Osteogenic Factor Runx2 Marks a Subset of Leptin Receptor-Positive Cells that Sit Atop the Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Hierarchy

Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 10;7(1):4928. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-05401-1.

Abstract

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells (BM-MSPCs) maintain homeostasis of bone tissue by providing osteoblasts. Although several markers have been identified for labeling of MSPCs, these labeled cells still contain non-BM-MSPC populations. Studies have suggested that MSPCs are observed as leptin receptor (LepR)-positive cells, whereas osteoblasts can be classified as positive for Runx2, a master regulator for osteoblastogenesis. Here, we demonstrate, using Runx2-GFP reporter mice, that the LepR-labeled population contains Runx2-GFPlow sub-population, which possesses higher fibroblastic colony-forming units (CFUs) and mesensphere capacity, criteria for assessing stem cell activity, than the Runx2-GFP- population. In response to parathyroid hormone (PTH), a bone anabolic hormone, LepR+Runx2-GFPlow cells increase Runx2 expression and form multilayered structures near the bone surface. Subsequently, the multilayered cells express Osterix and Type I collagen α, resulting in generation of mature osteoblasts. Therefore, our results indicate that Runx2 is weakly expressed in the LepR+ population without osteoblastic commitment, and the LepR+Runx2-GFPlow stromal cells sit atop the BM stromal hierarchy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Collagen Type I / metabolism
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / genetics*
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteogenesis* / genetics
  • Parathyroid Hormone / metabolism
  • Receptors, Leptin / genetics*
  • Receptors, Leptin / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Collagen Type I
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Receptors, Leptin