Shije Shahin
Research Mentor(s): Yadav Wagley
Mentor Department: Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors:
Session: Session 7 (4:00pm – 4: 50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 14
Abstract
R-spondins (RSPO 1-4) are a group of matricellular proteins involved in the modulation of Wnt signaling pathway. This pathway is responsible for cellular processes such as bone cell growth, differentiation and mineralization. My lab has previously demonstrated that there is temporal interplay between BMP2 and RSPO2, in which RSPO2 is necessary for maximal BMP2 induced osteoblast differentiation. RSPO2 addition can further enhance BMP2 induced calvarial bone defect healing. Our current research will focus on understanding the mechanisms behind this relationship and the signaling molecules involved. In order to accomplish this, we are utilizing multiple different resources. First, we will utilize Wnt reporter mice and calvarial defects in these mice. We will deliver RSPO2 in the absence or presence of BMP2 through a collagen sponge and then harvest the calvaria at day 10, followed by histological staining utilizing H&E, Movat pentachrome, Safranin-O and other staining methods. We will also conduct experiments in vitro, this includes MC3T3E1 cell culturing and osteogenic differentiation experiments, evaluated by qPCR, differentiation assay and extracellular calcium deposition stain. We will evaluate if the RSPO/BMP2 stimulate osteoblastic differentiation via activating canonical Wnt signaling involving beta-catenin. This research is critical in understanding the mechanisms of bone growth, differentiation, and mineralization downstream of BMP signaling, which could improve the clinical outcomes of patients treated with BMP2.
