Biglycan regulates bone development and regeneration

Endochondral bone development and regeneration relies on activation and proliferation of periosteum derived-cells (PDCs). Biglycan (Bgn), a small proteoglycan found in extracellular matrix, is known to be expressed in bone and cartilage, however little is known about its influence during bone development. Here we link biglycan with osteoblast maturation starting during embryonic development that later affects bone integrity and strength. Biglycan gene deletion reduced the inflammatory response after fracture, leading to impaired periosteal expansion and callus formation. Using a novel 3D scaffold with PDCs, we found that biglycan could be important for the cartilage phase preceding bone formation. The absence of biglycan led to accelerated bone development with high levels of osteopontin, which appeared to be detrimental to the structural integrity of the bone. Collectively, our study identifies biglycan as an influencing factor in PDCs activation during bone development and bone regeneration after fracture.

Automated summary

Biglycan is a small proteoglycan found in the extracellular matrix and plays an important role in bone development. Our study reveals that biglycan is involved in osteoblast maturation during embryonic development, affecting bone integrity and strength. Deletion of the biglycan gene reduces the inflammatory response after fracture, leading to impaired periosteal expansion and callus formation. Additionally, biglycan is crucial for the cartilage phase preceding bone formation, as its absence leads to accelerated bone development with high levels of osteopontin, which negatively impacts bone structural integrity.