Conditional disruption of the osterix gene in chondrocytes during early postnatal growth impairs secondary ossification in the mouse tibial epiphysis.

ABSTRACT: In our previous studies, we have found that the prepubertal increase in thyroid hormone levels induces osterix (Osx) signaling in hypertrophic chondrocytes to transdifferentiate them into osteoblasts. To test if Osx expressed in chondrocytes directly contributes to transdifferentiation and secondary ossification, we generated Osx ^flox/flox ; Col2-Cre-ERT2 mice and knocked out Osx with a single injection of tamoxifen at postnatal day (P) 3 prior to evaluation of the epiphyseal bone phenotype by µCT, histology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) at P21. Vehicle (oil)-treated Osx ^flox/flox ; Col2-Cre-ERT2 and tamoxifen-treated, Cre-negative Osx ^flox/flox mice were used as controls. µCT an

SUBMITTER: Xing W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6804621 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature