| [ Summary ] |
Runt-related gene2 (Runx2, also called Cbfa1) is essential for osteoblast differentiation and plays crucial roles in chondrocyte maturation. Runx2 is upregulated in prehypertrophic chondrocytes and strongly induces chondrocyte maturation. Runx2 expression has to be suppressed to maintain the phenotype of permanent cartilage, such as articular cartilage. Furthermore, chondrocyte maturation is inhibited in dominant negative Runx2 transgenic mice more severly than Runx2 knockout mice, suggesting the involvement of Runx1 or Runx3 in chondrocyte maturation. In addition, cbfb interacts Runx2 and is required for Runx2-dependent osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte-maturation. |