RNA-seq analysis of human spinal ligaments

Ectopic endochondral ossification in the tendon/ligament is caused by repetitive mechanical overload or inflammation. Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) contribute to tissue repair and lubrication by producing proteoglycan 4 (Prg4). However, the mechanisms of ectopic ossification and association of TSPCs are not yet known. Here, we investigated the characteristics of Prg4-positive (+) cells and identified that R-spondin 2 (RSPO2), a WNT activator, is specifically expressed in a distinct Prg4+ TSPC cluster. The Rspo2+ cluster was characterized as mostly undifferentiated, and RSPO2 overexpression suppressed ectopic ossification in a mouse Achilles tendon puncture model via chondrogenic differentiation suppression. RSPO2 expression levels in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were lower than those in spondylosis patients, and RSPO2 protein suppressed chondrogenic differentiation of human ligament cells. RSPO2 was induced by inflammatory stimulation and mechanical loading via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Rspo2+ cells may contribute to tendon/ligament homeostasis by suppressing chondrogenic differentiation.