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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle
Published on: January 11, 2018
[The preliminary study on the characteristics of mandible and condyle in dentin matrix protein-1 gene knockout mice]
Zu-bing Li1, Zhi Li, Zheng-jun Shang
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China. lizubing0827@163.com
Objective:
To study the characteristics of mandible and condyle in Dmp1 gene knockout mice, and to investigate the role of Dmp1 in the osteogenesis and mineralization of bone and cartilage.
Methods:
Dmp1-/-mice were executed at birth, 2 weeks, 2 months, 3 months and 5 months, and the mandible was taken out for physical, radiography, transmission electron microscopic, and histological examination. The difference between Dmp1 knockout mouse (ko) and wild type mouse (wt) in bone development, bone densitometry and histology were compared.
Results:
There were obvious changes in the mandible and condyle of Dmp1-/-mouse, such as incomplete ossification, low density, decreased volume and condyle cartilage degeneration.
Conclusions:
Dmp1 is the key factor in the formation of growth plates and secondary ossification center, and plays an important role in the process of bone and cartilage formation and bone nodule remodeling. Dmp1 may be the candidate gene that controls the development of mandible and cartilage.

