Connexin43 and Runx2 Interact to Affect Cortical Bone Geometry, Skeletal Development, and Osteoblast and Osteoclast Function.

ABSTRACT: The coupling of osteoblasts and osteocytes by connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions permits the sharing of second messengers that coordinate bone cell function and cortical bone acquisition. However, details of how Cx43 converts shared second messengers into signals that converge onto essential osteogenic processes are incomplete. Here, we use in vitro and in vivo methods to show that Cx43 and Runx2 functionally interact to regulate osteoblast gene expression and proliferation, ultimately affecting cortical bone properties. Using compound hemizygous mice for the Gja1 (Cx43) and Runx2 genes, we observed a skeletal phenotype not visible in wild-type or singly hemizygous animals. Cortical bone analysis by micro-computed tomography (μCT) revealed that 8-week-old male, compound Gja1^+/- Run

SUBMITTER: Buo AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5550348 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature