title: [Mechanisms of synovial joint formation].
abstract: Synovial joints are comprised of relatively simple biomechanical structures including articular cartilage, synovial membrane, synovial fluid, ligaments and a fibrous capsule; they are fundamentally important for function and quality of life. Recent studies described the spatio-temporal expression patterns of signaling molecules and transcription factors in the developing synovial joints. Though few in number, the gain and/or loss of function-experiments demonstrated direct involvement of these molecules in joint formation. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of synovial joint formation in the limbs.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jefferson Medical College.
authors.forename: Eiki
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Koyama
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iwamoto
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000196:embryology*; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000196:embryology*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000196:embryology*; D051379:Mice; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000502:physiology*