title: Current understanding on the molecular basis of chondrogenesis.
abstract: Endochondral bone formation involves multiple steps, consisting of the condensation of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes, and then mineralization. To date, various factors including transcription factors, soluble mediators, extracellular matrices (ECMs), and cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions have been identified to regulate this sequential, complex process. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that epigenetic and microRNA-mediated mechanisms also play roles in chondrogenesis. Defects in the regulators for the development of growth plate cartilage often cause skeletal dysplasias and growth failure. In this review article, I will describe the current understanding concerning the regulatory mechanisms underlying chondrogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bone and Mineral Research, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshimi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Michigami
keywords: chondrocyte; differentiation; extracellular matrix; growth factors; transcription factors