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Zhang, X. et al.

Craniosynostosis in transgenic mice overexpressing Nell-1.

Previously, we reported NELL-1 as a novel molecule overexpressed during premature cranial suture closure in patients with craniosynostosis ( CS), one of the most common congenital craniofacial deformities. Here we describe the creation and analysis of transgenic mice overexpressing Nell-1. Nell-1 transgenic animals exhibited CS-like phenotypes that ranged from simple to compound synostoses. Histologically, the osteogenic fronts of abnormally closing/closed sutures in these animals revealed calvarial overgrowth and overlap along with increased osteoblast differentiation and reduced cell proliferation. Furthermore, anomalies were restricted to calvarial bone, despite generalized, non-tissue-specific overexpression of Nell-1. In vitro, Nell-1 overexpression accelerated calvarial osteoblast differentiation and mineralization under normal culture conditions. Moreover, Nell-1 overexpression in osteoblasts was sufficient to promote alkaline phosphatase expression and micronodule formation. Conversely, downregulation of Nell-1 inhibited osteoblast differentiation in vitro. In summary, Nell-1 overexpression induced calvarial overgrowth resulting in premature suture closure in a rodent model. Nell-1, therefore, has a novel role in CS development, perhaps as part of a complex chain of events resulting in premature suture closure. On a cellular level, Nell-1 expression may modulate and be both sufficient and required for osteoblast differentiation.[1]

References

Craniosynostosis in transgenic mice overexpressing Nell-1. Zhang, X., Kuroda, S., Carpenter, D., Nishimura, I., Soo, C., Moats, R., Iida, K., Wisner, E., Hu, F.Y., Miao, S., Beanes, S., Dang, C., Vastardis, H., Longaker, M., Tanizawa, K., Kanayama, N., Saito, N., Ting, K. J. Clin. Invest. (2002) [Pubmed]

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