Current understanding on the molecular basis of chondrogenesis

Endochondral bone formation involves multiple steps, consisting of the condensation of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes, and then mineralization. To date, various factors including transcription factors, soluble mediators, extracellular matrices (ECMs), and cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions have been identified to regulate this sequential, complex process. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that epigenetic and microRNA-mediated mechanisms also play roles in chondrogenesis. Defects in the regulators for the development of growth plate cartilage often cause skeletal dysplasias and growth failure. In this review article, I will describe the current understanding concerning the regulatory mechanisms underlying chondrogenesis.