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Recent developments in osteogenesis imperfecta

[version 1; peer review: 3 approved]
PUBLISHED 07 Sep 2015
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OPEN PEER REVIEW
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Abstract

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an uncommon genetic bone disease associated with brittle bones and fractures in children and adults. Although OI is most commonly associated with mutations of the genes for type I collagen, many other genes (some associated with type I collagen processing) have now been identified. The genetics of OI and advances in our understanding of the biomechanical properties of OI bone are reviewed in this article. Treatment includes physiotherapy, fall prevention, and sometimes orthopedic procedures. In this brief review, we will also discuss current understanding of pharmacologic therapies for treatment of OI.

Keywords

Osteogenesis imperfecta, mutations, recessive

Introduction

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an unusual heritable disease that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 live births1. The major clinical manifestation is skeletal fragility. Skeletal deformity, joint laxity, and scoliosis may be present2. Other extraskeletal manifestations include hearing loss, dentinogenesis imperfecta, blue/gray sclerae, hypercalciuria, aortic root dilatation, and neurologic conditions such as macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, and basilar invagination15. The phenotype is variable, ranging from osteoporosis presenting in adulthood to lethality in children3. Even adults with “mild” OI may have significant musculoskeletal symptoms, including arthritis, fractures, back pain, scoliosis, and tendon ruptures6.

About 90% of patients have mutations in type I collagen genes (COL1A1 and COL1A2)3; however, many other genes have now been described. Some of the genes encode proteins related to type I collagen (for example, enzymes that modify type I collagen, chaperone proteins, and signaling proteins). In 1979, Sillence et al. proposed a classification system for OI with four types based on severity: type I mild non-deforming, type II perinatal lethal, type III severely deforming, and type IV moderately deforming7. This classification has been expanded as new genes were discovered. Phenotypic classification (types I to V with multiple genes included in some of the types) has been proposed5. Alternatively, classification by genetics has been proposed (see Table 1), which was created through modifications of references810.

Table 1. Classification of osteogenesis imperfecta.

TypeInheritanceGeneProteinDefectPhenotype
IADCOLA1/COLA2α1(1) collagenCollagen quantityMild, non-deforming
IIADCOLA1/COLA2α1(1)/α2(1) collagenCollagen structurePerinatal lethal
IIIADCOLA1/COLA2α1(1)/α2(1) collagenCollagen structureProgressively deforming
IVADCOLA1/COLA2α1(1)/α2(1) collagenCollagen structureModerately deforming
VADIFITM5BRILMatrix mineralizationModerate, distinct
histology
VIARSERPINF1PEDFModerate to severe,
distinct histology
VIIARCRTAPCRTAPProlyl 3 hydroxylationSevere to lethal
VIIIARLEPRE1P3H1Prolyl 3 hydroxylationSevere to lethal
IXARPPIBCyPBProlyl 3 hydroxylationModerate to lethal
XARSERPINH1HSP47Collagen chaperoningSevere
XIARFKBP10FKBP65Telopeptide hydroxylationProgressively deforming
(Bruck syndrome)
XIIARSP7SP7/osterixOsteoblast developmentModerate
XIIIARBMP1BMP1/mTLDCollagen processingSevere, high bone mass
XIVARTMEM38BTRIC-BCation channel defectModerate to severe
XVARWNT1WNT1Variable
XVADWNT1WNT1Early-onset osteoporosis
Others
ARCREB3L1OasisCOL1A1 transcriptionProgressively deforming
XLPLS3PlastinOsteocyte defectMild
ARPLOD2Lysyl hydroxylase 2Collagen telopeptide
hydroxylation
Progressively deforming

AD, autosomal dominant; AR, autosomal recessive; XL, x-linked.

There have been recent advances in the understanding of the structure and mechanical properties of bone in children with OI. These advances may lead to improved finite element (FE) models that help predict fracture risk of specific activities and help plan physiotherapy.

In addition to physiotherapy and orthopedic surgery when needed, intravenous bisphosphonates have been used extensively in moderate to severe OI in childhood. Less is known about pharmacologic treatment in adults. Anabolic therapy with PTH 1-34 has been studied in adults with OI. Future therapies may include antibodies to sclerostin, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) antagonism, gene therapy, and cell-based therapies.

Genes and classification

OI is most commonly caused by mutations in type I collagen. Type I collagen is a rod-like structure formed from a trimer of 2 COL1A1 and 1 COL1A2 subunits3, which requires post-translational modification. Many of the other rare forms of OI are due to defects in proteins involved in cross-linking, hydroxylation, and mineralization of type I collagen.

Mutations of CRTAP, which encodes cartilage-associated protein, have been shown to cause recessive OI1114. Mutations of LEPRE1, which encodes prolyl 3 hydroxylase1416, and PPIB (protein cyclophylin B)1719 also cause recessive OI. The proteins described above form a complex that modifies specific prolines in the collagen and these mutations result in moderate to lethal OI.

SERPINH1 mutations cause severe recessive OI20. The protein affected in SERPINH1 mutations, HSP47, is a collagen chaperone protein8. FKBP10 mutations cause recessive OI (progressively deforming)21. This gene encodes the protein FKBP65, which appears to be needed for hydroxylation of collagen telopetide lysine22. Both HSP47 and FKBP65 are needed for the proper folding of the collagen triple helix. Furthermore, Bruck syndrome (OI and congenital contractures) can be caused by homozygous mutations on FKPB1023, and Kuskokwim syndrome (congenital contractures with mild skeletal problems seen in Yup’ik people in Alaska) is caused by FKBP10 mutations24. PLOD2 mutations also cause recessive OI25. PLOD-2 encodes lysyl hydroxylase 2, which hydroxylates collagen telopeptide lysine. Bruck syndrome can also be caused by homozygous mutations of PLOD225.

BMP1 (bone morphogenetic protein 1) mutations also cause recessive OI26,27. The protein, BMP1, is a protease that cleaves the c-propeptide of type I collagen26,27 but also has other substrates. SP7 mutations cause recessive OI28. SP7 encodes the protein osterix, which may be needed for osteoblast differentiation10. WNT1 mutations2931 have been reported in early-onset osteoporosis (dominant) and OI (recessive). The protein, WNT1, may be important in the beta catenin system, which stimulates bone formation2931.

TMEM38B mutations have been reported in recessive OI32. This gene encodes TRIC-B, which may be important in intracellular calcium signaling. Defective TRIC-B may cause bone disease through defective calcium signaling in bone cells10. CREB3L1 mutations cause recessive OI33. CREB3L1 encodes the protein OASIS, which may activate transcription of COL1A134. PLS3 (plastin 3) mutations have been reported in x-linked osteoporosis3537. Plastin 3 is expressed in osteocyte dendrites and may be important in mechanosensing35. Bone biopsies from patients with PLS3 mutations have shown cortical and trabecular osteoporosis with normal to low bone formation rates36,37. There is no mineralization defect36,37.

Mutations in IFITM5, a bone-restricted IFITM-like protein (BRIL) (dominant) cause type V OI3842. These patients have prominent callus formation and ossification of the forearm interosseous membrane3842. They also have mesh-like lamellation on bone biopsy as well as a mineralization defect3842. There appear to be substantial differences in phenotypic presentation even with similar mutations4042. Type VI OI is caused by mutations in SERPINF1 (protein PEDF)43,44. Children with type VI OI have elevated alkaline phosphatase, and bone biopsy reveals fish-scale pattern under polarized light as well as broad bands of unmineralized osteoid43,44. Interestingly, some patients with BRIL mutations have phenotypic type VI OI (rather than type V)45. BRIL and PEDF are related, and it appears that mutations causing gain-of-function of BRIL cause OI type V and that those causing loss-of-function of BRIL look phenotypically like OI type VI46.

Structure and mechanical properties of bones in osteogenesis imperfecta

From a mechanical perspective, increased fracture risk in individuals with OI could stem from a combination of reduced bone mass, decreased bone material quality, and, in some individuals, the presence of bone deformity.

Bone mass

Low bone mass is a clinical characteristic of OI, and individuals with this disorder tend to have markedly reduced areal bone mineral density (BMD)4749. This reduced bone mass can be the consequence of decreased bone size or decreased volumetric BMD or both49,50. Studies of iliac crest biopsies have revealed lower bone tissue quantity in children with moderate and severe OI, including reduced bone volume fraction, and decreased trabecular and cortical thicknesses5153. Decreased bone volume, though less marked, was also noted in some children with mild OI51,52.

In cortical bone specimens from the long bone shafts of children with OI, “atypical, flattened, and large resorption lacunae”54 and abnormally elevated porosity have been observed5457. For example, an average intracortical vascular porosity of 21% was found in bone shaft osteotomies from children with OI by synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography55,57; the corresponding value in normal pediatric bones was 3%57. From a structural perspective, reduced bone mass can lead to increased stresses within the bone as a result of a smaller area of bone tissue present to support physiological loads. For this reason, low bone mass is likely a considerable contributor to bone fragility in OI.

Bone material quality

In addition to the structural deficiency (low bone mass), mechanical quality of the bone material in OI is reduced. The genetic defects causing OI affect type I collagen, the main organic component of bone. As discussed earlier, most forms of OI (types I to IV) are attributed to insufficient collagen production or amino acid substitution defects within the collagen molecules or both5863, and less common recessive forms have been associated with abnormalities in other proteins that interact with type I collagen9,64. Since type I collagen is an integral component of bone tissues, it should be no surprise that abnormalities affecting this protein would impact bone material quality. At the ultrastructural level, irregularities in collagen and mineral geometry as well as abnormalities in mineral composition have been reported6570. Studies in mice indicated that the material abnormalities in OI have a negative impact on bone material properties7176. A few studies have also used biopsy and osteotomy specimens to measure bone material properties in humans with this disorder. Some of these studies used nanoindentation, a technique in which a diamond-tip indenter is pressed into the polished surface of a material (in this case, bone), creating an indent a few microns in size. With this test, elastic modulus and hardness—that is, properties representing the material’s resistance to elastic (recoverable) and plastic (non-recoverable) deformation, respectively—are determined at the submicrostructural level. Based on nanoindentation, slightly higher elastic modulus and hardness were found in children with mild (type I) versus severe (type III) OI77, whereas these properties were not found to differ between children with severe (type III) versus moderately severe (type IV) phenotypes78. However, exactly how these properties compare with normal tissues remains unclear; one study reported higher elastic modulus and hardness in children with severe OI versus controls79, whereas another reported the opposite80. Furthermore, bone tissues have a complex hierarchical structure, which results in properties that differ between length scales, and nanoindentation provides only limited insight regarding bone tissue properties at the submicrostructural scale. Another limitation with this technique is that it does not measure strength, a property representing the ability of a material to carry stress without breaking or sustaining damage.

Recent studies have measured cortical bone material properties, including strength, at a larger scale by using surgical bone specimens from long bone diaphyses of children with OI55,56,81. In these studies, small osteotomy specimens were machined into parallelepiped-shaped specimens and loaded to failure in either bending55,81 or compression56. Bone material strength was confirmed to be lower than normal in these children, and this property was found to be negatively related to an abnormally elevated intracortical porosity. These findings suggest that increased cortical porosity contributes to increased risk of long bone fractures in OI.

Bone deformity

In addition to decreased bone mass and reduced bone material quality (low bone material strength), deformities of the spine and long bones are common in OI. For example, children with severe OI often exhibit anterolateral bowing of the femur and anterior bowing of the tibia7,47. Increased curvature in long bones leads to an increase in maximum stresses within the bone shaft82. The increased stresses attributed to bone deformities in OI can further contribute to the risk of bone fracture.

Fracture prediction based on mechanical models

Mechanical modeling through the use of FE analysis is a well-established technique that allows detailed analysis of composite structures under a variety of load conditions. In the field of orthopedic biomechanics, FE modeling is frequently used to examine the responses of bone to loading8386. Patient-specific FE models have been effective for bone strain and fracture strength assessment, and as recently as 2009 Fritz et al. applied these models to predict fractures in OI87,88. A femoral model including muscle forces was analyzed during all seven phases of the gait cycle and geometrically matched to bone anatomy with x-rays. The most current work includes advanced meshing techniques for improved geometric biofidelity and updated mechanical property data55. Other FE models for assessing OI bones have also been reported. Orwoll et al. used FE modeling to estimate vertebral strength in a study of the effects of teriparatide treatment in adults with OI89. Caouette et al. developed an FE model to assess fracture risk at the tibia in children with OI90. This tibia model examined fracture risk during two-legged hopping, lateral loading, and torsional loading. Future applications of FE modeling may prove invaluable for better quantification of fracture risk in OI. These models could help identify activities that pose greater risk of fracture and, through appropriate controls, may enable persons with OI to participate safely and more fully in a greater spectrum of daily and recreational activities.

Management

Physical therapy

The goals of the treatment in OI are to decrease pain and fractures and to maximize mobility. Physical therapy/rehabilitation91 is particularly important in children to improve weight bearing and prevent fractures as well as to increase strength and mobility during fracture recovery. Some children may require wheelchairs or walking aids. Occupational therapy may be needed to help with daily living activities.

Pharmacologic therapy

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are non-hydrolysable synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate92. BPs adhere to mineralized surfaces, inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, and have very long skeletal half-lives92. Intravenous BPs are currently the primary treatment of children with moderate to severe OI. BPs increase BMD and size in children with OI49. BPs do not appear to impair bone formation that increases cortical width in children with OI93. Observational studies suggest decreased fractures94,95, decreased bone pain, and improved vertebral shape94,95. Ability to perform activities of daily living may also be improved. However, it has been difficult to confirm all of these benefits in randomized trials, and the optimal duration of BP treatment is unknown.

In a study of children with predominantly mild OI, oral risedronate increased BMD and appeared to decrease clinical fractures96. Atypical fractures have been reported in children with OI treated with bisphosphonates97,98; however, osteneocrosis of the jaw does not appear to be a major problem in children with OI treated with BPs99101. Several studies have been done on the use of intravenous or oral BPs in adults with OI. Although BMD increases have been reported during these treatments, fracture data are equivocal102106. A Cochrane review found increased BMD in patients with OI treated with BPs but did not find definitive evidence of fracture reduction107. Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials suggested that the effects of BPs for fracture prevention in OI were inconclusive108.

Growth hormone

Growth hormone has anabolic effects on bone. A 1-year randomized trial of the BP, neridronate, with or without growth hormone showed greater increase in BMD and growth velocity with growth hormone, but there was no fracture benefit of growth hormone109.

Teriparatide

Teriparatide (PTH1-34) is an anabolic agent that stimulates bone formation (and ultimately bone resorption). This drug decreases vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis110. Observational data in adults with OI suggest increased BMD with teriparatide107,111. Recently, a randomized trial of teriparatide in adults with OI showed increased BMD as well as increased vertebral strength estimated by FE analysis91. The benefits appeared to occur in mild (type I) OI but not in more severe OI (types III and IV).

Denosumab

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand that decreases bone resorption, increases bone density, and reduces fractures in women with post-menopausal osteoporosis112. This drug may represent a future therapy in OI. In a study of four children with type VI OI, increased BMD and mobility and improved vertebral shape were reported after denosumab treatment, and the outcomes of this study indicated that this treatment appears to be safe113. There is also a report of denosumab use in two children with OI caused by COL1A1/A2 mutations114. As with BPs, “zebra lines” were present, suggesting continued longitudinal growth114. Denosumab has been reported to cause hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism in a child with fibrous dysplasia of bone115. There was rebound hypercalcemia after stopping denosumab115.

Possible future therapies

Sclerostin is an inhibitor of the LRP5/WnT system that decreases bone formation. Antibodies to sclerostin are in clinical trials for treatment of osteoporosis with the goal to increase bone density116. Sclerostin antibody appeared to be effective in a mouse model of moderately severe OI117,118 but less so in a mouse model of more severe OI119. TGFβ is secreted by osteoblasts and increases osteoclastic bone resorption120. Excessive TGFβ signaling may be important in some forms of OI, and anti-TGFβ therapy represents an interesting prospect for the future treatment of OI120.

Cell-based therapy, such as bone marrow121 or mesenchymal stem cell122124 transplantation, has also been investigated and may have promise; but these could also have significant risks. Gene therapy with allele-specific silencing may represent a future therapy125.

Summary

Although most cases of OI are caused by COL1A1/A2 mutations, many new genetic causes have been identified in recent years. Some of these genes are related to the processing of type I collagen. Furthermore, we have greater understanding of the biomechanics of OI bone, including material properties, muscle and gait load effects, and fracture strength assessment. Biomechanical models could help identify activities that pose greater risk of fracture and, through appropriate controls, may enable persons with OI to participate safely and more fully in a greater spectrum of activities. Physical therapy is an important part of the management of these patients. Intravenous BPs are commonly used in children with moderate to severe OI. Some of the benefits seen in observational studies have been hard to prove in controlled studies. Treatment of adults with OI is less well studied. BPs and teriparatide appear to increase BMD, but fracture data are lacking. Teriparatide appears to increase bone strength as estimated by FE analysis in adults with mild OI. Other promising treatments for OI are under investigation.

Comments on this article Comments (1)

Version 1
VERSION 1 PUBLISHED 07 Sep 2015
  • Reader Comment 01 Oct 2015
    Raymond Dalgleish, University of Leicester, UK
    01 Oct 2015
    Reader Comment
    I have noted a few issues in this article:
    1. On page 2, in the section headed "Genes and classification", gene symbols (COLIA1 and COL1A2)  are inappropriately used to designate the component
    ... Continue reading
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Shaker JL, Albert C, Fritz J and Harris G. Recent developments in osteogenesis imperfecta [version 1; peer review: 3 approved] F1000Research 2015, 4(F1000 Faculty Rev):681 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.6398.1)
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Reviewer Report 07 Sep 2015
Bart Clarke, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA 
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Clarke B. Reviewer Report For: Recent developments in osteogenesis imperfecta [version 1; peer review: 3 approved]. F1000Research 2015, 4(F1000 Faculty Rev):681 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6864.r10219)
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Reviewer Report 07 Sep 2015
Sudhaker Dhanwada Rao, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone & Mineral Disorders, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA 
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Rao SD. Reviewer Report For: Recent developments in osteogenesis imperfecta [version 1; peer review: 3 approved]. F1000Research 2015, 4(F1000 Faculty Rev):681 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6864.r10218)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
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Reviewer Report 07 Sep 2015
Malachi J. McKenna, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland 
Approved
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McKenna MJ. Reviewer Report For: Recent developments in osteogenesis imperfecta [version 1; peer review: 3 approved]. F1000Research 2015, 4(F1000 Faculty Rev):681 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6864.r10217)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.

Comments on this article Comments (1)

Version 1
VERSION 1 PUBLISHED 07 Sep 2015
  • Reader Comment 01 Oct 2015
    Raymond Dalgleish, University of Leicester, UK
    01 Oct 2015
    Reader Comment
    I have noted a few issues in this article:
    1. On page 2, in the section headed "Genes and classification", gene symbols (COLIA1 and COL1A2)  are inappropriately used to designate the component
    ... Continue reading
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Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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