The skeletal site-specific role of connective tissue growth factor in prenatal osteogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a matricellular protein that is highly expressed during bone development. Mice with global CTGF ablation (knockout, KO) have multiple skeletal dysmorphisms and perinatal lethality. A quantitative analysis of the bone phenotype has not been conducted.

Results

We demonstrated skeletal site-specific changes in growth plate organization, bone microarchitecture, and shape and gene expression levels in CTGF KO compared with wild-type mice. Growth plate malformations included reduced proliferation zone and increased hypertrophic zone lengths. Appendicular skeletal sites demonstrated decreased metaphyseal trabecular bone, while having increased mid-diaphyseal bone and osteogenic expression markers. Axial skeletal analysis sho

SUBMITTER: Lambi AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3752831 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature