WNT3A Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Periosteum Cells in HA/TCP Matrix

Diwei Wu¹, Shaoyu Liang¹, Xuanhe You¹, Jiazhuang Xu^2* & Shishu Huang^1*

¹Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
²College of Polymer Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Dr. Shishu Huang & Jiazhuang Xu, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital & College of Polymer Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

Keywords: Ha/Tcp Matrix; Periosteal Cells; Bone Engineering; Cytometry Analysis

Abstract

Periosteal cells are a heterogeneous population that has a potential of osteogenic differentiation. It is still a challenge that their osteogenetic capacity in vivo is not efficient. We hypothesize that Wnt3a, one of the Wnt family in the regulation of osteogenesis, enhances bone formation in vivo and has the potential treatment in bone defect. Herein, a population of Wnt3a over-expressed periosteum cells was generated in the treatment of calvarial defect mouse model. Periosteal cells were primarily harvested from GFP mice and transfected with Wnt3a lenti-virus (MOI=1). The Wnt3a positive periosteal cells were seeded into a biodegradable scaffold (beta-tricalcium phosphate) and implanted into calvarial defect (5mm in diameter) mouse model. After two months transplantation, we used H&E, Masson and micro-CT to evaluate the bone formation in vivo. Compared to control and blank group, new bone formation was observed in Wnt3a over-expressed group that is the lamellar bone. Additionally, the cell and scaffold mix was detected by micro-CT and the Wnt3a over- expressed group significantly generated higher volume, more bone trabecular and lower trabecular space in new bone. Wnt3a promotes osteogenesis in vivo and the periosteal cell is one of the seed cells that can be used in the treatment of bone defect combined with tissue engineering and cell therapy.

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