title: Transcriptional regulatory cascades in Runx2-dependent bone development.
abstract: The development of the musculoskeletal system is a complex process that involves very precise control of bone formation and growth as well as remodeling during postnatal life. Although the understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms of osteogenesis has increased considerably, the molecular regulatory basis, especially the gene regulatory network of osteogenic differentiation, is still poorly understood. This review provides the reader with an overview of the key transcription factors that govern bone formation, highlighting their function and regulation linked to Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). Runx2 as the master transcription factor of osteoblast differentiation, Twist, Msh homeobox 2 (Msx2), and promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger protein (PLZF) acting upstream of Runx2, Osterix (Osx) acting downstream of Runx2, and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and zinc-finger protein 521 (ZFP521) acting as cofactors of Runx2 are discussed, and their relevance for tissue engineering is presented. References are provided for more in-depth personal study.
authors.affiliation: Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. dbsliutm@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Tong Ming
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Eng Hin
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000235:genetics*; D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit