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Laser Capture Microdissection of Mouse Embryonic Cartilage and Bone for Gene Expression Analysis
Published on: December 18, 2019
Altered bone development and an increase in FGF-23 expression in Enpp1(-/-) mice.
Neil Charles Wallace Mackenzie1, Dongxing Zhu, Elspeth M Milne
1The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|February 24, 2012
Summary
Nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1) deficiency causes severe bone defects and disrupts mineral homeostasis. NPP1 is essential for normal skeletal development and physiological bone mineralization.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Skeletal Biology
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1) regulates extracellular ATP conversion to pyrophosphate (PPi).
- PPi is a known inhibitor of hydroxyapatite crystal formation.
- The role of NPP1 in skeletal and soft tissue mineralization requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a detailed phenotypic assessment of NPP1-deficient mice (Enpp1(-/-)).
- To determine the role of NPP1 in skeletal and soft tissue mineralization in juvenile and adult mice.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological and radiographic assessment of Enpp1(-/-) mice.
- MicroCT analysis of bone architecture and geometry.
- Biochemical analysis of serum calcium, phosphate, osteocalcin, CTx, and FGF-23 levels.
- Gene expression analysis of Fgf-23 in osteoblasts.
Main Results:
- Enpp1(-/-) mice exhibited aortic and renal calcification, ectopic cartilage, and altered joint mineralization.
- MicroCT revealed significantly reduced bone volume, altered trabecular architecture, and decreased bone stiffness in Enpp1(-/-) mice.
- Dysregulated calcium/phosphate homeostasis, increased FGF-23 levels, and elevated Fgf-23 mRNA expression were observed in Enpp1(-/-) mice.
Conclusions:
- NPP1 deficiency leads to severe disruption of long-bone architecture and mineralization.
- NPP1 plays a critical role in maintaining calcium/phosphate homeostasis.
- NPP1 is essential for normal bone development and the control of physiological bone mineralization.
