Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Restores Aberrant Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2-Signaling in Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Obtained from Aged C57BL/6 Mice.

During aging, disruptions in various signaling pathways become more common. Some older patients will exhibit irregular bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, which can lead to osteoporosis (OP)-a debilitating bone disease resulting from an imbalance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) for use in spinal fusion surgeries as it is required for bone formation.

Age-Related Low Bone Mineral Density in C57BL/6 Mice Is Reflective of Aberrant Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Signaling Observed in Human Patients Diagnosed with Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a bone disorder characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) injections are used to promote bone formation in OP patients. However, patients are unresponsive to BMP-2 while displaying an upregulation of BMP Receptor Type 1a (BMPRIa) and protein kinase CK2α (CK2α).

The Role of Protein Kinase CK2 in Development and Disease Progression: A Critical Review.

Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous holoenzyme involved in a wide array of developmental processes. The involvement of CK2 in events such as neurogenesis, cardiogenesis, skeletogenesis, and spermatogenesis is essential for the viability of almost all organisms, and its role has been conserved throughout evolution. Further into adulthood, CK2 continues to function as a key regulator of pathways affecting crucial processes such as osteogenesis, adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, neuron differentiation, and the immune response.

Differentiation of Cells Isolated from Human Femoral Heads into Functional Osteoclasts.

Proper formation of the skeleton during development is crucial for the mobility of humans and the maintenance of essential organs. The production of bone is regulated by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. An imbalance of these cells can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density, which leads to fractures.

The Role of BMP Signaling in Osteoclast Regulation.

The osteogenic effects of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) were delineated in 1965 when Urist et al. showed that BMPs could induce ectopic bone formation. In subsequent decades, the effects of BMPs on bone formation and maintenance were established.

Aberrant BMP2 Signaling in Patients Diagnosed with Osteoporosis.

The most common bone disease in humans is osteoporosis (OP). Current therapeutics targeting OP have several negative side effects. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is a potent growth factor that is known to activate both osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 in Development and Bone Homeostasis.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors belonging to the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) superfamily. These proteins are essential to many developmental processes, including cardiogenesis, neurogenesis, and osteogenesis. Specifically, within the BMP family, Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) was the first BMP to be characterized and has been well-studied.

A Novel Peptide, CK2.3, Improved Bone Formation in Ovariectomized Sprague Dawley Rats.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that has no definite cure. Current treatments for osteoporosis are divided into two categories: anti-resorptive and anabolic. However, these treatments are not perfect and have considerable risks.

A Synthetic Peptide, CK2.3, Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis through BMPRIa and ERK Signaling Pathway.

The skeletal system plays an important role in the development and maturation process. Through the bone remodeling process, 10% of the skeletal system is renewed every year. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are two major bone cells that are involved in the development of the skeletal system, and their activity is kept in balance.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Conjugated to Quantum Dots is Biologically Functional.

Quantum Dots (QDots) are novel, semi-conductive nanostructures that emit a certain fluorescence when excited by specific wavelengths. QDots are more photostable, brighter, and photobleach less than other fluorescent dyes. These characteristics give them the potential to be used in many biological applications.

Marked changes in diatom and dinoflagellate biomass, composition and seasonality in the Belgian Part of the North Sea between the 1970s and 2000s.

In the last decades, the North Sea has undergone intense environmental changes which have led to regime shifts that affected all trophic levels. Since the 1970s, both increases and decreases in phytoplankton biomass and production have been reported from different parts of the North Sea. Such conflicting observations may be partly caused by methodological differences, but also reflect regional differences related to bathymetry, hydrodynamics, climate, riverine and Atlantic influence.

CK2.3, a Mimetic Peptide of the BMP Type I Receptor, Increases Activity in Osteoblasts over BMP2.

Bone is one of the most important organs in the human body. It provides structure, function, and protection for other vital organs; therefore, bone maintenance and homeostasis are critical processes. As humans age, their bone mineral density decreases, which leads to diseases like osteoporosis.

A Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Targeting Calcitriol-Conjugated Quantum Dots to Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells.

Quantum dots (QDs) conjugated with 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) and Mucin-1 (MUC-1) antibodies (SM3) have been found to target inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) tumors and reduce proliferation, migration, and differentiation of these tumors in mice. A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model has been constructed and optimized to match experimental data for multiple QDs: control QDs, QDs conjugated with calcitriol, and QDs conjugated with both calcitriol and SM3 MUC1 antibodies. The model predicts continuous QD concentration for key tissues in mice distinguished by IBC stage (healthy, early-stage, and late-stage).

Mechanism of CK2.3, a Novel Mimetic Peptide of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Type IA, Mediated Osteogenesis.

Background: Osteoporosis is a degenerative skeletal disease with a limited number of treatment options. CK2.3, a novel peptide, may be a potential therapeutic.

Synthetic Peptide CK2.3 Enhances Bone Mineral Density in Senile Mice.

Background: Osteoporosis is a silent disease caused by low bone mineral density that results in bone fractures in 1 out of 2 women and 1 in 4 men over the age of 50. Although several treatments for osteopenia and osteoporosis are available, they have severe side effects and new treatments are desperately needed. Current treatments usually target osteoclasts and inhibit their activity or differentiation.

Mechanisms of Cellular Internalization of Quantum Dot® Conjugated Bone Formation Mimetic Peptide CK2.3.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating skeletal disorder that is characterized by loss of bone densityover time. It affects one in two women and one in four men, age 50 and older. New treatmentsthat specifically drive bone formation are desperately needed.

Marine phytoplankton community composition data from the Belgian part of the North Sea, 1968-2010.

The Belgian Phytoplankton Database (BPD) is a comprehensive data collection comprising quantitative phytoplankton cell counts from multiple research projects conducted since 1968. The collection is focused on the Belgian part of the North Sea, but also includes data from the French and the Dutch part of the North Sea. The database includes almost 300 unique sampling locations and more than 3,000 sampling events resulting in more than 86,000 phytoplankton cell count records.

The Preservation of Bone Cell Viability in a Human Femoral Head through a Perfusion Bioreactor.

Current methods for drug development and discovery involve pre-clinical analyses that are extremely expensive and time consuming. Animal models are not the best precedent to use, when comparing to human models as they are not synonymous with the human response, thus, alternative methods for drug development are needed. One of which could be the use of an ex vivo human organ where drugs could be tested and the effects of those drugs could be observed.

CK2.1, a bone morphogenetic protein receptor type Ia mimetic peptide, repairs cartilage in mice with destabilized medial meniscus.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee involves degeneration of articular cartilage of the diarthrodial joints. Current treatment options temporarily relieve the joint pain but do not restore the lost cartilage. We recently designed a novel bone morphogenetic protein receptor type I (BMPRI) mimetic peptide, CK2.

Factors that Affect the Osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 Cells.

Osteoclasts and their activity are key regulators of bone formation. However, studying osteoclasts is difficult. Primary osteoclast cultures are difficult to maintain and isolate.

Role of Chondrocytes in Cartilage Formation, Progression of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Regeneration.

Articular cartilage (AC) covers the diarthrodial joints and is responsible for the mechanical distribution of loads across the joints. The majority of its structure and function is controlled by chondrocytes that regulate Extracellular Matrix (ECM) turnover and maintain tissue homeostasis. Imbalance in their function leads to degenerative diseases like Osteoarthritis (OA).

CK2.1, a novel peptide, induces articular cartilage formation in vivo.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 regulates chondrogenesis and cartilage formation. However, it also induces chondrocyte hypertrophy and cartilage matrix degradation. We recently designed three peptides CK2.

An Improved Immunostaining and Imaging Methodology to Determine Cell and Protein Distributions within the Bone Environment.

Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes multiple changes throughout its lifetime. Its maintenance requires a tight regulation between the cells embedded within the bone matrix, and an imbalance among these cells may lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Identifying cell populations and their proteins within bone is necessary for understanding bone biology.

Synthesis and Characterization of L-Lysine Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles Smaller Than 10 nM.

A rapid and convenient batch method for synthesizing lysine-conjugated silver nanoparticles of approximately 5 nm of size was developed. Nanoparticles of size less than 100 nm exhibit significant medical potential. L-Lysine demonstrates potential for therapeutic applications and silver nanoparticles are an optimal choice for drug delivery because of its intrinsic anti-platelet, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities.