Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Eckersley, Matiss Ozols, Peikai Chen, Vivian Tam, Judith A. Hoyland, Andrew Trafford, Danny Chan, Michael J. Sherratt
Summary: By using the Peptide Location Fingerprinting technique, this study identified age-related structural differences in proteins within the intervertebral disc, specifically in degeneration-prone and -resistant regions. These differences were found to potentially lead to damage accumulation and impaired maintenance. Additionally, some proteins exhibited localized ageing effects in the lateral region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Matiss Ozols, Alexander Eckersley, Kieran T. Mellody, Venkatesh Mallikarjun, Stacey Warwood, Ronan O'Cualain, David Knight, Rachel E. B. Watson, Christopher E. M. Griffiths, Joe Swift, Michael J. Sherratt
Summary: Peptide location fingerprinting is a proteomic analysis technique that can identify structural modification-associated differences in complex biological samples, such as photoaged and intrinsically aged skin proteomes. This technique has the potential for discovering new biomarker candidates in various pathways, and has been demonstrated to be effective in identifying biomarkers in ageing tendon using published MS data sets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Eckersley, Mychel R. P. T. Morais, Matiss Ozols, Rachel Lennon
Summary: During ageing, there is a decline in the function of the glomerular and tubular basement membranes (BM) in the kidney, which is caused by damage accumulation to the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein structures. Peptide location fingerprinting (PLF) is used to identify ECM proteins with structure-associated differences in ageing. This study found alterations in functional regions of key BM components, reflecting age-dependent shifts in molecular and cellular interactions, oxidation, and the release of matrikines. The findings also revealed shared susceptibilities in BM components across species and organs.
Review
Cell Biology
Tao Lan, Shiyu-Hu, Zhe Shen, Bin Yan, Jianting Chen
Summary: Intervebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of low back pain with significant negative socioeconomic impact globally. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and autophagy play crucial roles in the aging process of intervertebral disc, with dysfunctions in autophagy and miRNAs targeting autophagy-related genes being proposed as key reasons for IDD development.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Giorgio Oliviero, Sergey Kovalchuk, Adelina Rogowska-Wrzesinska, Veit Schwammle, Ole N. Jensen
Summary: In this study, the chromatin proteomes of various mouse organs were analyzed using quantitative proteomics. The results showed distinct and organ-specific temporal protein expression profiles and regulation at the post-translational level. The spleen exhibited a static chromatin proteome, reflecting its important role in physiological defense and immunity. These findings support the hypothesis that chromatin-associated proteins are involved in distinct and specific physiological functions in ageing organs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pengfei Wen, Bolong Zheng, Binfei Zhang, Tao Ma, Linjie Hao, Yumin Zhang
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is the primary cause of intervertebral disc disease, and oxidative stress plays a significant role in the degeneration process.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Rajiv G. Menon, Anmol Monga, Richard Kijowski, Ravinder R. Regatte
Summary: Multiparameter MR fingerprinting (MRF) can quantify multiple relaxation parameters of intervertebral disc (IVD) simultaneously, which may vary by age and sex. This study investigated age- and sex-related differences in the relaxation parameters of the lumbar spine's IVD using a multiparameter MRF technique. The results showed that the 3D-MRF technique has potential to characterize age-related differences in T-1, T-2, or T-1 rho of IVD in healthy subjects.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Dilip Chand Raja Soundararajan, Chitraa Tangavel, Sharon Miracle Nayagam, Sri K. S. Vijayanand, R. Sunmathi, Monica Steffi Matchado, Raveendran Muthurajan, Ajoy Prasad Shetty, Rishi Mugesh Kanna, K. Dharmalingam
Summary: This study utilized proteomic analysis to compare the expression of SLRPs in fetal, healthy adult, and degenerated discs. The results showed a universal decrease in SLRPs abundance in degenerated discs, associated with an increase in MMPs and a reduction in TIMPs. Fetal discs were mainly engaged in ribosomal pathways, while healthy adult discs primarily participated in ECM maintenance and basic metabolic pathways.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ekaterina Mikhailovna Stakhneva, Evgeniia Vitalievna Striukova, Yulia Igorevna Ragino
Summary: Proteomic studies play a crucial role in investigating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, identifying potential biomarkers, and offering novel diagnostic approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Montserrat Carrascal, Ester Sanchez-Jimenez, Jie Fang, Carlos Perez-Lopez, Antoni Ginebreda, Damia Barcelo, Joaquin Abian
Summary: A large-scale proteomics approach was used to investigate the protein composition of wastewater from 10 different municipalities in Catalonia. The study revealed that excreta from humans and residues from livestock were the main sources of proteins in wastewater. These findings provide new insights into wastewater proteomics and propose specific bioindicators for wastewater-based environmental monitoring.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Cosimo Ligorio, Judith A. Hoyland, Alberto Saiani
Summary: Low back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration is a major contributor to global disability. Current treatments are limited, and alternative strategies using soft biomaterials as injectable carriers for disc repair are being explored.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristine Korzow Richter, Maria C. Codlin, Melina Seabrook, Christina Warinner
Summary: Collagen peptide mass fingerprinting by MALDI-TOF-MS, also known as ZooMS, is a rapidly growing analytical technique in the fields of archaeology, ecology, and cultural heritage. It enables rapid taxonomic identification of large bone assemblages and cultural heritage objects. However, there are limitations that need to be addressed for future advancements.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Jianfeng Sun, Yibo Tan, Jingyue Su, Herasimenka Mikhail, Volotovski Pavel, Zhenhan Deng, Yusheng Li
Summary: Ghrelin is a brain-gut peptide that can promote the release of growth hormone, potentially playing a role in bone growth and development. Recent studies have reported a correlation between ghrelin and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, suggesting that ghrelin may be a factor influencing degenerative pathologies. With the aging population, the risk of health problems caused by degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system increases. This article summarizes the roles of ghrelin in musculoskeletal disorders, highlighting the potential effects of ghrelin as a key target in the treatment of related bone and muscle diseases and the need for further research.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Zhangrong Cheng, Qian Xiang, Juntan Wang, Yukun Zhang
Summary: Research has shown that melatonin can inhibit the development of intervertebral disc degeneration in various ways, playing an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of intervertebral discs and promoting anti-stress abilities and matrix synthesis.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Long Zhang, Guicheng Du, Bogang Teng, Xueqing Shi, Xuemei He, Na Li, Yu Chen, Ren Xu
Summary: This study established a mouse model of intervertebral disc degeneration by needle puncture, and evaluated the morphological and molecular changes. Accurate localization of puncture positions was achieved by injecting colored perfusates, improving the accuracy and safety of the surgery.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
C. M. Disney, J. Mo, A. Eckersley, A. J. Bodey, J. A. Hoyland, M. J. Sherratt, A. A. Pitsillides, P. D. Lee, B. K. Bay
Summary: This study used synchrotron computed tomography to investigate the structural and functional differences in collagen fibers within the intervertebral disc. The results showed significant variations in fiber orientation, curvature, and strain between different regions, which are important for understanding tissue compliance and strain transfer.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew J. Kibble, Marco Domingos, Judith A. Hoyland, Stephen M. Richardson
Summary: Back pain, caused by degeneration of the intervertebral discs, is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Understanding the different extracellular matrix cues is crucial for designing effective cellular and regenerative therapies. Omics technologies and modern biofabrication techniques can be used to study matrix molecules and growth factors in disc models, guiding the drivers of healthy cell phenotype and differentiation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhijia Tan, Hiu Tung Shek, Peikai Chen, Zhongxin Dong, Yapeng Zhou, Shijie Yin, Anmei Qiu, Lina Dong, Bo Gao, Michael Kai Tsun To
Summary: In this study, three children with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and FKBP10 variants from a consanguineous family were characterized. The FKBP10 variant caused abnormal RNA processing, loss of FKBP65 protein, and resulted in collagen alignment and porous bone morphology. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant effects on protein processing and osteoblast differentiation in patient-derived osteoblasts.
MOLECULAR GENETICS & GENOMIC MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Shaghayegh Basatvat, Frances C. Bach, Marcos N. Barcellona, Abbie L. Binch, Conor T. Buckley, Brian Bueno, Nadeen O. Chahine, Ana Chee, Laura B. Creemers, Stefan Dudli, Bailey Fearing, Stephen J. Ferguson, Jennifer Gansau, Benjamin Gantenbein, Rahul Gawri, Juliane D. Glaeser, Sibylle Grad, Julien Guerrero, Lisbet Haglund, Paula A. Hernandez, Judith A. Hoyland, Charles Huang, James C. Iatridis, Svenja Illien-Junger, Liufang Jing, Petra Kraus, Lisanne T. Laagland, Gernot Lang, Victor Leung, Zhen Li, Thomas Lufkin, Josette C. van Maanen, Emily E. McDonnell, Chris J. Panebianco, Steven M. Presciutti, Sanjna Rao, Stephen M. Richardson, Sarah Romereim, Tara C. Schmitz, Jordy Schol, Lori Setton, Dmitriy Sheyn, Joseph W. Snuggs, Y. Sun, Xiaohong Tan, Marianna A. Tryfonidou, Nam Vo, Dong Wang, Brandon Williams, Rebecca Williams, S. Tim Yoon, Christine L. Le Maitre
Summary: This study aims to standardize the extraction and expansion techniques for nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, in order to reduce variability between laboratories and improve comparability of results. The most commonly used methods for NP cell extraction, expansion, and re-differentiation were identified through a global survey. Recommended protocols for NP cell culture in different species were provided to support harmonization and cross-lab comparisons.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuelian Wang, Daman J. Adlam, Ran Wang, Amal Altujjar, Zhenyu Jia, Jennifer M. Saunders, Judith A. Hoyland, Nischal Rai, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with moduli close to target tissues are promising for tissue augmentation. Preformed ultra-high molecular weight pH-responsive microgels (DX MGs) interlinked to form hydrogels offer a different approach. By replacing some pH-responsive polymer microgels (MGs) with hydrophilic non-ionic MGs, the mechanical properties of the composite DX MGs can be tuned to achieve gel moduli similar to human nucleus pulposus tissue. These injectable pH-responsive gels show low cytotoxicity and provide a potential system for minimally invasive intervertebral disk augmentation.
Article
Biology
Tsz Long Chu, Peikai Chen, Anna Xiaodan Yu, Mingpeng Kong, Zhijia Tan, Kwok Yeung Tsang, Zhongjun Zhou, Kathryn Song Eng Cheah
Summary: This study reveals that MMP14 plays a crucial role in the regulation of PTH signaling, thus contributing to bone homeostasis. During the development of osteoblasts from HC-descendent cells, MMP14 and the PTH pathway are activated. MMP14 cleaves PTH1R to dampen PTH signaling, thereby regulating bone synthesis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jie Lin, Peikai Chen, Zhijia Tan, Yi Sun, Wai Kit Tam, Di Ao, Wei Shen, Victor Yu -Leong Leung, Kenneth Man Chee Cheung, Michael Kai Tsun To
Summary: AgNPs can significantly recover locomotor function and exert neuroprotection by reducing pro-inflammatory M1 survival in a SCI rat model. AgNPs have a higher uptake and more pronounced cytotoxicity in M1 compared to M0 and M2. AgNPs upregulate apoptotic genes and the PI3k-Akt pathway in M1, but downregulate pro-apoptotic genes in M0 and M2. AgNPs preferentially reduce cell viability of human monocyte-derived M1, supporting its effect on M1 in humans.
Meeting Abstract
Dermatology
Nathan Jariwala, Matiss Ozols, Alexander Eckersley, Rachel Watson, Bezaleel Mambwe, Andrew Gilmore, Laurent Debelle, Mike Bell, Eleanor Bradley, Yegor Doush, Richard Leroux, Olivier Peschard, Philippe Mondon, Caroline Ringenbach, Laure Bernard, Aurelien Pitois, Michael Sherratt
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Eckersley, Mychel R. P. T. Morais, Matiss Ozols, Rachel Lennon
Summary: During ageing, there is a decline in the function of the glomerular and tubular basement membranes (BM) in the kidney, which is caused by damage accumulation to the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein structures. Peptide location fingerprinting (PLF) is used to identify ECM proteins with structure-associated differences in ageing. This study found alterations in functional regions of key BM components, reflecting age-dependent shifts in molecular and cellular interactions, oxidation, and the release of matrikines. The findings also revealed shared susceptibilities in BM components across species and organs.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Peikai Chen, Yapeng Zhou, Zhijia Tan, Yunzhi Lin, Daniel Li-Liang Lin, Jingwei Wu, Zeluan Li, Hiu Tung Shek, Jianbin Wu, Yong Hu, Feng Zhu, Danny Chan, Kenneth Man-Chee Cheung, Michael Kai-Tsun To
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 290 osteogenesis imperfecta patients and analyzed factors that may affect the severity and progression rate of scoliosis. The results showed that genetic factors, age, and bone mineral density were all related to the severity and progression rate of scoliosis. Mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 had a smaller impact on scoliosis, while mutations in IFITM5 and other recessive genes had a greater damaging effect. In addition, the study found that scoliosis progressed at the fastest rate in the adolescent and adult age group.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Pathology
Michal Dudek, Honour Morris, Yinhui Lu, Karl E. Kadler, Judith A. Hoyland, Qing-Jun Meng
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Pathology
R. J. Tuieng, S. H. Cartmell, C. C. Kirwan, A. Eckersley, M. J. Sherratt
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Pathology
Callum Stewart-McGuinness, Christopher I. Platt, Matiss Ozols, Brain Goh, Tamara W. Griffiths, Michael J. Sherratt
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Dermatology
A. Eckersley, M. Ozols, K. Mellody, V. Mallikarjun, S. Warwood, R. O'Cualain, D. Knight, R. Watson, C. Griffiths, J. Swift, M. Sherratt
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2022)