title: [Molecular mechanism in the differentiation of chondrocytes].
abstract: The differentiation of chondocytes is well regulated by the interactions of a variety of growth factors, cytokines, and signal molecules. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and Sry-box 9 (SOX9) , which play important roles in the process of mesenchymal condensations, promote chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation. Parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) and Indian hedgehog (Ihh) modulate the rate of cartilage differentiation through the formation of a negative feedback loop. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) inhibits chondrocytes proliferation and enhances their differentiation into the hypertrophic phenotype. Here, we summarize the functions of these molecules and their networks for the differentiation and maturation of chondrocytes.
authors.affiliation: Nagoya University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kitoh
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ishiguro
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein / Q000502:physiology*; D051498:Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3 / Q000502:physiology; D055758:SOX9 Transcription Factor; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein; D055758:SOX9 Transcription Factor; C527932:SOX9 protein, human; D014157:Transcription Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D051498:Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3