Morphological Characteristics of Dying Cells in Axial Structures of Developing Human Embryos

Vilović, Katarina; Sapunar, Damir; Ilijić, Ema; Mimica, Marko Dražen; England, Marjorie A.; Saraga-Babić, Mirna

doi:10.1159/000047901

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…The immature NP contains both large, highly vacuolated chordocytes and small chordoblasts inherited from its precursor, the notochord (Bancroft and Bellairs, 1976, Parsons, et al, 2002, Pettway, et al, 1996, Vilovic, et al, 2001). While largely considered only as a transient signaling structure, the notochord also serves as a primitive axial support structure (Stemple, 2005), possibly by acting as a hydrostatic skeleton.…”

Section: Nucleus Pulposusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cellular mechanobiology of the intervertebral disc: New directions and approaches

Hsieh

Twomey

2010

Journal of Biomechanics

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The more we learn about the intervertebral disc (IVD), the more we come to appreciate the intricacies involved in transmission of forces through the ECM to the cell, and in the biological determinants of its response to mechanical stress. This review highlights recent developments in our knowledge of IVD physiology and examines their impact on cellular mechanobiology. Discussion centers around the continually evolving cellular and microstructural anatomy of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the annulus fibrosus (AF) in response to complex stresses generated in support of axial load and spinal motion. Particular attention has been given to cells from the immature NP and the interlamellar AF, and assessment of their potential mechanobiologic contributions to the health and function of the IVD. In addition, several innovative approaches that have been brought to bear on studying the interplay between disc cells and their micromechanical environment are discussed. Techniques for “engineering” cellular function and technologies for fabricating more structurally defined biomaterial scaffolds have recently been employed in disc research. Such tools can be used to elucidate the biological and physical mechanisms by which different IVD cell populations are regulated by mechanical stress, and contribute to advancement of preventative and therapeutic measures.

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Section: Nucleus Pulposusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cellular mechanobiology of the intervertebral disc: New directions and approaches

Hsieh

Twomey

2010

Journal of Biomechanics

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“…1997; Tanimoto et al. 1998; Vilovic et al. 2001) by the activation of a specific programme of self‐destruction, or ‘programmed cell death’, involving stereotyped morphological and biochemical cellular changes (Kerr et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Apoptosis during intramembranous ossification

2003

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This paper concerns the role of apoptosis during the onset of bone histogenesis. Previous investigations by us performed on intramembranous ossification revealed the existence of two types of osteogenesis: static (SBF) and dynamic bone formation (DBF). During SBF, the first to occur, stationary osteoblasts transform into osteocytes in the same location where they differentiated, forming the primary spongiosa. DBF takes place later, when movable osteoblastic laminae differentiate along the surface of the primary trabeculae. The main distinctive feature between SBF and DBF is that the latter involves the invasion of pre-existing adjacent tissue, whereas the former does not.To ascertain whether programmed cell death during the invasive DBF process determines the fate of surrounding pre-existing mesenchyme differently from that occurring during the non-invasive SBF process, we studied apoptosis in ossification centres of tibial diaphysis in chick embryos and newborn rabbits with TUNEL and TEM. It emerged that, in both SBF and DBF, apoptosis affects mesenchymal cells located between the forming trabeculae and capillaries.However, apoptotic cells were observed more frequently during DBF than during SBF. This suggests that, during bone histogenesis, apoptosis, which is mostly associated with the invasive process of DBF, is probably dedicated to making space for advancing bone growth.

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“…As a developmental organ of chordates, the notochord serves an important function in signaling and in axial support (Stemple, 2005) and consists of a laminin-and aggrecan-rich basement membrane sheath (Bundy et al, 1998;Grotmol et al, 2003) that encases a population of highly vacuolated chordocyte cells (Bancroft and Bellairs, 1976;Pettway et al, 1996;Vilovic et al, 2001;Parsons et al, 2002). Small chordoblasts, distinct from chordocytes, line and presumably maintain the sheath.…”

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confidence: 99%

Environmental regulation of notochordal gene expression in nucleus pulposus cells

Rastogi

Thakore

Leung

et al. 2009

Journal Cellular Physiology

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Cells of the nucleus pulposus (NP) in the intervertebral disc are derived directly from the embryonic notochord. In humans, a shift in NP cell population coincides with the beginning of age-related changes in the extracellular matrix that can lead to spinal disorders. To begin identifying the bases of these changes, the manner by which relevant environmental factors impact cell function must be understood. This study investigated the roles of biochemical, nutritional, and physical factors in regulating immature NP cells. Specifically, we examined cell morphology, attachment, proliferation, and expression of genes associated with the notochord and immature NP (Sox9, CD24, and type IIA procollagen). Primary cells isolated from rat caudal discs were exposed to different media formulations and physical culture configurations either in 21% (ambient) or 2% (hypoxic) O2. As expected, cells in alginate beads retained a vacuolated morphology similar to chordocytes, with little change in gene expression. Interestingly, NP tissues not enzymatically digested were more profoundly influenced by oxygen. In monolayer, alpha-MEM preserved vacuolated morphology, produced the highest efficiency of attachment, and best maintained gene expression. DMEM and Opti-MEM cultures resulted in high levels of proliferation, but these appeared to involve small non-vacuolated cells. Gene expression patterns for cells in DMEM monolayer cultures were consistent with chondrocyte de-differentiation, with the response being delayed by hypoxia. Overall, results indicate that certain environmental conditions induce cellular changes that compromise the notochordal phenotype in immature NP. These results form the foundation on which the mechanisms of such changes can be elucidated.

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Morphological Characteristics of Dying Cells in Axial Structures of Developing Human Embryos

Cited by 8 publications

References 35 publications

Cellular mechanobiology of the intervertebral disc: New directions and approaches

Cellular mechanobiology of the intervertebral disc: New directions and approaches

Apoptosis during intramembranous ossification

Environmental regulation of notochordal gene expression in nucleus pulposus cells

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