Transient activation of Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling induces abnormal growth plate closure and articular cartilage thickening in postnatal mice.

ABSTRACT: Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is required for skeletal development and organization and for function of the growth plate and articular cartilage. To further clarify these roles and their possible pathophysiological importance, we created a new transgenic mouse model in which Wnt/beta-catenin signaling can be activated in cartilage for specific periods of time. These transgenic mice expressed a constitutive active form of beta-catenin fused to a modified estrogen receptor ligand-binding domain under the control of cartilage-specific collagen 11alpha2 promoter/enhancer. Transient Wnt/beta-catenin signaling activation in young adult mice by tamoxifen injections induced growth retardation and severe deformities in knee joints. Tibial and femoral growth plates displayed an excessive number of apop

SUBMITTER: Yuasa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2774063 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature