Activation of the bone-related Runx2/ Cbfa1 promoter in mesenchymal condensations and developing chondrocytes of the axial skeleton

• Published in: Mechanisms of development Vol. 114; no. 1; pp. 167 - 170
• Main Authors: Lengner, Christopher J., Drissi, Hicham, Choi, Je-Yong, van Wijnen, Andre J., Stein, Janet L., Stein, Gary S., Lian, Jane B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-06-2002
• Subjects: AML3; Animals; Bone and Bones - cytology; Cartilage; Chondrocytes - cytology; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit; Development; Mesoderm - metabolism; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Models, Genetic; Neoplasm Proteins; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Protein Isoforms; Runt homology domain; Sclerotome; Signal Transduction; Somite; Time Factors; Transcription; Transcription Factors - genetics; Transcription Factors - metabolism; Transgene; β-Galactosidase; Cartilage; Runt homology domain; Transcription; Somite; Development; Sclerotome; AML3; Transgene; β-Galactosidase
• ISSN: 0925-4773; 1872-6356
• DOI: 10.1016/S0925-4773(02)00050-3

The Runx2/Cbfa1 transcription factor regulates a program of gene expression necessary for skeletal development. To understand signals mediating skeletal formation, we examined the in vivo spatio-temporal activity of the
Runx2 P1 promoter which controls expression of the bone-related Type II isoform. Transgenic mice carrying 3 kb of
Runx2 promoter fused to the
lacZ gene exhibit localized promoter activity in early mesenchymal condensations shortly after the embryonic turning event. Expression in developing mesenchyme continues throughout chondrogenesis and is restricted to the axial skeleton. Our data support a function for Runx2 in establishment of the prechondrocytic skeletal primordium.