Activation of the bone-related Runx2/Cbfa1 promoter in mesenchymal condensations and developing chondrocytes of the axial skeleton.
The Runx2/Cbfa1 transcription factor regulates a program of gene expression necessary for skeletal development. To understand signals mediating skeletal formation, we examined the in vivo spatio-temporal activity of the Runx2 P1 promoter which controls expression of the bone-related Type II isoform. Transgenic mice carrying 3 kb of Runx2 promoter fused to the lacZ gene exhibit localized promoter activity in early mesenchymal condensations shortly after the embryonic turning event. Expression in developing mesenchyme continues throughout chondrogenesis and is restricted to the axial skeleton. Our data support a function for Runx2 in establishment of the prechondrocytic skeletal primordium.
Lengner
Christopher J
CJ
Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
Drissi
Hicham
H
Choi
Je-Yong
JY
van Wijnen
Andre J
AJ
Stein
Janet L
JL
Stein
Gary S
GS
Lian
Jane B
JB
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000166:cytology*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013997:Time Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*
D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D014157:Transcription Factors