title: Role of G-proteins in the differentiation of epiphyseal chondrocytes.
abstract: Herein, we review the regulation of differentiation of the growth plate chondrocytes by G-proteins. In connection with this, we summarize the current knowledge regarding each family of G-protein α subunit, specifically, Gα(s), Gα(q/11), Gα(12/13), and Gα(i/o). We discuss different mechanisms involved in chondrocyte differentiation downstream of G-proteins and different G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activating G-proteins in the epiphyseal chondrocytes. We conclude that among all G-proteins and GPCRs expressed by chondrocytes, Gα(s) has the most important role and prevents premature chondrocyte differentiation. Receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTHR1) appears to be the major activator of Gα(s) in chondrocytes and ablation of either one leads to accelerated chondrocyte differentiation, premature fusion of the postnatal growth plate, and ultimately short stature.
authors: Department of Physiology and PharmacologyKarolinska Institutet, Nanna Svartz Vagen 2, Stockholm 17177, SwedenEndocrine UnitMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2696, USA andrei.chagin@ki.se.
authors: Andrei S
authors: AS
authors: Chagin
authors: Department of Physiology and PharmacologyKarolinska Institutet, Nanna Svartz Vagen 2, Stockholm 17177, SwedenEndocrine UnitMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2696, USA.
authors: Henry M
authors: HM
authors: Kronenberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D044385:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D044385:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins
keywords: G proteins; bone; intracellular signaling; parathyroid and bone; skeletal