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Retinol-binding protein 4 is expressed in chondrocytes of developing mouse long bones: implications for a local role in formation of the secondary ossification center

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Abstract

Retinol-binding protein 4 (Rbp4) is the major carrier of retinol in the bloodstream, a retinoid whose metabolites influence osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and adipogenesis. Rbp4 is mainly produced in the liver where it mobilizes hepatic retinol stores to supply other tissues. However, Rbp4 is also expressed in several extrahepatic tissues, including limbs, where its role is largely unknown. This study aimed to identify the cellular localization of Rbp4 to gain insight into its involvement in limb development and bone growth. Using immunohistochemistry, we discovered that Rbp4 was present in a variety of locations in developing embryonic and postnatal mouse hindlimbs. Rbp4 was present in a restricted population of epiphyseal chondrocytes and perichondral cells correlating to the future region of secondary ossification. With the onset of secondary ossification, Rbp4 was detected in chondrocytes of the resting zone and in chondrocytes that bordered invading cartilage canals and the expanding front of ossification. Rbp4 was less abundant in proliferating chondrocytes involved in primary ossification. Our data implicate the involvement of chondrocytic Rbp4 in bone growth, particularly in the formation of the secondary ossification center of the limb.

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Abbreviations

Rbp4:

Retinol-binding protein 4

P:

Postnatal

RA:

Retinoic acid

RAR:

Retinoic acid receptor

RARE:

Retinoic acid response element

VEGF:

Vascular endothelial growth factor

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the NHMRC, Women’s and Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, the Australian CranioMaxilloFacial Foundation and the Harwood Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Craniofacial Research Group, Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute, 72 King William Rd, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia

    Jodie T. Hatfield, Peter J. Anderson & Barry C. Powell

  2. Australian Craniofacial Unit, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 72 King William Rd, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia

    Peter J. Anderson

  3. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Ground Floor, Rm NG45, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia

    Peter J. Anderson & Barry C. Powell

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  1. Jodie T. Hatfield
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Correspondence to Barry C. Powell.

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Hatfield, J.T., Anderson, P.J. & Powell, B.C. Retinol-binding protein 4 is expressed in chondrocytes of developing mouse long bones: implications for a local role in formation of the secondary ossification center. Histochem Cell Biol 139, 727–734 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-012-1062-9

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