Biology subjects

Ornitz, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Ornitz, D..

8 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Angiotensin II–Driven Coronary Vasculopathy and Pressure-Overload Myocardial Remodeling Represent Distinct Vascular Phenotypes

ObjectiveChronic activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) promotes pathological remodeling of both myocardium and coronary arteries, yet the mechanisms that distinguish myocardial from vascular remodeling remain poorly defined. This study dissects the relative contributions of hemodynamic versus neurohumoral stress to cardiac remodeling, with emphasis on coronary vasculopathy and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity. MethodsThree murine models were used: transverse aortic constriction (TAC), angiotensin II (AngII) plus phenylephrine (AngII/PE), and high-dose angiotensin II (HD-AngII). Hemodynamics were assessed by catheterization at early and late time points. Histological and immunostaining analyses quantified interstitial and perivascular remodeling, including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, VSMC phenotype transitions, proliferation and quiescence markers, and neointimal and elastic lamina remodeling. ResultsAfter 28 days, all models exhibited diastolic dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis. Systolic pressure averaged [~]130 mmHg in both AngII models versus [~]200 mmHg in TAC. Despite lower pressure, myocardial fibrosis was greater in AngII/PE and HD-AngII models. While TAC induced uniform cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, hypertrophy in AngII models localized near fibrotic and perivascular regions. Increasing AngII dosage shifted remodeling from predominantly myocardial to predominantly vascular phenotypes, accompanied by VSMC dedifferentiation, proliferation, centripetal migration across the internal elastic lamina, neointima formation, elastic lamina disruption, and increased circulating desmosine, consistent with elastin degradation. AKT signaling was selectively increased in coronary VSMCs during this vasculopathic remodeling. Lineage-tracing analyses showed that Ang II-driven coronary neointima formation occurs beneath an intact endothelial monolayer and is composed predominantly of VSMC-derived cells, highlighting a VSMC-centric vasculopathy distinct from classic endothelium-initiated vascular remodeling. ConclusionHemodynamic pressure overload and AngII-dominant neurohumoral stress drive distinct cardiac remodeling phenotypes: TAC primarily elicits uniform myocardial hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis, whereas chronic AngII exposure preferentially promotes a VSMC-centric coronary vasculopathy with perivascular fibrosis and elastic lamina injury at lower pressure load. These complementary models help distinguish pressure-dependent from AngII-mediated vascular mechanisms and provide a platform to develop targeted therapies for coronary vasculopathy and AngII-driven vascular disease. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=129 SRC="FIGDIR/small/733633v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (64K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@469202org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@11bde2borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@96ea08org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1deca16_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

Developmental Biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Maturing Osteoblasts Controls Cell-Matrix Interactions Critical for Osteocyte Survival

The terminal differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes, the most abundant cell type in cortical bone, is critical for skeletal homeostasis. Osteocyte loss is a hallmark of bone aging and fragility, yet the mechanisms regulating osteocyte formation and survival are poorly understood. We show that inactivation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (Fgfr1) in the mature osteoblast lineage results in extensive osteocyte death, identifying FGFR1 signaling as essential for osteocyte viability and bone integrity. Lineage tracing and analysis of endogenous and induced appositional bone formation revealed that newly embedded osteocytes fail to survive without FGFR1. These osteocytes exhibited ectopic expression of osteocalcin and podoplanin within sclerostin-positive, TUNEL-reactive lacunae, along with defective dendrite formation and disruption of the local lacunocanalicular network. RNA sequencing of cortical bone demonstrated reduced expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and neuronal regulatory genes, while histological and ultrastructural analyses showed disorganized collagen fibrils, diminished osteoid, and abnormal mineralization. In vitro, FGF signaling in Ocy454 cells regulated gene programs involved in development, axon guidance, and bone ECM organization, highlighting a dual function for FGF signaling in which it controls both matrix-dependent and intrinsic cell differentiation mechanisms during the osteoblast-to-osteocyte transition. We propose that FGFR1 deficiency causes ECM disorganization and impaired dendrite formation, disrupting osteocyte communication with neighboring bone and vascular cells, ultimately leading to cell death. These findings establish FGFR signaling as a critical regulator of osteocyte differentiation, viability of bone-embedded osteocytes, and bone homeostasis. Summary StatementFGFR signaling has a profound effect on adult bone extracellular matrix that is vital to maintaining the viability and morphology of newly formed osteocytes, their lacunocanalicular network and the maintenance of bone homeostasis.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2026

The Muscle Tissue Environment Limits Muscle Stem Cells in Aged Mice

Frailty arising from loss of muscle function and mass is a significant health concern impacting quality of life and dramatically increasing health care costs as our population ages. Ameliorating frailty derived from reduced muscle function is thus a critical research priority to improve health span. Cell intrinsic defects in muscle stem cells (MuSC), or satellite cells, occur as skeletal muscle ages, reducing the capacity of MuSCs to maintain and repair skeletal muscle and are accompanied by cell nonautonomous changes. Although rejuvenating stem cells in aged tissues or organs has potential to improve muscle aging phenotypes, we found that the extracellular environment in aged mice abrogates rejuvenated muscle stem cell potential. MuSCs from young mice were unable to grow on extracellular matrix derived from aged mice that contains elevated collagen protein levels, establishing a critical role for the environment in contributing to muscle phenotypes in aging. Combining an inducible FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) to rescue MuSC intrinsic aging defects with a drug to reduce fibrosis partially rescued muscle mass loss in aged mice. We conclude that aging affects tissues, and particularly skeletal muscle tissue, via complex multifactorial processes requiring multifaceted interventions to improve aging phenotypes.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3) in the Human Peripheral Nervous System: Implications for the Putative Pathogenic Role of FGFR3 Autoantibodies in Neuropathy

IntroductionAutoantibodies to the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3-AAbs) have been associated with idiopathic sensory-predominant neuropathy. The pathogenicity of FGFR3-AAbs in this disorder is unknown. Pathogenic mechanisms of autoantibodies in other dysimmune neuropathies commonly involve their direct binding to antigens on either neurons or glia. The expression of FGFR3 in the human peripheral nervous system is unknown. Therefore, as an initial step toward clarifying the pathogenicity of FGFR3-AAbs, we characterized the expression of FGFR3 in nerve (hNerve), dorsal root ganglia (hDRG) and spinal cord (hSC) in human. MethodsFGFR3 mRNA was assayed via in situ hybridization (ISH) on post-mortem sections of hNerve, hDRG and hSC, and by re-analysis of RNA-sequencing data from hDRG. FGFR3 protein was assayed in these tissues using capillary electrophoretic immunoassays (CEIA) with several validated anti-FGFR3 antibodies. ResultsFGFR3 mRNA was not detected in hNerve or hDRG but was abundant in hSC by ISH. FGFR3 protein was absent from hNerve and hDRG by CEIA but was moderately expressed in hSC. DiscussionA direct pathogenic mechanism of FGFR3-AAbs in sensory neuropathy would require the expression of FGFR3 in either neurons or non-neuronal cells in nerve or DRG. Using multiple methods, we did not detect FGFR3 expression at the mRNA or protein levels in these tissues. Given the absence of FGFR3 from hNerve and hDRG, it is improbable that FGFR3-AAbs cause direct damage to the neural components involved in neuropathy and thus are unlikely to be pathogenic, although indirect mechanisms via non-neural cells cannot be excluded.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

In Vivo Expression of an SCA27A-linked FGF14 Mutation Results in Haploinsufficiency and Impaired Firing of Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons

Autosomal dominant mutations in FGF14, which encodes intracellular fibroblast growth factor 14 (iFGF14), underlie spinocerebellar ataxia type 27A (SCA27A), a devastating multisystem disorder resulting in progressive deficits in motor coordination and cognitive function. Mice lacking iFGF14 (Fgf14-/-) exhibit similar phenotypes, which have been linked to iFGF14-mediated modulation of the voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels that control the high frequency repetitive firing of Purkinje neurons, the main output neurons of the cerebellar cortex. To investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying SCA27A, we developed a targeted knock-in strategy to introduce the first point mutation identified in FGF14 into the mouse Fgf14 locus (Fgf14F145S), we determined the impact of in vivo expression of the mutant Fgf14F145S allele on the motor performance of adult animals and on the firing properties of mature Purkinje neurons in acute cerebellar slices. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that repetitive firing rates are attenuated in adult Fgf14F145S/+ cerebellar Purkinje neurons, attributed to a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of steady-state inactivation of Nav channels. More severe effects on firing properties and Nav channel inactivation were observed in homozygous Fgf14F145S/F145S Purkinje neurons. Interestingly, the electrophysiological phenotypes identified in adult Fgf14F145S/+and Fgf14F145S/F145S cerebellar Purkinje neurons mirror those observed in heterozygous Fgf14+/- and homozygous Fgf14-/-Purkinje neurons, respectively, suggesting that the mutation results in the loss of the iFGF14 protein. Western blot analysis of lysates from adult heterozygous Fgf14F145S/+ and homozygous Fgf14F145S/F145Sanimals revealed reduced or undetectable, respectively, iFGF14 expression, supporting the hypothesis that the mutant allele results in loss of the iFGF14 protein and that haploinsufficiency underlies SCA27A neurological phenotypes.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Fibroblast growth factor-9 expression in airway epithelial cells amplifies the type I interferon response and alters influenza A virus pathogenesis

Influenza A virus (IAV) preferentially infects conducting airway and alveolar epithelial cells in the lung. The outcome of these infections is impacted by the host response, including the production of various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Fibroblast growth factor-9 (FGF9) is required for lung development, can display antiviral activity in vitro, and is upregulated in asymptomatic patients during early IAV infection. We therefore hypothesized that FGF9 would protect the lungs from respiratory virus infection and evaluated IAV pathogenesis in mice that overexpress FGF9 in club cells in the conducting airway epithelium (FGF9-OE mice). However, we found that FGF9-OE mice were highly susceptible to IAV and Sendai virus infection compared to control mice. FGF9-OE mice displayed elevated and persistent viral loads, increased expression of cytokines and chemokines, and increased numbers of infiltrating immune cells as early as 1 day post-infection (dpi). Gene expression analysis showed an elevated type I interferon (IFN) signature in the conducting airway epithelium and analysis of IAV tropism uncovered a dramatic shift in infection from the conducting airway epithelium to the alveolar epithelium in FGF9-OE lungs. These results demonstrate that FGF9 signaling primes the conducting airway epithelium to rapidly induce a localized, protective IFN and proinflammatory cytokine response during viral infection. Although this response protects the airway epithelial cells from IAV infection, it allows for early and enhanced infection of the alveolar epithelium, ultimately leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Our study illuminates a novel role for FGF9 in regulating respiratory virus infection and pathogenesis. Author SummaryInfluenza viruses are respiratory viruses that cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the lungs, influenza A virus primarily infects epithelial cells that line the conducting airways and alveoli. Fibroblast growth factor-9 (FGF9) is a growth factor that has been shown to have antiviral activity and is upregulated during early IAV infection in asymptomatic patients, leading us to hypothesize that FGF9 would protect the lung epithelium from IAV infection. However, mice that express and secrete FGF9 from club cells in the conducting airway had more severe respiratory virus infection and a hyperactive inflammatory immune response as early as 1 day post-infection. Analysis of the FGF9-expressing airway epithelial cells found an elevated antiviral and inflammatory interferon signature, which protected these cells from severe IAV infection. However, heightened infection of alveolar cells resulted in excessive inflammation in the alveoli, resulting in more severe disease and death. Our study identifies a novel antiviral and inflammatory role for FGFs in the lung airway epithelium and confirms that early and robust IAV infection of alveolar cells results in more severe disease.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2021

Deletion of Fibroblast growth factor 9 globally and in skeletal muscle results in enlarged tuberosities at sites of deltoid tendon attachments

The growth of most bony tuberosities, like the deltoid tuberosity (DT), rely on the transmission of muscle forces at the tendon-bone attachment during skeletal growth. Tuberosities distribute muscle forces and provide mechanical leverage at attachment sites for joint stability and mobility. The genetic factors that regulate tuberosity growth remain largely unknown. In mouse embryos with global deletion of fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), the DT size is notably enlarged. In this study, we explored the tissue-specific regulation of DT size using both global and targeted deletion of Fgf9. We showed that cell hypertrophy and mineralization dynamics of the DT, as well as transcriptional signatures from skeletal muscle but not bone, were influenced by the global loss of Fgf9. Loss of Fgf9 during embryonic growth led to increased chondrocyte hypertrophy and reduced cell proliferation at the DT attachment site. This endured hypertrophy and limited proliferation may explain the abnormal mineralization patterns and locally dysregulated expression of markers of endochondral development in Fgf9null attachments. We then showed that targeted deletion of Fgf9 in skeletal muscle leads to postnatal enlargement of the DT. Taken together, we discovered that Fgf9 may play an influential role in muscle-bone crosstalk during embryonic and postnatal development.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2018

Fate Before Function: Specification of the Hair Follicle Niche Occurs Prior to its Formation and Is Progenitor Dependent

Cell fate transitions are essential for specialization of stem cells and their niches, but the precise timing and sequence of molecular events during embryonic development are largely unknown. Here, we show that dermal condensates (DC), signaling niches for epithelial progenitors in hair placodes, are specified before niche formation and function. With 3D/4D microscopy we identify unclustered DC precursors. With population-based and single-cell transcriptomics we define a molecular time-lapse of dynamic niche signatures and the developmental trajectory as the DC lineage emerges from fibroblasts. Co-expression of downregulated fibroblast and upregulated DC genes in niche precursors reveals a transitory molecular state following a proliferation shutdown. Waves of transcription factor and signaling molecule expression then consolidate DC niche formation. Finally, ablation of epidermal Wnt signaling and placode-derived FGF20 demonstrates their requirement for DC-precursor specification. These findings uncover a progenitor-dependent niche precursor fate and the transitory molecular events controlling niche formation and function.\n\nGraphical Abstract\n\nO_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=200 SRC=\"FIGDIR/small/414839_ufig1.gif\" ALT=\"Figure 1\">\nView larger version (78K):\norg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@13fa73aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1fbd280org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1b8f66borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@3a1ef9_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HIGHLIGHTSO_LIPrecursors of the hair follicle niche are specified before niche cluster formation\nC_LIO_LIBulk/single cell RNA-seq defines early niche fate at molecular transitional state\nC_LIO_LISuccessive waves of transcription factor/signaling genes mark niche fate acquisition\nC_LIO_LINiche fate acquisition is not \"pre-programmed\" and requires FGF20 from progenitors\nC_LI

developmental biology↗