Deconstructing digit chondrogenesis.
Chondrogenesis is a key process in skeletogenesis since endochondral ossification requires the formation of a cartilaginous template. Knowledge of molecular mechanisms regulating chondrogenesis is extremely valuable not only to understand many human disorders but also in regenerative medicine. Embryonic skeletogenesis is an excellent model to study this mechanism. Most cartilages share the cellular basis underlying chondrogenesis but the high heterogeneity in morphologies of the different skeletal elements appears to be generated by differential participation of a variety of chondrogenic signals. Here we overview the regulatory factors responsible for chondrogenesis concluding that early chondrogenic signals for the digit cartilages differ from those implicated in the formation of other axial and appendicular skeletal components.
Montero
Juan A
JA
Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain.
Hurlé
Juan M
JM
D028341:Activins / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D020219:Chondrogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004549:Elastin / Q000502:physiology; D005121:Extremities / Q000196:embryology*; D000071837:Fibrillins; D005385:Fingers / Q000196:embryology*; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction; D019063:Tenascin / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000502:physiology
C491320:BARX2 protein, human; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D000071837:Fibrillins; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C098623:IFT88 protein, human; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D019063:Tenascin; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins; D028341:Activins; D004549:Elastin