendon healing. Type-I (Col1) and Type-II (Col2) collagens are important structural proteins in tendon as Col1 is the main collagen type found in the tendon midsubstance while Col2 is expressed at the insertion into bone during development, growth, and healing [2–3]. Expression of Col1 and Col2 has typically been analyzed via qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) during healing. However, the temporal expression of these genes is still poorly understood on a cell-by-cell basis. Our lab has previously studied patellar tendon (PT) healing in NZW rabbits [4]. While the NZW rabbit allows for controlled injuries and accurate biomechanical assessment of healing, it lacks the genetic power that is offered in the mouse. Therefore, pOBCo13.6GFPtpz (Col1) and pCol2ECFP (Col2) double transgenic (DT) reporter mice were created to track spatiotemporal gene expression. Thus, the objectives of this study were to monitor changes in: 1) spatiotemporal Col1 and Col2 gene expression patterns, 2) tissue morphology, and 3) healing biomechanics following a full-length, central PT injury in Col1/Col2 DT mice and to compare these natural healing results to contralateral surgical shams and normal PT in age-matched controls.
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