Notch signaling through the Jagged‐1 ligand regulates mesenchymal progenitor differentiation and tissue regeneration

Abstract

Notch signaling regulates stem cell differentiation and expansion and influences formation and maintenance of bone. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the Notch ligand Jagged‐1, which are associated with Allagille's Syndrome, result in decreased bone mass. Notch signaling is also implicated in modulating the regeneration of a variety of non‐mineralized tissues. We hypothesize that Notch signaling through Jagged‐1 is crucial for bone regeneration through the regulation of mesenchymal progenitor cell (mesenchymal stem cell – MSC) expansion and differentiation. Canonical notch signaling through Jagged‐1 has pleiotropic, variable effects on MSC lineage progression and proliferation. Jagged‐1 activity is influenced by bone morphogenetic signaling and modulatory proteins of the thrombospondin family. Blocking canonical Notch signaling in mice results in age‐associated bone loss, while mice with conditional deletion of Jagged‐1 show related alterations in bone mass. Notch signaling is up‐regulated during both intramembranous and endochondral bone regeneration and corresponds to increases in expression of Jagged‐1. Jagged‐1 can be coupled to biodegradable biomaterials and induces increased osteoblast differentiation of MSC. Jagged‐1 coupled biomaterial can then be implanted at the site of bone defects and used to modulate bone regeneration.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2012
Source ID
10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.198.6

Entities

People

  • Kurt D. Hankenson

Organizations

  • National Institutes of Health
  • United States Department of Defense
  • University of Pennsylvania

Tags

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Inertial Navigation Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology