Project description:10X Genomics single cell RNA-sequencing of freshly isolated nonunion tissue from 63-year old male was conducted to interrogate non-hematopoietic tissue composition. The goal was to generate a dataset that can be compared with publicly available datasets of normal fracture tissue and cells associated with bone healing.
Project description:Background: Bone nonunion is a serious complication of fracture. This study explored the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and mRNAs (DEGs) and identified potential lncRNA-mRNA interactions in bone nonunion. Methods: We extracted total RNA from three bone nonunion and three bone union patient tissue samples. RNA sequencing was performed to detect DELs and DEGs between bone nonunion and union tissue samples. The lncRNAs and genes with absolute log2-fold change (log2FC) > 1 and adjusted p value < 0.05 were further chosen for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. lncRNA and targeted mRNA interaction networks were constructed. Results: We observed 179 DELs and 415 DEGs between the bone nonunion and union tissue samples. GO analysis indicated that DELs and DEGs were mainly enriched in chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan biosynthetic process. DELs and DEGs were enriched in 'ECM-receptor interaction' and 'Staphylococcus aureus infection' KEGG pathways. Several potential lncRNA-mRNA interactions were also predicted. Conclusions: This study identified bone nonunion-associated lncRNAs and mRNAs using deep sequencing that may be useful as potential biomarkers for bone nonunion.
Project description:20 miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed in patients with infected nonunion of long bones, which may facilitate the diagnosis of infected nonunion of long bones.
Project description:Nonunion describes bone fractures that fail to heal, resulting in the fracture callus failing to fully ossify or, in atrophic cases, not forming altogether. Fracture healing is regulated, in part, by the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes occurring within the bone marrow and surface cell populations. We sought to further understand the role of osteoimmunology (i.e., study of the close relationship between the immune system and bone) by examining immune cell gene expression via single-cell RNA sequencing of intramedullary canal tissue obtained from human patients with femoral nonunions. Intramedullary canal tissue samples obtained by reaming were collected at the time of surgical repair for femur fracture nonunion (n=5) or from native bone controls when harvesting autologous bone graft (n=4). Cells within the samples were isolated and analyzed using the Chromium single cell system (10x Genomics, Inc) and Illumina sequencers. Twenty-three distinct cell clusters were identified, with higher cell proportions in the nonunion samples for monocytes and CD14+ dendritic cells (DC), and lower proportions of T cells, myelocytes, and promyelocytes in nonunion samples. Gene expression differences were identified in each of the cell clusters from cell types associated with osteoimmunology, including CD14+DC, monocytes, T cells, promyelocytes, and myelocytes. These results provide human derived gene profiles that can further our understanding of pathways that may be a cause or a consequence of nonunion, providing the clinical rationale to focus on specific components of osteoimmunology. Statement of Clinical Significance. The novel single-cell approach may lead to clinically relevant diagnostic biomarkers during earlier stages of nonunion development and/or investigation into therapeutic options.