[Osteoblast differentiation and a transcriptional factor, Cbfa1]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
Abstract:
Cbfa1 is a member of runt-domain gene family. Cbfa1-deficient mice lack of bone formation and introduction of Cbfa1 into non-osteoblastic cells induced the expression of osteoblast specific genes. Cbfa1-deficient calvarial cells were composed of immature mesenchymal cells and can differentiated into adipocytes and chondrocytes. Based on these findings, Cbfa1 has been identified as a master regulatory gene of the osteoblast differentiation and it has been suggested that Cbfa1 plays an essential role in determining the lineage of multipotential mesenchymal precursor cells.
Related Concept Videos
Determination
Transcription Factors
Combinatorial Gene Control
The expression of more than 30,000 genes is controlled by approximately 2000-3000 transcription factors. This is possible because a single transcription factor can recognize more than one regulatory sequence. The specificity in gene...
Master Transcription Regulators
General Transcription Factors
TGF - β Signaling Pathway

