Dystrophic Spinal Deformities in a Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Murine Model

Steven D. Rhodes; Wei Zhang; Dalong Yang; Hao Yang; Shi Chen; Xiaohua Wu; Xiaohong Li; Xianlin Yang; Khalid S. Mohammad; Theresa A. Guise; Amanda L. Bergner; David A. Stevenson; Feng-Chun Yang

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119093

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence and significant morbidity of spinal anomalies in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the pathogenesis of these defects remains largely unknown. Here, we present two murine models: Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Nf1^flox/−;Col.2.3Cre mice, which recapitulate spinal deformities seen in the human disease. Dynamic histomorphometry and microtomographic studies show recalcitrant bone remodeling and distorted bone microarchitecture within the vertebral spine of Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice, with analogous histological features present in a human patient with dystrophic scoliosis. Intriguingly, 36–60% of Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice exhibit segmental vertebral fusion anomalies with boney obliteration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). While analogous findings have not yet been reported in the NF1 patient population, we herein present two case reports of IVD defects and interarticular vertebral fusion in patients with NF1. Collectively, these data provide novel insights regarding the pathophysiology of dystrophic spinal anomalies in NF1, and provide impetus for future radiographic analyses of larger patient cohorts to determine whether IVD and vertebral fusion defects may have been previously overlooked or underreported in the NF1 patient population.

Citation: Rhodes SD, Zhang W, Yang D, Yang H, Chen S, Wu X, et al. (2015) Dystrophic Spinal Deformities in a Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Murine Model. PLoS ONE 10(3): e0119093. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093

Academic Editor: Luc Malaval, Université de Lyon - Université Jean Monnet, FRANCE

Received: August 18, 2014; Accepted: January 16, 2015; Published: March 18, 2015

Copyright: © 2015 Rhodes et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited

Data Availability: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.

Funding: This work was supported in part by the Department of Defense (DOD) NF043032 (FCY), NF073112 (FCY) and NIH/NCI/5R01CA074177 (FCY). SDR was supported in part by a Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) Young Investigator Award (2011-01-010) and an Indiana CTSI Career Development Award (PHS (NCCR) Grant No: 5TL1RR025759-03). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant genetic disorder, affecting greater than two million individuals worldwide [1, 2]. Neurofibromin, the protein product of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene, functions as a guanosine triphosphatase-activating protein for Ras [3]. When mutated, haploinsufficient and/or nullizygous loss of NF1 leads to hyperactivation of Ras signaling pathways, resulting in a wide range of malignant and nonmalignant clinical manifestations [4]. Skeletal abnormalities are frequently observed in the setting of NF1 and can include osteoporosis [5–10], increased fracture risk [11, 12], short stature [13–15], macrocephaly [14], bowing and pseudarthrosis of the long bones [16–20], chest wall deformities [20], sphenoid wing dysplasia [19, 21], and spinal deformities [22–24]. Spinal deformities in NF1 may be relatively common, with one case series reporting up to 77% of study subjects being affected [25–27].

Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity observed in NF1 and approximately 2% of all pediatric scoliosis cases are associated with NF1 [23]. Scoliosis in NF1 can be further sub-classified as either non-dystrophic or dystrophic, based on the presence of various radiographic findings [22]. Non-dystrophic scoliosis in NF1 mimics idiopathic scoliosis in the general population, but typically presents earlier. By contrast, dystrophic scoliosis involves dysplastic osseous changes with rapid onset and progression. Characteristic radiographic features of dystrophic scoliosis include short-segment sharply angulated curves involving four to six vertebrae, vertebral rotation, vertebral wedging, scalloping of the vertebral margins, spindling of the transverse processes, pedicle defects, rib penciling, and widening of the spinal canal [22, 24]. Dystrophic scoliosis can lead to debilitating sequelae including neurological impairment due to impingement of the spinal cord. There is a risk of pseudarthrosis, or non-union, following orthopedic instrumentation of the affected vertebrae in individuals with NF1 [28–30].

Despite the high prevalence and significant morbidity associated with scoliosis and other spinal anomalies in individuals with NF1, their pathophysiology remains largely unknown. Since NF1 dystrophic scoliosis has been observed in close proximity to paraspinal plexiform neurofibromas [31, 32], it has been postulated that physical or paracrine interactions between the vertebral column and the adjacent tumor may be required to induce the pathogenesis and/or progression of dystrophic spinal deficits [33]. However, given that Nf1 plays a pivotal role in regulating the function of multiple bone cell types including osteoclasts [34–37], mesenchymal stem cells [38], osteochondroprogenitors [39], and osteoblasts [40], the possibility that such dystrophic defects may arise de novo from intrinsically dysregulated bone remodeling merits further investigation.

To better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying dystrophic scoliosis in NF1, it is possible to develop animal models which accurately recapitulate the characteristic features seen in the human disease. Recently, our laboratory reported the generation of two new NF1 murine models: Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice, which harbor Nf1 nullizygous mesenchymal stem cells on a systemic Nf1^+/− background, and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice, which harbor conditional Nf1 nullizygous osteoblasts on a systemic Nf1^+/− background. These mice exhibit a spectrum of osseous defects including low bone mass, induced tibial fracture non-union, and runting (short stature) [41]. Cortical and trabecular bone mass was also significantly reduced in lumbar vertebrae of Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice as compared to wild-type (WT) littermates [41]. Here, we extend our investigation of osseous phenotypes in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice to characterize dystrophic spinal deformities, which in part recapitulate those seen in the human disease.

Materials and Methods

Animals

Nf1^+/− mice were obtained from Dr. Tyler Jacks at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) [42]. Nf1^flox/flox mice were provided by Dr. Luis Parada at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center [43]. PeriCre transgenic mice were provided by Dr. Simon J. Conway at Indiana University [44], whereby Cre expression in adult MSCs is achieved under control of the 3.9kb fragment of the periostin promoter [41]. Col2.3Cre transgenic mice were generated as described elsewhere [45], whereby Cre expression in terminally differentiated osteoblasts is driven by the 2.3kb fragment of α1(I) collagen promoter. Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre (harboring conditional Nf1^−/− MSCs on a Nf1^+/− background) and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice (harboring conditional Nf1^−/− osteoblasts on a Nf1^+/− background) were generated by genetic intercross of Nf1^+/−, Nf1^flox/flox, PeriCre, and Col2.3Cre mice as described previously [41]. Nf1^flox/flox (WT), Nf1^flox/− (Nf1^+/−), and Nf1^flox/flox;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice were used as control. All animal studies were approved by the Indiana University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (#10376). Mice were euthanized by CO₂ inhalation with cervical dislocation subsequently performed as a secondary means of ensuring death.

Radiography

Mouse radiographs.

Mice were anesthetized in a chamber containing an effective concentration of 1.5% isoflurane delivered in oxygen using a precision vaporizer. Whole spine anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs were acquired using a Digital Specimen Radiography (DSR) System with Biopix Software (Version No: 1.0.6., Bioptics, Inc. Tucson, AZ). Thoracic kyphosis was quantitatively assessed in lateral radiographs by applying the Cobb technique to measure the kyphotic angle between lines drawn parallel to the superior seventh thoracic (Th7) and the inferior fourth lumbar (L4) vertebral endplates [46]. In a similar fashion, Cobb angle measurement was also performed in anterior-posterior radiographs to objectively identify scoliosis and determine the severity of lateral curvature in the spine. Scoliosis was defined according to the classical definition of a Cobb angle greater than or equal to 10 degrees [47]. Vertebral wedging was defined quantitatively by the angle formed by the intersection of lines drawn parallel to the rostral and caudal vertebral end-plates as described by Funasaki and colleagues [48].

Patient radiographs.

Radiographs of individuals with NF1 with features of dystrophic scoliosis were obtained from the University of Utah NF Center (Salt Lake City, UT) and Johns Hopkins Comprehensive NF Center (Baltimore, MD). Human subject research was performed in accordance with approval from the Indiana University IRB (#1011003777), the University of Utah IRB (#00011143), and the Johns Hopkins University IRB (#NA_00016949). Patient radiographs were analyzed anonymously. Nonetheless, verbal and written informed consent was obtained prior to publication of medical images.

Micro-computed tomography (μCT)

Murine samples.

Bone volume and microarchitecture of dystrophic vertebrae from Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice were evaluated using a high-resolution desktop micro-computed tomography imaging system (μCT-20; Scanco Medical AG, Bassersdorf, Switzerland). Corresponding vertebral segments in WT mice were evaluated as a control. Specimens were scanned with a slice increment of 9 μm. μCT images were reconstructed, filtered (σ = 0.8 and support = 1.0), and thresholded (22% of maximum possible gray scale value). Trabecular bone was outlined, excluding the cortical and subcortical bone. Every 10 sections were contoured manually, and the intermediate sections were interpolated with the contouring algorithm to create a volume of interest. Microarchitecture parameters were computed including bone volume fraction (BV/TV, %), trabecular number (Tb.N, mm⁻¹), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th, μm), and trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp, μm).

Human samples.

The T5 facet of an individual with NF1 with dystrophic scoliosis and the T7 facet of an individual with scoliosis without NF1 were scanned in the gantry of a VivaCT 40 micro-computed tomographer (Scanco Medical AG, Bassersdorf, Switzerland). Images were acquired at a voxel size of 10.5 μm. Images were acquired at a voxel size of 10.5 μm. The voxel of interest (VOI) comprised the whole bone excluding the cortical margins. Parameters of bone microarchitecture including BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, and connectivity density (Conn.D., mm⁻³) were calculated. Human subject research was performed in accordance with approval from the Indiana University IRB (#1011003777) and the University of Utah IRB (#00011143). Data from human bone specimens were analyzed anonymously. Nonetheless, verbal and written informed consent was obtained prior to publication of these data.

Histology

Murine samples.

Mice with dystrophic vertebral defects were sacrificed at various timepoints including 1, 2, 6, 9, and 12-months of age. The dystrophic vertebral segments were dissected with corresponding segments harvested from age matched WT mice as the control. 4-μm-thick sections were cut in the sagittal plane, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Slides were examined at 100x magnification on a Leitz DMRXE microscope (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany). Images were captured using a SPOT digital camera (Diagnostic Instruments, Inc., Sterling Heights, MI).

Human samples.

The T5 facet of an individual with NF1 with dystrophic scoliosis and the T7 facet of an individual with scoliosis without NF1 were fixed in 10% formalin for 48 hours, decalcified in 10% EDTA for 2 weeks, and cut to 3.5 μm thick longitudinal sections using a rotary microtome (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar Germany). Sections were stained for H&E and imaged using a Leitz DMRXE microscope (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany) equipped with a SPOT digital camera (Diagnostic Instruments, Inc., Sterling Heights, MI). Human subject research was performed in accordance with approval from the Indiana University IRB (#1011003777) and the University of Utah IRB (#00011143). Data from human bone specimens were analyzed anonymously. Nonetheless, verbal and written informed consent was obtained prior to publication of these data.

Dynamic histomorphometry

Fluorochrome labeling of the bones was performed in 4 week-old mice by intraperitoneal injections of calcein (20 mg/kg, Sigma Chemical, St. Louis, MO, USA) and alizarin red (20 mg/kg, Sigma) 8 and 3 days prior to euthanasia. Following euthanasia, L5 vertebrae were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 48 hours, dehydrated in graded ethanols, and embedded undecalcified in methylmethacrylate. Mid-sagittal sections (4 μm thick) were cut from the vertebrae. Sections were examined at 200x magnification on a Leitz DMRXE microscope (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany). Images were captured using a SPOT digital camera (Diagnostic Instruments, Inc., Sterling Heights, MI). The region of interest was established by a boundary beginning 0.5 mm proximal to the midpoint of the growth plate, non-inclusive of cortical bone, and extending proximally for a total area of approximately 2.8 mm². Trabecular bone turnover was assessed by measuring the extent of single label (sL.Pm), double label (dL.Pm) and the area of bone (dL.Ar) between the calcein and alizarin labels using Image Pro Plus version 4.1 software (Media Cybernetics, Silver Spring, MD). Derived histomorphometric parameters included mineralizing surface (MS/BS, %), a measure of active bone-forming surface, calculated as follows: the [¹/₂ sL.Pm + dL.Pm]/Tt.Pm * 100; mineral apposition rate (MAR, μm/day), a measure of the rate of radial expansion of new bone, calculated as follows: dL.Ar/dL.Pm/4 dy; and bone formation rate (BFR), an overall measure of bone formation that combines MS/BS and MAR, calculated as follows: MS/BS * MAR * 3.65.

Statistical analysis

Differences between experimental groups were determined by the Student’s t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparison tests where appropriate. P values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Animal Data

Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre transgenic mice recapitulate hallmark clinical features of NF1 dystrophic kyphoscoliosis.

Scoliosis is defined clinically as an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine with a Cobb angle greater than or equal to 10 degrees [47]. Applying this clinical criterion to the NF1 murine model, a series of radiographs acquired from WT, Nf1^+/−, Nf1^flox/flox;PeriCre and Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre transgenic mice were examined in a blinded fashion and screened for the presence of scoliosis using the Cobb method [47]. We observed no evidence of scoliotic deformities in WT or Nf1^+/− mice; however, 3/43 (∼7%) Nf1^flox/flox;PeriCre and 15/41 (∼37%) Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre animals exhibited radiographic evidence of scoliosis (Table 1). Moreover, the mean Cobb angle in Nf1^flox/flox;PeriCre mice with scoliotic deformities was approximately 11 degrees, versus 16 degrees in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice, with three out of 15 animals exhibiting curvatures of greater than 20 degrees. Consistent with these findings, Nf1^flox/flox;Col2.3Cre and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice exhibit a similar phenotype, with an incidence of scoliotic deformities of ∼55% in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice as compared to ∼20% in Nf1^flox/flox;Col2.3Cre animals. Collectively, the increase penetrance of scoliotic deformities in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice suggests that Nf1 heterozygosity in at least of subset of cell lineages together with biallelic Nf1 inactivation in MSCs/osteoblasts play a critical role in the pathogenesis of scoliosis in theses NF1 murine models.

Download:

Table 1. Frequency of scoliotic deformities in Nf1^flox/flox and Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3 mice.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.t001

Characteristic radiographic features of NF1 dystrophic scoliosis include short-segment curves involving four to six vertebrae, vertebral rotation, vertebral wedging, scalloping of the vertebral margins, spindling of the transverse processes, pedicle defects, rib penciling, and widening of the spinal canal [22, 24]. Here we provide radiographic evidence demonstrating the presence of several of these hallmark dystrophic features in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice with correlates with the human disease. Representative radiographs illustrate short-segment, sharply angulated curves of the thoracic and lumbar spine in two individuals with a clinical diagnosis of NF1 (Fig. 1A). In comparison, we observed similar short-segment curves in the thoracic and lumbar spine of Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice (Fig. 1B). Significant vertebral rotation, another hallmark dystrophic feature, is also apparent in this representative radiograph of a Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mouse with thoracic kyphoscoliosis (Fig. 1B, second panel).

Download:

Fig 1. Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice exhibit characteristic features of NF1 dystrophic scoliosis.

(A) Anterior-posterior radiographs of two NF1 patients with dystrophic scoliosis involving the thoracic (top) and lumbar spine (bottom). (B) Anterior-posterior radiographs demonstrate representative cases of short-segmented scoliotic deformities in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice involving the thoracic (second panel) and lumbar spine (fourth panel). Significant vertebral rotation is further evident in the representative Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mouse with thoracic scoliosis as shown (second panel). (C) Vertebral wedging, another hallmark feature of NF1 dystrophic scoliosis, is illustrated in representative lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine. The wedging angle was measured by the intersection of lines drawn parallel to the rostral and caudal vertebral endplates as shown.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.g001

We additionally documented the presence of vertebral wedging in three of 20 Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice (Fig. 1C), with a mean wedging angle of 31.32 ± 7.15 (SD) degrees. Vertebral wedging was also observed in three of 41 Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and one of 45 Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre animals, with a mean wedging angle of 32.55 ± 4.72 (SD) degrees in the Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre cohort. This phenotype was not apparent in the other control genotypes including Nf1^flox/flox;Col2.3Cre (n = 15), Nf1^+/− (n = 26), and WT (n = 29) mice. Other dystrophic characteristics including spindling of the transverse processes, pedicle defects, and rib penciling were not radiographically apparent in either the Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre or PeriCre mouse models.

Kyphosis presents as an exaggerated rounding of the spine resulting in a “hunchback” deformity. When we examined lateral radiographs acquired from Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice, marked thoracic kyphosis was apparent as compared to the other control strains (Fig. 2A). To further quantify the severity of kyphotic deformity in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice, the kyphotic angle from T7-L4 was measured using an adapted Cobb method for mice [46]. A statistically significant increase (P < 0.001) in the mean thoracic angle was observed in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice as compared to WT, Nf1^+/−, and Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice (Fig. 2B). By contrast, eight out of 41 experimental animals in the Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre group exhibited kyphotic angles of greater than 90 degrees in lateral radiographs, with a maximum of curvature of approximately 127 degrees in one experimental animal. Consistent with these findings, Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre animals exhibit a similar phenotype (data not shown). In summary, these data indicate that Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mouse models recapitulate several of the characteristic osseous features of NF1 associated dystrophic kyphoscoliosis as seen in NF1 patients.

Download:

Fig 2. Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice exhibit thoracic kyphosis.

(A) Representative lateral radiographs demonstrate the presence of severe thoracic kyphosis in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice as compared to WT, Nf1^+/−, and Nf1^flox/flox;PeriCre control animals. (B) The mean kyphotic angle was measured using the Cobb technique as defined by the intersection of lines drawn parallel to the rostral T7 and caudal L4 vertebral endplates. Error bars represent the standard error of the mean (SEM). ***P < 0.001 comparing Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice versus other genotypes.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.g002

Bone mass, microarchitecture, and remodeling are pathologically altered in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice with dystrophic spinal deformities.

To further investigate whether dystrophic spinal deformities in the NF1 murine model may be associated with the pathological alterations in bone mass and trabecular microarchitecture, μCT scans were performed on dystrophic vertebrae harvested from Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice. Bone microarchitecture parameters including bone volume fraction (BV/TV, %) and trabecular number (Tb.N, mm⁻¹), (Fig. 3A-B) were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in dystrophic Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre vertebrae as compared to the corresponding segments from age-matched WT animals controls. Consistent with these findings, trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp, μm) was found to be significantly greater in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre vertebrae versus controls (Fig. 3C). Similar phenotypes were observed in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice (data not shown) Collectively, these data demonstrate an association between dystrophic spinal deformities in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice and pathological bone mass and microarchitecture deficits within the dystrophic vertebral segments.

Download:

Fig 3. Reduced bone mass and altered trabecular microarchitecture in dystrophic Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre vertebrae.

(A) Percent bone volume (BV/TV, %) was determined following μCT reconstruction of vertebral bone samples. n = 5. **P < 0.01 versus WT. (B) Trabecular number (Tb.N, mm⁻¹) was computed as shown. n = 5. **P < 0.01 as compared to WT. (C) Trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp, μm) was calculated by μCT as shown above. n = 5. *P < 0.05 as compared to WT.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.g003

Given that bone mass and microarchitecture were significantly impaired in dystrophic vertebrae from Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice, we next sought to ascertain whether these deficits may further be associated with deregulated bone remodeling in the Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre murine model. To monitor bone formation in vivo, two fluorochromes, calcein (20 mg/kg) and alizarin red (20 mg/kg), were administered by intraperitoneal injection 8 and 3 days prior to euthanasia, respectively. Representative photomicrographs illustrate a markedly reduced incorporation of the calcein and alizarin labels within the trabecular bone surface of L5 vertebrae excised from Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre as compared to WT mice (Fig. 4A). Statistically significant reductions in the active bone-forming surface, or mineralizing surface (MS/BS, %) (Fig. 4B, P < 0.05), and the mineral apposition rate (MAR) (Fig. 4C, P < 0.01), a measure of the rate of radial expansion of new bone were observed in the Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre L5 vertebrae versus controls. Moreover, the bone formation rate (BFR), an overall measure of bone formation that combines MS/BS and MAR, was dramatically reduced in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice as compared to WT (Fig. 4D, P <0.01).

Download:

Fig 4. Defective bone remodeling in the lumbar spine of Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice.

Bone remodeling within the L5 vetebral body was examined in WT and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice without evidence of dystrophic spinal deformities. (A) Representative photomicrographs show calcein and alizarin labeling of L5 vertebrae at 200x magnification from. (B) The mineralizing surface (MS/BS, %) was computed as shown. n = 5. *P < 0.05 as compared to WT. (C) The mineral apposition rate (MAR, μm/day) was calculated according to standard formulas. n = 5. **P < 0.01 as compared to WT. (D) The bone formation rate (BFR, μm³/μm²/year) was quantified as shown in the bar graph. n = 5. **P < 0.01 versus WT.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.g004

IVD defects and vertebral fusion in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice.

Unexpectedly, radiographic analysis revealed progressive destruction of the intervertebral disc (IVD) space and fusion of adjacent vertebral segments within focal regions of the axial spine in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre transgenic mice. This phenotype was evident in ∼8.7% (4/46) of Nf1^flox/flox;PeriCre animals and ∼36.6% (15/41) of Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice, but absent in WT and Nf1^+/− (Table 2). Consistent with these data, Nf1^flox/flox;Col2.3Cre and Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice exhibit a similar phenotype, with an increased frequency of vertebral fusion in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice as compared to Nf1^flox/flox;Col2.3Cre animals.

Download:

Table 2. Vertebral fusion anomalies in Nf1^flox/flox and Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3 mice.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.t002

Representative sagittal and parasagittal μCT reconstructions further demonstrate vertebral asymmetry and ossification of the IVD space with cancellous bone in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice (Fig. 5A, ii and iv). Histological sections acquired from mice one, two, six, and 12 months of age illustrate the phenotype in varying stages of progression in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice (Fig. 5). Atrophy of the AF was evident in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice beginning from one month of age (Fig. 5B, i-ii). Between two to six months of age, there is evidence of significant degeneration of both the AF and NP with intervertebral fusion beginning from the lateral margins of the disc in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice as compared to WT control mice (Fig. 5B, iii-vi). Finally, by 12 months of age, complete obliteration of the physiologic IVD architecture is evident in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice, and the IVD space has been replaced with infiltrating cancellous bone and marrow cells, resulting in interarticular fusion of the adjacent segments (Fig. 5B, vii-viii).

Download:

Fig 5. Interarticular fusion in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice.

(A) Representative μCT reconstructions of dystrophic vertebral segments in coronal (top, i and ii) or sagittal (bottom, iii and iv) cross-section. Dysplastic bone growth within the intervertebral disc space has led to interarticular fusion of the dystrophic vertebrae. (B) Representative H&E stained histological sections characterize progressive boney dysplasia within the intervertebral disc space of mice at one month (i and ii), two months (iii and iv), six months (v and vi), and 12 months (vii and viii) of age.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.g005

Human Subjects Data

Bone mass and microarchitecture defects in an NF1 patient presenting with dystrophic scoliosis.

Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice exhibit pathological alterations in bone mass and microarchitecture within the vertebral spine. To investigate whether analogous osseous deficits may also be present in the human condition, we were able to obtain a T5 facet surgically excised from a 10 year old girl with NF1 with dystrophic scoliosis. As a control, we examined the T7 facet from an 18 year old boy without NF1 with idiopathic scoliosis (without NF1) as a control. Representative μCT reconstructions of the excised bone demonstrate markedly reduced bone mass and disrupted trabecular architecture in the T5 facet from the individual with NF1 with dystrophic scoliosis (Fig. 6C, D) as compared to the control sample (Fig. 6A, B). Bone volume fraction (BV/TV), connectivity density (Conn.D., mm⁻³), trabecular number (mm⁻¹), and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th, mm) were reduced in the NF1 T5 facet relative to the T7 control; whereas trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp, mm), bone surface/bone volume ratio (BS/BV, mm⁻¹), and density anisotropy (DA) were increased in the NF1 T5 facet versus the control (Table 3). In sum, these human data are consistent with the low bone mass phenotype and microarchitectural distortions seen in the Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mouse model, however due to the sample size of one and the rarity obtaining of such biopsies, our ability to make more definitive conclusions regarding the clinical phenotype remains limited.

Download:

Fig 6. Bone mass and microarchitecture defects in an NF1 patient presenting with dystrophic scoliosis.

(A) Representative μCT reconstructions of the T7 facet from a sex matched scoliosis patient without NF1 and (B) the T5 facet from an NF1 patient with dystrophic scoliosis. (C) Representative H&E stained cross sections of vertebral bone of the T7 facet from an age/sex matched scoliosis patient without NF1 and (D) the T5 facet from an NF1 patient with dystrophic scoliosis at 40x magnification.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.g006

Download:

Table 3. Quantitative parameters of bone microarchitecture were assessed by μCT in the T5 facet of an NF1 patient with dystrophic scoliosis versus the T7 facet of a control patient with idiopathic scoliosis but without NF1.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.t003

C6–7 vertebral fusion in a 24 year old female with NF1.

A 24 year old woman with a clinical diagnosis of NF1 (based on her history of multiple cafe-au-lait spots, axillary freckling and cutaneous neurofibromas) presented for consideration of constitutional versus segmental NF1. All skin features were confined to the right arm, upper right back and right axilla. Upon comprehensive review of systems, she was found to have an asymmetric pectus carinatum and radiographic evidence of congenital fusion of the vertebrae at C6/C7 with an absent disc (Fig. 7A).

Download:

Fig 7. Spinal fusion anomalies in NF1 patients.

(A) Congenital C6–7 vertebral fusion in a 24 year old, female patient with NF1. MRI shows congenital fusion of the 6th and 7^th thoracic vertebrae with an absent disc in a 24 year old woman with a clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) based on her history of multiple cafe-au-lait spots, axillary freckling and dermal neurofibromas. (B) Segmental fusion anomalies at T8-T10 in a 7 year old female NF1 patient with dystrophic scoliosis. An anterior-posterior standing radiograph of a 7 year old girl with the clinical diagnosis of NF1 (i.e. >6 café au lait macules >0.5cm, axillary and groin freckling, and a first-degree relative with NF1) shows a right thoracic curve measuring 32 degrees between the 8th and 12th thoracic vertebrae and a left thoracolumbar curve measuring 23 degree between the 12th thoracic and 3rd lumbar vertebrae with segmentation and vertebral fusion anomalies at the 8th-10th thoracic vertebrae.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119093.g007

Segmental/fusion anomalies at T8-T10 in 7 year old female with NF1 and dystrophic scoliosis.

A 7 year old girl with a clinical diagnosis of NF1 (based on >6 café au lait macules >0.5cm in size, axillary and groin freckling, and a first-degree relative with NF1) presented with asymmetry of the back on examination. The radiology report of standing radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine described a right thoracic curve measuring 32 degrees between the 8th and 12th thoracic vertebrae and a left thoracolumbar curve measuring 23 degree between the 12th thoracic and 3rd lumbar vertebrae with segmentation and fusion anomalies at the 8th-10th thoracic vertebrae (Fig. 7B).

Discussion

Up to 77 percent of NF1 patients may exhibit scoliosis according to some estimates [25–27]. Surprisingly, however, Nf1^+/− mice exhibit neither spinal deformities nor any of the other characteristic skeletal deficits seen in the human disease, suggesting that Nf1 nullizygosity in at least a subset of cell lineages may be required for the genesis of some of these osseous manifestations. Here we demonstrate that conditional biallelic Nf1 inactivation in mesenchymal stem cells and/or osteoblasts together with a systemic Nf1 heterozygous genetic background is sufficient to induce characteristic NF1 associated spinal deformities closely reminiscent of that seen in the human disease, including dystrophic and non-dystrophic sharply angulated short-segment curves involving the thoracic and lumbar spine, vertebral rotation, and vertebral wedging.

Unlike PeriCre, which drives Cre recombinase expression in both MSCs [41] as well as Schwann cells [44], Col2.3Cre expression is restricted to mature osteoblasts [45]; and thus, Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice do not develop neurofibromas. The genesis of dystrophic kyphoscoliosis in the Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre model, together with the associated findings of reduced fractional bone volume, disrupted microarchitecture, and deregulated bone remodeling within the Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre vertebral spine and the vertebral bone of a human NF1 patient with dystrophic scoliosis are further consistent with the concept that these osseous manifestations may indeed arise as a direct consequence of primary defects in bone cellular function, development, or differentiation, rather than the mass effect of a paraspinal neurofibroma. Given the rarity of obtaining such human bone specimens from the vertebral spine, further studies will be necessary to ascertain whether primary alterations in bone remodeling and microarchitecture are indeed responsible for the observed clinical phenotypes.

The increased penetrance of scoliotic deformities and thoracic kyphosis in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice even as compared to Nf1^flox/flox;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre controls, further suggests that cooperative interactions between Nf1 nullizygous MSCs/osteoblasts and at least a subset of other Nf1 heterozygous lineages plays a role in the pathogenesis of these defects in the NF1 murine model. In a series of adoptive bone marrow transfer experiments, we previously established a pivotal role for Nf1 haploinsufficient hematopoietic cells in the pathogenesis of tibial pseudarthrosis (fracture non-union) in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice [41]. It is plausible that similar heterotypic cellular interactions may be operative in the genesis of dystrophic spinal deformities in the NF1 murine model, although additional experiments are necessary to confirm this hypothesis. In particular, we postulate enhanced bone resorptive activity of Nf1 haploinsufficient hematopoietic derived osteoclasts to be a likely culprit [34, 36, 37], as we have observed a significant increase in osteoclast activity in the long bones [41] and vertebral spines [41] of Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre and Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre mice. By contrast, a number of previous studies have demonstrated that Nf1 nullizygous osteoblasts exhibit an impaired capacity to differentiate and mineralize new bone matrix [38, 40]. Thus, enhanced osteolytic activity by Nf1^+/− osteoclasts, coupled with the inability of Nf1 deficient osteoblasts to mount an appropriate anabolic response may account for the bone mass, microarchitecture, and remodeling deficits observed in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice.

Although Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice recapitulate many of the hallmark features of dystrophic scoliosis seen in the human disease, we found that the degree of spinal curvature was likely less pronounced in the NF1 murine model than that seen in individuals with NF1 and dystrophic scoliosis where the Cobb angle can reach 70 degrees or greater in severe cases [49]. One potential explanation for this discrepancy may relate to the differing biomechanical circumstances of humans and mice. The vertebrae in quadrupeds do not receive an axial load to maintain balance of the torso, which is the major loading mechanism in bipeds [50]. Consistent with this rationale, it has been demonstrated that scoliotic deformities can be induced with 100% penetrance in rats attaining bipedal posture after undergoing surgical amputation of the tail and forelimbs [51]. It is thus plausible that differing mechanical circumstances between bipeds and quadrupeds may explain why Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice do not recapitulate the full extent of lateral spinal curvature seen in NF1 patients with dystrophic scoliosis.

Intriguingly, between 36–60% of Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice also exhibit progressive dysplastic deformation of the vertebral bodies, with destruction of the IVD and fusion of adjacent vertebral segments evident by 6–12 months of age. Consistent with these findings, a recent genetic study of mice harboring conditional Nf1 nullizygous osteochondroprogenitor cells driven by the Col2α1-Cre (collagen, type II, alpha 1) promoter demonstrated congenital IVD formation defects, with improper segmentation of the notochord and impaired proliferation of the nucleus pulposus (NP) accompanied by interarticular vertebral fusion [39]. The authors further note that this phenotype was 100 percent penetrant, with deficits present uniformly at every spinal level. In the present study, we utilized the 3.9kb fragment of the Periostin promoter and the 2.3kb segment of the α(I)-Collagen promoter to achieve a more restricted biallelic ablation of Nf1 in mesenchymal stem cells and mature osteoblasts, respectively. The reduced penetrance and severity of IVD and fusion defects in the PeriCre animal model as compared to the Col2a1Cre model published by Wang and colleagues is likely attributable to the robustness of Cre mediated recombination within the MSC compartment, whereby Cre expression in bone marrow derived MSCs cultured from PeriCre [41] and Col2α1Cre [39] mice appears to be significantly more robust in the latter. Likewise, in contrast to both the PeriCre and Col2a1Cre animal models, Col2.3Cre mediated recombination is further restricted to mature osteoblasts alone [45]. Interestingly, in the present study, we observed a significantly increased frequency of IVD and fusion defects in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice as compared to even Nf1^flox/flox;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre controls, suggesting that Nf1 heterozygosity in surrounding tissues and cell lineages (in the context of Nf1 nullizygous MSCs and osteoblasts) may play a role in the pathogenesis of these anomalies.

In contrast to the aforementioned murine models, vertebral fusion and IVD defects in the NF1 patient population have rarely been documented in the medical literature. In 1986, Sartoris and colleagues documented one case of presumptive neuropathic arthropathy in a NF1 patient presenting with destruction of the L1-L2 vertebral bodies and intervertebral disk space [52]. A retroperitoneal neurofibroma was identified anterior to the L1-L2 interspace; however, no neurofibromatosis tissue was found within the disk space itself, leaving questions regarding the underlying etiology. Here we present two cases of IVD defects/vertebral fusion in patients with a clinical diagnosis of NF1. The first case involves a 24 year old woman with multiple café-au-lait macules, axillary freckling, dermal neurofibromas, and pectus carinatum presenting with congenital C6–7 vertebral fusion with an absent disc. The second individual was a 7 year old girl with NF1 and dystrophic scoliosis with segmentation and fusion anomalies at the 8th-10th thoracic vertebrae. The paucity of interarticular vertebral fusion and IVD defects reported in the medical literature likely reflects inherent differences between murine models of the disease versus the human condition. Whereas biallelic Cre-mediated Nf1 recombination within osteoblasts and/or osteoprogenitor cells occurs homogenously in animal models, clinically such losses of NF1 heterozygosity are likely to be relatively rare events, occurring only within focal regions of the bone or sometimes not at all within any given patient. Nonetheless, it is also possible that these deficits have been overlooked or underreported in NF1 patients. Future retrospective radiographic analysis of larger patient cohorts may help clarify whether this phenotype may have been previously overlooked or underreported in the NF1 patient population.

Acknowledgments

We thank Heather Daniel for administrative support. We also thank Heather Hanson, Dr. David Viskochil, Dr. Jacques D’Astous, Dr. John Carey, and Dr. Kathleen Murray for help in interpretation, sample collection, and obtaining of radiographs.

Author Contributions

Conceived and designed the experiments: SDR WZ FCY. Performed the experiments: SDR WZ DY HY SC XW XL XY. Analyzed the data: SDR WZ FCY. Contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools: KSM TAG ALB DAS FCY. Wrote the paper: SDR KSM ALB DAS FCY. Obtained human bone samples: DAS. Obtained clinical radiographs and MRI: ALB DAS.

References

1. Davis MM, Slish K, Chao C, Cabana MD. National trends in bariatric surgery, 1996–2002. Arch Surg. 2006; 141(1): 71–4; discussion 75. pmid:16415414
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
2. Huson SM, Compston DA, Clark P, Harper PS. A genetic study of von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis in south east Wales. I. Prevalence, fitness, mutation rate, and effect of parental transmission on severity. J Med Genet. 1989; 26(11): 704–11. pmid:2511318
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
3. Martin GA, Viskochil D, Bollag G, McCabe PC, Crosier WJ, Haubruck H, et al. The GAP-related domain of the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene product interacts with ras p21. Cell. 1990; 63(4): 843–9. pmid:2121370
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
4. Riccardi VM. Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis. N Engl J Med. 1981; 305(27): 1617–27. pmid:6796886
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
5. Illes T, Halmai V, de Jonge T, Dubousset J. Decreased bone mineral density in neurofibromatosis-1 patients with spinal deformities. Osteoporos Int. 2001; 12(10): 823–7. pmid:11716184
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
6. Kuorilehto T, Poyhonen M, Bloigu R, Heikkinen J, Vaananen K, Peltonen J. Decreased bone mineral density and content in neurofibromatosis type 1: lowest local values are located in the load-carrying parts of the body. Osteoporos Int. 2005; 16(8): 928–36. pmid:15551055
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
7. Lammert M, Kappler M, Mautner VF, Lammert K, Storkel S, Friedman JM, et al. Decreased bone mineral density in patients with neurofibromatosis 1. Osteoporos Int. 2005; 16(9): 1161–6. pmid:15988556
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
8. Dulai S, Briody J, Schindeler A, North KN, Cowell CT, Little DG. Decreased bone mineral density in neurofibromatosis type 1: results from a pediatric cohort. J Pediatr Orthop. 2007; 27(4): 472–5. pmid:17513973
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
9. Stevenson DA, Moyer-Mileur LJ, Murray M, Slater H, Sheng X, Carey JC, et al., Bone mineral density in children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1. J Pediatr. 2007; 150(1): 83–8. pmid:17188620
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
10. Yilmaz K, Ozmen M, Bora Goksan S, Eskiyurt N. Bone mineral density in children with neurofibromatosis 1. Acta Paediatr. 2007; 96(8): 1220–2. pmid:17608828
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
11. Tucker T, Schnabel C, Hartmann M, Friedrich RE, Frieling I, Kruse HP, et al. Bone health and fracture rate in individuals with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). J Med Genet. 2009; 46(4): 259–65. pmid:19066167
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
12. Heerva E, Koffert A, Jokinen E, Kuorilehto T, Peltonen S, Aro HT, et al. A controlled register-based study of 460 neurofibromatosis 1 patients: increased fracture risk in children and adults over 41 years of age. J Bone Miner Res. 2012; 27(11): 2333–7. pmid:22692994
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
13. Clementi M, Milani S, Mammi I, Boni S, Monciotti C, Tenconi R, Neurofibromatosis type 1 growth charts. Am J Med Genet. 1999; 87(4): 317–23. pmid:10588837
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
14. Szudek J, Birch P, Friedman JM. Growth in North American white children with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). J Med Genet. 2000; 37(12): 933–8. pmid:11106357
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
15. Virdis R, Street ME, Bandello MA, Tripodi C, Donadio A, Villani AR, et al. Growth and pubertal disorders in neurofibromatosis type 1. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2003; 16 Suppl 2: 289–92. pmid:12729406
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
16. Sofield HA. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1971; 76: 33–42. pmid:4996080
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
17. Morrissy RT, Riseborough EJ, Hall JE. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1981; 63-B(3): 367–75. pmid:6790551
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
18. Gilbert A, Brockman R. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Long-term followup of 29 cases treated by microvascular bone transfer. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1995; (314): 37–44. pmid:7634649
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
19. Friedman JM, Birch PH. Type 1 neurofibromatosis: a descriptive analysis of the disorder in 1,728 patients. Am J Med Genet. 1997; 70(2): 138–43. pmid:9128932
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
20. Stevenson DA, Birch PH, Friedman JM, Viskochil DH, Balestrazzi P, Boni S, et al. Descriptive analysis of tibial pseudarthrosis in patients with neurofibromatosis 1. Am J Med Genet. 1999; 84(5): 413–9. pmid:10360395
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
21. Alwan S, Armstrong L, Joe H, Birch PH, Szudek J, Friedman JM. Associations of osseous abnormalities in Neurofibromatosis 1. Am J Med Genet A. 2007; 143A(12): 1326–33. pmid:17506102
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
22. Durrani AA, Crawford AH, Chouhdry SN, Saifuddin A, Morley TR. Modulation of spinal deformities in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000; 25(1): 69–75.
- View Article
- Google Scholar
23. Vitale MG, Guha A, Skaggs DL. Orthopaedic manifestations of neurofibromatosis in children: an update. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2002; (401): 107–18. pmid:12151887
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
24. Crawford AH, Parikh S, Schorry EK, Von Stein D. The immature spine in type-1 neurofibromatosis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007; 89 Suppl 1: 123–42. pmid:17272429
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
25. Akbarnia BA, Gabriel KR, Beckman E, Chalk D. Prevalence of scoliosis in neurofibromatosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1992; 17(8 Suppl): S244–8. pmid:1523507
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
26. Rezaian SM. The incidence of scoliosis due to neurofibromatosis. Acta Orthop Scand. 1976; 47(5): 534–9. pmid:826104
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
27. Tsirikos AI, Ramachandran M, Lee J, Saifuddin A. Assessment of vertebral scalloping in neurofibromatosis type 1 with plain radiography and MRI. Clin Radiol. 2004; 59(11): 1009–17. pmid:15488850
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
28. Abdel-Wanis ME, Kawahara N. The role of neurofibromin and melatonin in pathogenesis of pseudarthrosis after spinal fusion for neurofibromatous scoliosis. Med Hypotheses. 2002; 58(5): 395–8. pmid:12056876
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
29. Crawford AH. Pitfalls of spinal deformities associated with neurofibromatosis in children. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989; (245): 29–42. pmid:2502347
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
30. Kim HW, Weinstein SL. Spine update. The management of scoliosis in neurofibromatosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1997; 22(23): 2770–6. pmid:9431613
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
31. Khong PL, Goh WH, Wong VC, Fung CW, Ooi GC. MR imaging of spinal tumors in children with neurofibromatosis 1. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2003; 180(2): 413–7. pmid:12540444
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
32. Ramachandran M, Tsirikos AI, Lee J, Saifuddin A. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and spinal deformity. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2004; 17(6): 483–91. pmid:15570119
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
33. Alwan S, Tredwell SJ, Friedman JM. Is osseous dysplasia a primary feature of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)? Clin Genet. 2005; 67(5): 378–90. pmid:15811002
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
34. Yang FC, Chen S, Robling AG, Yu X, Nebesio TD, Yan J, et al. Hyperactivation of p21ras and PI3K cooperate to alter murine and human neurofibromatosis type 1-haploinsufficient osteoclast functions. J Clin Invest. 2006; 116(11): 2880–91. pmid:17053831
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
35. Yan J, Chen S, Zhang Y, Li X, Li Y, Wu X, et al. Rac1 mediates the osteoclast gains-in-function induced by haploinsufficiency of Nf1. Hum Mol Genet. 2008; 17(7): 936–48. pmid:18089636
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
36. Heerva E, Alanne MH, Peltonen S, Kuorilehto T, Hentunen T, Vaananen K, et al. Osteoclasts in neurofibromatosis type 1 display enhanced resorption capacity, aberrant morphology, and resistance to serum deprivation. Bone. 2010; 47(3): 583–90. pmid:20541045
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
37. Stevenson DA, Yan J, He Y, Li H, Liu Y, Zhang Q, et al. Multiple increased osteoclast functions in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1. Am J Med Genet A. 2011; 155A(5): 1050–9. pmid:21465658
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
38. Wu X, Estwick SA, Chen S, Yu M, Ming W, Nebesio TD, et al. Neurofibromin plays a critical role in modulating osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. Hum Mol Genet. 2006; 15(19): 2837–45. pmid:16893911
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
39. Wang W, Nyman JS, Ono K, Stevenson DA, Yang X, Elefteriou F. Mice lacking Nf1 in osteochondroprogenitor cells display skeletal dysplasia similar to patients with neurofibromatosis type I. Hum Mol Genet. 2011; 20(20): 3910–24. pmid:21757497
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
40. Yu X, Chen S, Potter OL, Murthy SM, Li J, Pulcini JM, et al. Neurofibromin and its inactivation of Ras are prerequisites for osteoblast functioning. Bone. 2005; 36(5): 793–802. pmid:15804420
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
41. Zhang W, Rhodes SD, Zhao L, He Y, Zhang Y, Shen Y, et al. Primary osteopathy of vertebrae in a neurofibromatosis type 1 murine model. Bone. 2011; 48(6): 1378–87. pmid:21439418
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
42. Jacks T, Shih TS, Schmitt EM, Bronson RT, Bernards A, Weinberg RA. Tumour predisposition in mice heterozygous for a targeted mutation in Nf1. Nat Genet. 1994; 7(3): 353–61. pmid:7920653
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
43. Zhu Y, Ghosh P, Charnay P, Burns DK, Parada LF. Neurofibromas in NF1: Schwann cell origin and role of tumor environment. Science. 2002; 296(5569): 920–2. pmid:11988578
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
44. Lindsley A, Snider P, Zhou H, Rogers R, Wang J, Olaopa M, et al. Identification and characterization of a novel Schwann and outflow tract endocardial cushion lineage-restricted periostin enhancer. Dev Biol. 2007; 307(2): 340–55. pmid:17540359
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
45. Dacquin R, Starbuck M, Schinke T, Karsenty G. Mouse alpha1(I)-collagen promoter is the best known promoter to drive efficient Cre recombinase expression in osteoblast. Dev Dyn. 2002; 224(2): 245–51. pmid:12112477
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
46. Bradford DS, Moe JH, Montalvo FJ, Winter RB. Scheuermann's kyphosis and roundback deformity. Results of Milwaukee brace treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1974; 56(4): 740–58. pmid:4835819
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
47. Cobb JR. Outline for the study of scoliosis. Am Acad Orthop Surg Instr Course. 1948; Lect 5:261–275.
- View Article
- Google Scholar
48. Funasaki H, Winter RB, Lonstein JB, Denis F. Pathophysiology of spinal deformities in neurofibromatosis. An analysis of seventy-one patients who had curves associated with dystrophic changes. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1994; 76(5): 692–700. pmid:8175817
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
49. Koptan W, ElMiligui Y. Surgical correction of severe dystrophic neurofibromatosis scoliosis: an experience of 32 cases. Eur Spine J. 2010; 19(9): 1569–75. pmid:20506026
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
50. Goff CW, Landmesser W. Bipedal rats and mice; laboratory animals for orthopaedic research. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1957; 39-A(3): 616–22. pmid:13428805
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
51. Machida M, Murai I, Miyashita Y, Dubousset J, Yamada T, Kimura J. Pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis. Experimental study in rats. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1999; 24(19): 1985–9. pmid:10528372
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar
52. Sartoris DJ, Jones H. Case report 343. Neurofibroma arising in sympathetic ganglion with probable associated spinal neuroarthropathy (presumptive diagnosis). Skeletal Radiol. 1986; 15(1): 60–4. pmid:3079920
- View Article
- PubMed/NCBI
- Google Scholar

[ref1] 1. Davis MM, Slish K, Chao C, Cabana MD. National trends in bariatric surgery, 1996–2002. Arch Surg. 2006; 141(1): 71–4; discussion 75. pmid:16415414
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[2] View Article

[3] PubMed/NCBI

[4] Google Scholar

[ref2] 2. Huson SM, Compston DA, Clark P, Harper PS. A genetic study of von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis in south east Wales. I. Prevalence, fitness, mutation rate, and effect of parental transmission on severity. J Med Genet. 1989; 26(11): 704–11. pmid:2511318
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[6] View Article

[7] PubMed/NCBI

[8] Google Scholar

[ref3] 3. Martin GA, Viskochil D, Bollag G, McCabe PC, Crosier WJ, Haubruck H, et al. The GAP-related domain of the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene product interacts with ras p21. Cell. 1990; 63(4): 843–9. pmid:2121370
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[10] View Article

[11] PubMed/NCBI

[12] Google Scholar

[ref4] 4. Riccardi VM. Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis. N Engl J Med. 1981; 305(27): 1617–27. pmid:6796886
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[14] View Article

[15] PubMed/NCBI

[16] Google Scholar

[ref5] 5. Illes T, Halmai V, de Jonge T, Dubousset J. Decreased bone mineral density in neurofibromatosis-1 patients with spinal deformities. Osteoporos Int. 2001; 12(10): 823–7. pmid:11716184
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[18] View Article

[19] PubMed/NCBI

[20] Google Scholar

[ref6] 6. Kuorilehto T, Poyhonen M, Bloigu R, Heikkinen J, Vaananen K, Peltonen J. Decreased bone mineral density and content in neurofibromatosis type 1: lowest local values are located in the load-carrying parts of the body. Osteoporos Int. 2005; 16(8): 928–36. pmid:15551055
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[22] View Article

[23] PubMed/NCBI

[24] Google Scholar

[ref7] 7. Lammert M, Kappler M, Mautner VF, Lammert K, Storkel S, Friedman JM, et al. Decreased bone mineral density in patients with neurofibromatosis 1. Osteoporos Int. 2005; 16(9): 1161–6. pmid:15988556
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[26] View Article

[27] PubMed/NCBI

[28] Google Scholar

[ref8] 8. Dulai S, Briody J, Schindeler A, North KN, Cowell CT, Little DG. Decreased bone mineral density in neurofibromatosis type 1: results from a pediatric cohort. J Pediatr Orthop. 2007; 27(4): 472–5. pmid:17513973
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[30] View Article

[31] PubMed/NCBI

[32] Google Scholar

[ref9] 9. Stevenson DA, Moyer-Mileur LJ, Murray M, Slater H, Sheng X, Carey JC, et al., Bone mineral density in children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1. J Pediatr. 2007; 150(1): 83–8. pmid:17188620
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[34] View Article

[35] PubMed/NCBI

[36] Google Scholar

[ref10] 10. Yilmaz K, Ozmen M, Bora Goksan S, Eskiyurt N. Bone mineral density in children with neurofibromatosis 1. Acta Paediatr. 2007; 96(8): 1220–2. pmid:17608828
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[38] View Article

[39] PubMed/NCBI

[40] Google Scholar

[ref11] 11. Tucker T, Schnabel C, Hartmann M, Friedrich RE, Frieling I, Kruse HP, et al. Bone health and fracture rate in individuals with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). J Med Genet. 2009; 46(4): 259–65. pmid:19066167
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[42] View Article

[43] PubMed/NCBI

[44] Google Scholar

[ref12] 12. Heerva E, Koffert A, Jokinen E, Kuorilehto T, Peltonen S, Aro HT, et al. A controlled register-based study of 460 neurofibromatosis 1 patients: increased fracture risk in children and adults over 41 years of age. J Bone Miner Res. 2012; 27(11): 2333–7. pmid:22692994
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[46] View Article

[47] PubMed/NCBI

[48] Google Scholar

[ref13] 13. Clementi M, Milani S, Mammi I, Boni S, Monciotti C, Tenconi R, Neurofibromatosis type 1 growth charts. Am J Med Genet. 1999; 87(4): 317–23. pmid:10588837
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[50] View Article

[51] PubMed/NCBI

[52] Google Scholar

[ref14] 14. Szudek J, Birch P, Friedman JM. Growth in North American white children with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). J Med Genet. 2000; 37(12): 933–8. pmid:11106357
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[54] View Article

[55] PubMed/NCBI

[56] Google Scholar

[ref15] 15. Virdis R, Street ME, Bandello MA, Tripodi C, Donadio A, Villani AR, et al. Growth and pubertal disorders in neurofibromatosis type 1. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2003; 16 Suppl 2: 289–92. pmid:12729406
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[58] View Article

[59] PubMed/NCBI

[60] Google Scholar

[ref16] 16. Sofield HA. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1971; 76: 33–42. pmid:4996080
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[62] View Article

[63] PubMed/NCBI

[64] Google Scholar

[ref17] 17. Morrissy RT, Riseborough EJ, Hall JE. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1981; 63-B(3): 367–75. pmid:6790551
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[66] View Article

[67] PubMed/NCBI

[68] Google Scholar

[ref18] 18. Gilbert A, Brockman R. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Long-term followup of 29 cases treated by microvascular bone transfer. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1995; (314): 37–44. pmid:7634649
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[70] View Article

[71] PubMed/NCBI

[72] Google Scholar

[ref19] 19. Friedman JM, Birch PH. Type 1 neurofibromatosis: a descriptive analysis of the disorder in 1,728 patients. Am J Med Genet. 1997; 70(2): 138–43. pmid:9128932
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[74] View Article

[75] PubMed/NCBI

[76] Google Scholar

[ref20] 20. Stevenson DA, Birch PH, Friedman JM, Viskochil DH, Balestrazzi P, Boni S, et al. Descriptive analysis of tibial pseudarthrosis in patients with neurofibromatosis 1. Am J Med Genet. 1999; 84(5): 413–9. pmid:10360395
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[78] View Article

[79] PubMed/NCBI

[80] Google Scholar

[ref21] 21. Alwan S, Armstrong L, Joe H, Birch PH, Szudek J, Friedman JM. Associations of osseous abnormalities in Neurofibromatosis 1. Am J Med Genet A. 2007; 143A(12): 1326–33. pmid:17506102
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[82] View Article

[83] PubMed/NCBI

[84] Google Scholar

[ref22] 22. Durrani AA, Crawford AH, Chouhdry SN, Saifuddin A, Morley TR. Modulation of spinal deformities in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000; 25(1): 69–75.
View Article
Google Scholar

[86] View Article

[87] Google Scholar

[ref23] 23. Vitale MG, Guha A, Skaggs DL. Orthopaedic manifestations of neurofibromatosis in children: an update. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2002; (401): 107–18. pmid:12151887
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[89] View Article

[90] PubMed/NCBI

[91] Google Scholar

[ref24] 24. Crawford AH, Parikh S, Schorry EK, Von Stein D. The immature spine in type-1 neurofibromatosis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007; 89 Suppl 1: 123–42. pmid:17272429
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[93] View Article

[94] PubMed/NCBI

[95] Google Scholar

[ref25] 25. Akbarnia BA, Gabriel KR, Beckman E, Chalk D. Prevalence of scoliosis in neurofibromatosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1992; 17(8 Suppl): S244–8. pmid:1523507
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[97] View Article

[98] PubMed/NCBI

[99] Google Scholar

[ref26] 26. Rezaian SM. The incidence of scoliosis due to neurofibromatosis. Acta Orthop Scand. 1976; 47(5): 534–9. pmid:826104
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[101] View Article

[102] PubMed/NCBI

[103] Google Scholar

[ref27] 27. Tsirikos AI, Ramachandran M, Lee J, Saifuddin A. Assessment of vertebral scalloping in neurofibromatosis type 1 with plain radiography and MRI. Clin Radiol. 2004; 59(11): 1009–17. pmid:15488850
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[105] View Article

[106] PubMed/NCBI

[107] Google Scholar

[ref28] 28. Abdel-Wanis ME, Kawahara N. The role of neurofibromin and melatonin in pathogenesis of pseudarthrosis after spinal fusion for neurofibromatous scoliosis. Med Hypotheses. 2002; 58(5): 395–8. pmid:12056876
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[109] View Article

[110] PubMed/NCBI

[111] Google Scholar

[ref29] 29. Crawford AH. Pitfalls of spinal deformities associated with neurofibromatosis in children. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989; (245): 29–42. pmid:2502347
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[113] View Article

[114] PubMed/NCBI

[115] Google Scholar

[ref30] 30. Kim HW, Weinstein SL. Spine update. The management of scoliosis in neurofibromatosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1997; 22(23): 2770–6. pmid:9431613
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[117] View Article

[118] PubMed/NCBI

[119] Google Scholar

[ref31] 31. Khong PL, Goh WH, Wong VC, Fung CW, Ooi GC. MR imaging of spinal tumors in children with neurofibromatosis 1. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2003; 180(2): 413–7. pmid:12540444
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[121] View Article

[122] PubMed/NCBI

[123] Google Scholar

[ref32] 32. Ramachandran M, Tsirikos AI, Lee J, Saifuddin A. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and spinal deformity. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2004; 17(6): 483–91. pmid:15570119
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[125] View Article

[126] PubMed/NCBI

[127] Google Scholar

[ref33] 33. Alwan S, Tredwell SJ, Friedman JM. Is osseous dysplasia a primary feature of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)? Clin Genet. 2005; 67(5): 378–90. pmid:15811002
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[129] View Article

[130] PubMed/NCBI

[131] Google Scholar

[ref34] 34. Yang FC, Chen S, Robling AG, Yu X, Nebesio TD, Yan J, et al. Hyperactivation of p21ras and PI3K cooperate to alter murine and human neurofibromatosis type 1-haploinsufficient osteoclast functions. J Clin Invest. 2006; 116(11): 2880–91. pmid:17053831
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[133] View Article

[134] PubMed/NCBI

[135] Google Scholar

[ref35] 35. Yan J, Chen S, Zhang Y, Li X, Li Y, Wu X, et al. Rac1 mediates the osteoclast gains-in-function induced by haploinsufficiency of Nf1. Hum Mol Genet. 2008; 17(7): 936–48. pmid:18089636
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[137] View Article

[138] PubMed/NCBI

[139] Google Scholar

[ref36] 36. Heerva E, Alanne MH, Peltonen S, Kuorilehto T, Hentunen T, Vaananen K, et al. Osteoclasts in neurofibromatosis type 1 display enhanced resorption capacity, aberrant morphology, and resistance to serum deprivation. Bone. 2010; 47(3): 583–90. pmid:20541045
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[141] View Article

[142] PubMed/NCBI

[143] Google Scholar

[ref37] 37. Stevenson DA, Yan J, He Y, Li H, Liu Y, Zhang Q, et al. Multiple increased osteoclast functions in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1. Am J Med Genet A. 2011; 155A(5): 1050–9. pmid:21465658
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[145] View Article

[146] PubMed/NCBI

[147] Google Scholar

[ref38] 38. Wu X, Estwick SA, Chen S, Yu M, Ming W, Nebesio TD, et al. Neurofibromin plays a critical role in modulating osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. Hum Mol Genet. 2006; 15(19): 2837–45. pmid:16893911
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[149] View Article

[150] PubMed/NCBI

[151] Google Scholar

[ref39] 39. Wang W, Nyman JS, Ono K, Stevenson DA, Yang X, Elefteriou F. Mice lacking Nf1 in osteochondroprogenitor cells display skeletal dysplasia similar to patients with neurofibromatosis type I. Hum Mol Genet. 2011; 20(20): 3910–24. pmid:21757497
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[153] View Article

[154] PubMed/NCBI

[155] Google Scholar

[ref40] 40. Yu X, Chen S, Potter OL, Murthy SM, Li J, Pulcini JM, et al. Neurofibromin and its inactivation of Ras are prerequisites for osteoblast functioning. Bone. 2005; 36(5): 793–802. pmid:15804420
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[157] View Article

[158] PubMed/NCBI

[159] Google Scholar

[ref41] 41. Zhang W, Rhodes SD, Zhao L, He Y, Zhang Y, Shen Y, et al. Primary osteopathy of vertebrae in a neurofibromatosis type 1 murine model. Bone. 2011; 48(6): 1378–87. pmid:21439418
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[161] View Article

[162] PubMed/NCBI

[163] Google Scholar

[ref42] 42. Jacks T, Shih TS, Schmitt EM, Bronson RT, Bernards A, Weinberg RA. Tumour predisposition in mice heterozygous for a targeted mutation in Nf1. Nat Genet. 1994; 7(3): 353–61. pmid:7920653
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[165] View Article

[166] PubMed/NCBI

[167] Google Scholar

[ref43] 43. Zhu Y, Ghosh P, Charnay P, Burns DK, Parada LF. Neurofibromas in NF1: Schwann cell origin and role of tumor environment. Science. 2002; 296(5569): 920–2. pmid:11988578
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[169] View Article

[170] PubMed/NCBI

[171] Google Scholar

[ref44] 44. Lindsley A, Snider P, Zhou H, Rogers R, Wang J, Olaopa M, et al. Identification and characterization of a novel Schwann and outflow tract endocardial cushion lineage-restricted periostin enhancer. Dev Biol. 2007; 307(2): 340–55. pmid:17540359
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[173] View Article

[174] PubMed/NCBI

[175] Google Scholar

[ref45] 45. Dacquin R, Starbuck M, Schinke T, Karsenty G. Mouse alpha1(I)-collagen promoter is the best known promoter to drive efficient Cre recombinase expression in osteoblast. Dev Dyn. 2002; 224(2): 245–51. pmid:12112477
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[177] View Article

[178] PubMed/NCBI

[179] Google Scholar

[ref46] 46. Bradford DS, Moe JH, Montalvo FJ, Winter RB. Scheuermann's kyphosis and roundback deformity. Results of Milwaukee brace treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1974; 56(4): 740–58. pmid:4835819
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[181] View Article

[182] PubMed/NCBI

[183] Google Scholar

[ref47] 47. Cobb JR. Outline for the study of scoliosis. Am Acad Orthop Surg Instr Course. 1948; Lect 5:261–275.
View Article
Google Scholar

[185] View Article

[186] Google Scholar

[ref48] 48. Funasaki H, Winter RB, Lonstein JB, Denis F. Pathophysiology of spinal deformities in neurofibromatosis. An analysis of seventy-one patients who had curves associated with dystrophic changes. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1994; 76(5): 692–700. pmid:8175817
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[188] View Article

[189] PubMed/NCBI

[190] Google Scholar

[ref49] 49. Koptan W, ElMiligui Y. Surgical correction of severe dystrophic neurofibromatosis scoliosis: an experience of 32 cases. Eur Spine J. 2010; 19(9): 1569–75. pmid:20506026
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[192] View Article

[193] PubMed/NCBI

[194] Google Scholar

[ref50] 50. Goff CW, Landmesser W. Bipedal rats and mice; laboratory animals for orthopaedic research. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1957; 39-A(3): 616–22. pmid:13428805
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[196] View Article

[197] PubMed/NCBI

[198] Google Scholar

[ref51] 51. Machida M, Murai I, Miyashita Y, Dubousset J, Yamada T, Kimura J. Pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis. Experimental study in rats. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1999; 24(19): 1985–9. pmid:10528372
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[200] View Article

[201] PubMed/NCBI

[202] Google Scholar

[ref52] 52. Sartoris DJ, Jones H. Case report 343. Neurofibroma arising in sympathetic ganglion with probable associated spinal neuroarthropathy (presumptive diagnosis). Skeletal Radiol. 1986; 15(1): 60–4. pmid:3079920
View Article
PubMed/NCBI
Google Scholar

[204] View Article

[205] PubMed/NCBI

[206] Google Scholar

Figures

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and Methods

Animals

Radiography

Mouse radiographs.

Patient radiographs.

Micro-computed tomography (μCT)

Murine samples.

Human samples.

Histology

Murine samples.

Human samples.

Dynamic histomorphometry

Statistical analysis

Results

Animal Data

Nf1flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre transgenic mice recapitulate hallmark clinical features of NF1 dystrophic kyphoscoliosis.

Bone mass, microarchitecture, and remodeling are pathologically altered in Nf1flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice with dystrophic spinal deformities.

IVD defects and vertebral fusion in Nf1flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice.

Human Subjects Data

Bone mass and microarchitecture defects in an NF1 patient presenting with dystrophic scoliosis.

C6–7 vertebral fusion in a 24 year old female with NF1.

Segmental/fusion anomalies at T8-T10 in 7 year old female with NF1 and dystrophic scoliosis.

Discussion

Acknowledgments

Author Contributions

References

Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre transgenic mice recapitulate hallmark clinical features of NF1 dystrophic kyphoscoliosis.

Bone mass, microarchitecture, and remodeling are pathologically altered in Nf1^flox/−;Col2.3Cre mice with dystrophic spinal deformities.

IVD defects and vertebral fusion in Nf1^flox/−;PeriCre and Col2.3Cre mice.