p16 deficiency attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration by adjusting oxidative stress and nucleus pulposus cell cycle

  1. Hui Che
  2. Jie Li
  3. You Li
  4. Cheng Ma
  5. Huan Liu
  6. Jingyi Qin
  7. Jianghui Dong
  8. Zhen Zhang
  9. Cory J Xian
  10. Dengshun Miao
  11. Liping Wang  Is a corresponding author
  12. Yongxin Ren  Is a corresponding author
  1. Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
  2. University Medical Center, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Germany
  3. Department of Orthopaedics, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Southeast University, China
  4. The Affiliated Huai’an No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
  5. Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
  6. Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, China
  7. School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and UniSA Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Australia
  8. State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Research Center for Bone and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, China
7 figures, 1 table and 4 additional files

Figures

Figure 1 with 2 supplements
p16 expression in NP cells from human interverbal discs with different degrees of degeneration (G2–G5 groups according to Pfirrmann grade).

(A) Representative images of H and E staining showing cell/tissue general morphology. Safranin O staining with collagen and NP cells appearing orange and fibers blue/violet. Masson staining with collagen and NP cells appearing blue and fibers red; and immunohistochemical staining for p16. (B) Quantification of p16-positive cells (%). p16 protein levels were assessed by (C) western blotting and (D) measured by densitometric analyses and expressed as folds relative to grade 2 (G2) NP samples. Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 3); *p<0.05; **p<0.01.

Figure 1—figure supplement 1
Representative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients with different categories of disc degeneration according to Pfirrmann grade.

Grades 2–5: G2–5. The yellow arrow indicates the surgical site.

Figure 1—figure supplement 2
Pffirmann grade of the degenerated disc from the human specimens correlates individually with p16 expression. ***p<0.001.
Figure 2 with 1 supplement
Effect of p16 on senescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and NP cell proliferation upon IL-1β stimulation (10 ng/mL).

Human NP cells were grouped as follows: normal cultured cells (control), IL-1β treated cells (IL-1β), p16-siRNA-transfected cells treated with IL-1β (IL-1β+siRNA), and p16 plasmid-transfected cells treated with IL-1β (IL-1β+p16). (A) Representative immunofluorescent micrographs stained for p16. (B) p16 protein levels as assessed by western blotting. (C) Cell proliferation as assessed by CCK-8 assays. (D) SA-β-gal staining. (E) Total p16‐positive and β-gal‐positive cells (%). (F) ROS levels and the cell-cycle distribution of freshly collected human NP cells as determined by flow cytometry. (G) Quantitation of ROS levels. (H) p16 level measured by densitometric analysis and expressed relative to the control. (I) Cell-cycle distribution. Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 3); *p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001.

Figure 2—figure supplement 1
Efficiency of transfection with p16 siRNA and the p16 plasmid compared with that with null siRNA and empty plasmid.

(A) Representative immunofluorescence micrographs stained for null siRNA, p16 siRNA, empty plasmid, and p16 plasmid. (B) Total p16-positive cells (%). P16 expression is significantly different between NP cells transfected with null siRNA and p16 siRNA or with empty plasmid and p16 plasmid. Data are presented as the mean ± SD (n = 3); *p<0.05.

Effect of rapamycin (50 nM) on senescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and NP cell proliferation upon IL-1β stimulation (10 ng/mL).

Human NP cells were grouped as follows: normal cultured cells (control), IL-1β treated cells (IL-1β), and rapamycin-stimulated cells treated with IL-1β (IL-1β+rapa). (A) Representative immunofluorescent micrographs stained for p16. p16 protein levels as (B) assessed by western blotting and (C) measured by densitometric analysis, with results expressed relative to the control. (D) Quantitation of ROS levels. (E) SA-β-gal staining. (F) Total p16‐positive and β-gal‐positive cells (%). (G) ROS levels and the cell-cycle distribution of freshly collected human NP cells as determined by flow cytometry. (H) Cell-cycle distribution. (I) Cell proliferation as assessed by CCK-8 assays. Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 3). *p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001.

Figure 4 with 4 supplements
p16 deletion delayed mouse intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).

WT and p16 KO mice were fed on the ground or with tail suspension (TS). (A) Radiographs of overall mouse length. (B) After H and E staining and Safranin O staining, collagen and NP cells are orange, and fibers are blue. (C) The intervertebral disc height index as calculated on the basis of lumbar vertebrae. (D) Associated protein levels as assessed by western blotting and (E) as measured by densitometric analysis, with results expressed relative to those in WT mice. (F) Target mRNA expression assessed by RT-PCR relative to GAPDH expression. (G) IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in disc tissues as determined by ELISA. (H) The modified Thompson classification as assessed on the basis of lumbar disc signals. (I) Safranin O-positive area (%). Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 3); *p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001.

Figure 4—figure supplement 1
Establishment of TS-induced mouse IVDD model.

(A) A specialized cage used to suspend the tails of mice. The mice could obtain food and water freely in the cage. (B) Mice were sacrificed after 4 weeks of suspension. The muscles around the spine were bloodshot with varying degrees of injury. Tail suspension (TS) caused visibly bloodshot muscles, which were alleviated by p16 KO.

Figure 4—figure supplement 2
Representative micro-MRI of mouse intervertebral discs.

The larger white area that the disc has, the more water it contains, and this is positively related to the degree of disc degeneration. The yellow arrow indicates the disc site.

Figure 4—figure supplement 3
Pffirmann grade of degenerated disc from the mice specimens.

*p<0.05; ***p<0.001.

Figure 4—figure supplement 4
The intervertebral disc height index (DHI) was calculated by averaging the measurements obtained from the (A) posterior, (B) middle, and (C) anterior portions of the intervertebral disc and dividing these values by the average height of the adjacent (D–I) posterior, middle, and anterior portions of the vertebral body.
p16 deletion exerted an antioxidant effect and promoted mouse NP cell proliferation in vivo.

WT and p16 KO mice were fed on the ground or with tail suspension (TS). (A) Representative micrographs of slices stained immunohistochemically for 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). (B) Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cell proliferation (PRL) and cell-cycle distribution in freshly collected mouse NP cells, as measured by flow cytometry. (C) Associated protein levels were assessed by western blotting and (D, E) measured by densitometric analysis with results expressed relative to those in WT mice. (F) Percentage of total immuno-positive cells (%). (G) Target mRNA expression as assessed by RT-PCR relative to GAPDH expression. (H) Cell-cycle distribution. (I) ROS and PRL (%) quantitation. Data are presented with mean ± SD (n = 3); *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001.

Figure 6 with 1 supplement
NF-κB-p65 bound the CDKN2A gene promoter and promoted p16 expression in human NP cells.

(A) CDKN2A promoter sequences were recovered by PCR from p65 immunoprecipitates. (B) p65‐like elements in the human CDKN2A promoter region and the mutated sequence are marked in red (upper panels). Below: structural schematic of the WT and mutant pGL4.23-p16 promoter reporter plasmids. (C) Luciferase activity driven by the CDKN2A promoter was more pronounced following NF-κB treatment. By contrast, luciferase activity that was not driven by the CDKN2A luciferase reporter decreased in the absence of NF-κB, and luciferase activity not driven by the mutant CDKN2A luciferase reporter decreased upon NF-κB treatment. Data are shown with mean ± SD (n = 3); ***p<0.001.

Figure 6—figure supplement 1
Another site in NF-κB-p65 that is predicted to bind the CDKN2A promoter.

(A) p16 promoter sequences were recovered by PCR from p65 immunoprecipitates but not preimmune IgG immunoprecipitates. (B) p65-like elements in the human CDKN2A promoter region and the mutated sequence are highlighted in red (upper panels). Below: structural schematic of the pGL4.23-p16 promoter reporter plasmid and the mutant pGL4.23-p16 promoter reporter plasmid. (C) Luciferase activity was driven by the CDKN2A promoter, and was more dramatic following NF-κB treatment, but not by the CDKN2A luciferase reporter without NF-κB treatment. No significant difference in luciferase activity was observed following NF-κB treatment when the CDKN2A luciferase reporter was mutated. Data are presented as the mean ± SD (n = 3); *p<0.05.

A proposed model for the mechanism of p16 in regulating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).

NF-κB-p65 activates p16 expression. p16 deficiency alleviates the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and cellular senescence. Subsequently, p16 deficiency promotes the activity of cellular antioxidation, and the proliferation and stability of ECM, like aggrecan and collagen II. All of the pathways ultimately protect against the development of IVDD.

Tables

Key resources table
Reagent type
(species) or resource
DesignationSource or
reference
IdentifiersAdditional
information
Transfected construct (human)p16 plasmidInvitrogenAddgene plasmid # 10916;
RRID: Addgene_10916
Vector backbone: pcDNA3
Transfected construct (human)Empty plasmidInvitrogenAddgene plasmid # 45346;
RRID: Addgene_45346
Vector backbone: pcDNA3
Transfected construct (human)p16 siRNAGenePharma; Lau et al., 2007A09004
Transfected construct (human)Null siRNAGenePharmaA06001
Transfected construct (human)pGL4.23-p16-wt plasmidsPromoterbio LabpGL4.23‐basic luciferase vector
Transfected construct (human)pGL4.23-p16-mut plasmidsPromoterbio LabpGL4.23‐basic luciferase vector
Biological sample (human)Nucleus pulposus cellsThis paperFreshly isolated from human nucleus pulposus
AntibodyAnti-p16 ARC antibody (rabbit monoclonal)AbcamCat# ab51243,
RRID: AB_2059963
IF (1:100);
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-GLB1/beta-galactosidase antibody (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab203749IHC (1:200)
AntibodyAnti-8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine antibody (mouse monoclonal)AbcamCat# ab48508,
RRID: AB_867461
IHC (1:200)
AntibodyAnti-Ki67 antibody (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab15580,
RRID: AB_443209
IHC (1:200)
AntibodyAnti-PCNA antibody (rabbit monoclonal)AbcamCat# ab92552,
RRID: AB_10561973
IHC (1:500)
AntibodyAnti-collagen I antibody (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab34710,
RRID: AB_731684
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-collagen X (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab58632,
RRID: AB_879742
WB (1:300)
AntibodyAnti-collagen II antibody (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab34712,
RRID: AB_731688)
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-SIRT1 antibody (mouse monoclonal)AbcamCat# ab110304,
RRID: AB_10864359
WB (1:500)
AntibodyAnti-superoxide dismutase one antibody (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab13498,
RRID: AB_300402
WB (1:500)
AntibodyAnti-SOD2/MnSOD antibody (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab13533,
RRID: AB_300434
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-MMP3 antibody (rabbit monoclonal)AbcamCat# ab52915,
RRID: AB_881243
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-MMP13 antibody (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab39012,
RRID: AB_776416
WB (1:3000)
AntibodyAnti-beta actin antibody (mouse monoclonal)AbcamCat# ab8226,
RRID: AB_306371
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-IGF1 antibody
(rabbit polyclonal)
AbcamCat# ab9572,
RRID: AB_308724
WB (1:500)
AntibodyAnti-VEGF 165A antibody (mouse monoclonal)AbcamCat# ab69479,
RRID: AB_1271452
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-Cdk6 (rabbit polyclonal)AbcamCat# ab131469,
RRID: AB_11156738
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-Cdk4 (rabbit monoclonal)Abcamab199728WB (1:2000)
AntibodyAnti-p53 antibodies (mouse monoclonal)Santa Cruz BiotechnologyCat# sc-126,
RRID: AB_628082
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-p19 antibody (mouse monoclonal)Santa Cruz BiotechnologyCat# sc-1665,
RRID: AB_628069
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-Rb antibody (mouse Monoclonal)Santa Cruz BiotechnologyCat# sc-74562,
RRID: AB_2177334)
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-p-Rb antibody (rat monoclonal)Santa Cruz BiotechnologyCat# sc-56175,
RRID: AB_785453
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-E2F-1 antibody (mouse monoclonal)Santa Cruz BiotechnologyCat# sc-137059,
RRID: AB_2096771
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-E2F-2 antibody (rabbit polyclonal)Santa Cruz BiotechnologyCat# sc-633,
RRID: AB_2096793
WB (1:1000)
AntibodyAnti-NFκB p65 antibody (mouse monoclonal)Santa Cruz BiotechnologyCat# sc-71675,
RRID: AB_1126640
WB (1:1000)
Peptide, recombinant proteinIL-1β humanSigma AldrichSRP616910 ng/mL
Commercial assay or kitDiacetyl dichlorofluorescein stainingSigma Aldrich35848
Commercial assay or kitEdU Flow Cytometry Assay KitsInvitrogenC10425
Commercial assay or kitCCK-8 assayKeyGenKGA317s-3000
Commercial assay or kitPropidium iodide stainingKeyGenKGA512
Commercial assay or kitIL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α ELISA kitKeyGenKGEMC001b-1; KGEMC004-1; KGEMC102a-1.
Commercial assay or kitVectastain Elite ABC reagentFisher ScientificNC9461324
Commercial assay or kitProtein Extraction KitThermo FisherAM1556
Commercial assay or kitLipofectamine2000Thermo Fisher11668019
Commercial assay or kitECLBeyotimeP0018FS
Commercial assay or kitTRIzol reagentBeyotimeR0016
Commercial assay or kitPrimeScript RT Master MixTaKaRaCat. #RR036Q
Commercial assay or kitChIP kitCell Signaling Technology#9005
Chemical compound, drugRapamycinSigma AldrichR878150 nM
Software, algorithmSPSSSPSSRRID: SCR_002865
Software, algorithmGraphPadGraphPad PrismRRID: SCR_002798

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  1. Hui Che
  2. Jie Li
  3. You Li
  4. Cheng Ma
  5. Huan Liu
  6. Jingyi Qin
  7. Jianghui Dong
  8. Zhen Zhang
  9. Cory J Xian
  10. Dengshun Miao
  11. Liping Wang
  12. Yongxin Ren
(2020)
p16 deficiency attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration by adjusting oxidative stress and nucleus pulposus cell cycle
eLife 9:e52570.
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.52570