Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Culture of Murine Embryonic Metatarsals: A Physiological Model of Endochondral Ossification
Published on: December 3, 2016
Regulatory mechanisms in the pathways of cartilage and bone formation
B de Crombrugghe1, V Lefebvre, K Nakashima
1The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Molecular Genetics, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box #11, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. bdecromb@mdanderson.org
Abstract:
Three transcription factors of the Sox family have essential roles in different steps of the chondrocyte differentiation pathway. Because the transcription factor Cbfa1, which is needed for osteoblast differentiation, also stimulates hypertrophic chondrocyte maturation, it links the chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation pathways in endochondral bone formation. Signaling molecules, including Indian Hedgehog, PTHrP and FGFs, also establish essential links either between these pathways, between steps in these pathways or between signaling molecules and transcription factors, so that a more comprehensive view of endochondral bone formation is emerging.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Bone Remodeling and Repair
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification

