Molecular Bases of Disease
The Hajdu Cheney mutation sensitizes mice to the osteolytic actions of tumor necrosis factor α
Hajdu Cheney syndrome (HCS) is characterized by craniofacial developmental abnormalities, acro-osteolysis, and osteoporosis and is associated with gain–of–NOTCH2 function mutations. A mouse model of HCS termed Notch2tm1.1Ecan harboring a mutation in exon 34 of Notch2 replicating the one found in HCS was used to determine whether the HCS mutation sensitizes the skeleton to the osteolytic effects of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). TNFα injected over the calvarial vault caused a greater increase in osteoclast number, osteoclast surface, and eroded surface in Notch2tm1.1Ecan mice compared with littermate WT controls.Hajdu Cheney Mouse Mutants Exhibit Osteopenia, Increased Osteoclastogenesis, and Bone Resorption
Notch receptors are determinants of cell fate and function and play a central role in skeletal development and bone remodeling. Hajdu Cheney syndrome, a disease characterized by osteoporosis and fractures, is associated with NOTCH2 mutations resulting in a truncated stable protein and gain-of-function. We created a mouse model reproducing the Hajdu Cheney syndrome by introducing a 6955C→T mutation in the Notch2 locus leading to a Q2319X change at the amino acid level. Notch2Q2319X heterozygous mutants were smaller and had shorter femurs than controls; and at 1 month of age they exhibited cancellous and cortical bone osteopenia.
