Negative regulation of otic capsule chondrogenesis: it can make you Smad.
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, including TGF-beta1 and bone morphogenetic protein (BmP2, BmP4), participates in the regulation of the developing cartilaginous otic capsule, which prefigures the endochondral bony labyrinth of the inner ear. This study investigates Smad-6 and -7, downstream components of the TGF-beta/BMP signaling pathway, in otic capsule chondrogenic control, and supports a function for these inhibitory Smads as negative regulators of capsule chondrogenesis. The importance of otic capsule chondrogenic control and implications of Smad signaling for otosclerosis, a disease affecting the endochondral bony labyrinth, are indicated.
Liu
Wei
W
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Butts
Sydney
S
Kim
Harold
H
Frenz
Dorothy A
DA
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D020219:Chondrogenesis; D017931:DNA Primers; D004423:Ear / Q000254:growth & development*; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D051785:Smad Proteins / Q000502:physiology*
D017931:DNA Primers; D051785:Smad Proteins