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Lectins influence chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in limb bud mesenchymal cells

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Abstract

The role of cell surface glycoproteins in cell behavior can be characterized by their interactions with plant lectins. This study was designed to identify the effects of lectins on chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in limb bud mesenchymal cells in vitro. Limb bud mesenchymal cells from mouse embryos were cultured in high-density micromass culture. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), concanavalin A (ConA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) were added separately to the culture media. Cells were cultured for 5 or 9 days, and cell viability was assayed by neutral red on day 5. The micromasses were stained with alcian blue, alizarin red S and Von Kossa stains, and alkaline phosphatase assays were also done. Dolichos biflorus agglutinin induced an increase in chondrogenesis, calcium precipitation and proteoglycan production. ConA and PNA did not affect chondrocyte differentiation but induced chondrocytes to produce more proteoglycan. Wheat germ agglutinin reduced chondrification and ossification but induced mesenchymal cells to store lipid droplets. Ricinus communis agglutinin 1 was toxic and significantly reduced cell survival. In conclusion, DBA was the most effective inducer of ossification and chondrification. Wheat germ agglutinin induced adipogenesis instead. These assays showed that lectins play important roles in limb bud development.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the research deputy of Shiraz University for financial support and Mr E Noori for technical support. We also thank K. Shashok (AuthorAID in the Eastern Mediterranean) for improving the use of English in the manuscript, and M. Gholami at the Center for Development of Clinical Research of Nemazee Hospital for research assistance. This research was done in fulfillment of the requirements for the MS degree defended by M Ghasemi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stem Cell Research Center, Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

    Tahereh Talaei-Khozani

  2. Biology Department, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

    Malihezaman Monsefi & Mansoureh Ghasemi

  3. Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

    Tahereh Talaei-Khozani

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  1. Tahereh Talaei-Khozani
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Correspondence to Tahereh Talaei-Khozani.

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Talaei-Khozani, T., Monsefi, M. & Ghasemi, M. Lectins influence chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in limb bud mesenchymal cells. Glycoconj J 28, 89–98 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10719-011-9326-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10719-011-9326-5

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