TGFbeta inducible early gene-1 knockout mice display defects in bone strength and microarchitecture

TGFbeta inducible early gene-1 (TIEG) is a member of the Sp/Krüppel-like transcription factor family originally cloned from human osteoblasts. We have previously demonstrated that TIEG plays a role in the expression of important osteoblast marker genes and in the maturation/differentiation of osteoblasts. To elucidate the function of TIEG in skeletal development and maintenance, we have generated a TIEG knockout (KO) mouse. Three-point bending tests demonstrated that the femurs of TIEG KO mice are significantly weaker than those of wild-type animals. pQCT analysis of tibias revealed significant decreases in bone content, density and size in KO animals compared to wild-type mice. Micro-CT analysis of the femoral head and vertebrae revealed increases in femoral head trabecular separation and decreases in cortical bone thickness and vertebral bone volume in KO mice relative to wild-type controls. In addition, electron microscopy indicated a significant decrease in osteocyte number in the femurs of KO mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the bones of TIEG KO mice display an osteopenic phenotype with significantly weaker bones and reduced amounts of cortical and trabecular bone. In summary, an important role for TIEG in skeletal development and/or homeostasis is indicated.