An adhesion g protein-coupled receptor is required in cartilaginous and dense connective tissues to maintain spine alignment

Zhaoyang Liu, Amro A. Hussien, Yunjia Wang, Terry Heckmann, Roberto Gonzalez, Courtney M. Karner, Jess G. Snedeker, Ryan S. Gray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spine disorder affecting children worldwide, yet little is known about the pathogenesis of this disorder. Here, we demonstrate that genetic regulation of structural components of the axial skeleton, the intervertebral discs, and dense connective tissues (i.e., ligaments and tendons) are essential for the maintenance of spinal alignment. We show that the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor ADGRG6, previously implicated in human AIS association studies, is required in these tissues to maintain typical spine alignment in mice. Furthermore, we show that ADGRG6 regulates biomechanical properties of tendon and stimulates CREB signaling governing gene expression in cartilaginous tissues of the spine. Treatment with a cAMP agonist could mirror aspects of receptor function in culture, thus defining core pathways for regulating these axial cartilaginous and connective tissues. As ADGRG6 is a key gene involved in human AIS, these findings open up novel therapeutic opportunities for human scoliosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere67781
JournaleLife
Volume10
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An adhesion g protein-coupled receptor is required in cartilaginous and dense connective tissues to maintain spine alignment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this