Discovery of Bone Formation Genes through Integrative Genomics

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案的目的是定义Bicaudal-C同源物1 （Bicc1）在骨中的作用。利用创新的系统遗传学方法，我们预测Bicc1是BMD数量性状位点（QTL）的基础。Bicc1是一种rna结合蛋白，参与初级纤毛的调节。在本研究中，我们证明了具有Bicc1空等位基因杂合的jcpk小鼠存在骨质减少，并且人类Bicc1基因的遗传变异与骨密度有关。此外，Bicc1在分化成骨细胞中高表达，而Bicc1在初代颅骨成骨细胞中的表达下调会损害分化。我们还发现Bicc1调节Pkd2， Pkd2被认为是成骨细胞初级纤毛的关键成分。基于这些数据，我们假设Bicc1通过成骨细胞和Pkd2依赖机制影响骨密度。在Specific Aim 1中，一系列体外和体内相互作用实验将用于确定Bicc1对成骨细胞分化和骨密度的作用是否通过调节Pkd2水平来实现。在Specific Aim 2中，我们将确定Bicc1是否以成骨细胞特异性的方式调节骨密度。这将通过使用crel - loxp技术消融成骨细胞中的Bicc1，并使用微ct和组织形态计量学表征骨量来实现。转录网络分析也将用于进一步表征Bicc1的功能。所提出的研究将极大地促进我们对一种新的骨密度基因的理解。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of this proposal is to define the role of Bicaudal-C homolog 1 (Bicc1) in bone. Using an innovative systems genetics approach in the mouse we predicted that Bicc1 was the basis of a BMD quantitative trait locus (QTL). Bicc1 is an RNA-binding protein that has been implicated in the regulation of primary cilia. In this proposal, we demonstrate that jcpk mice, which are heterozygous for a Bicc1 null allele, are osteopenic and that genetic variants in human BICC1 gene are associated with BMD. Moreover, Bicc1 is highly expressed in differentiating osteoblasts and Bicc1 knockdown in primary calvarial osteoblasts impairs differentiation. We also show that Bicc1 regulates Pkd2, which is thought to be a critical component of the primary cilia on osteoblasts. Based on these data we hypothesize that Bicc1 influences BMD through an osteoblast and Pkd2 dependent mechanism. In Specific Aim 1 a series of in vitro and in vivo interaction experiments will be used to determine if the actions of Bicc1 on osteoblast differentiation and BMD are via the regulation of Pkd2 levels. In Specific Aim 2 we will determine if Bicc1 regulates BMD in an osteoblast-specific manner. This will be accomplished by ablating Bicc1 in osteoblasts using the cre-loxP technology and characterizing bone mass using microCT and histomorphometry. Transcriptional network analysis will also be used to further characterize Bicc1 function. The proposed studies will significantly advance our understanding of a novel BMD gene.