Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
08:42
Skeletal Phenotype Analysis of a Conditional Stat3 Deletion Mouse Model
Published on: July 3, 2020
3.9K
F-spondin deficient mice have a high bone mass phenotype
Glyn D Palmer1, Mukundan G Attur1, Qing Yang1
1Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine and NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, United States of America.
Plos One
|May 31, 2014
Summary
F-spondin (Spon1) deficiency increases bone mass in mice by reducing TGF-β1 and enhancing BMP signaling, revealing its role as a negative regulator of bone density.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Skeletal Biology
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- F-spondin (Spon1) is a matrix protein found in cartilage.
- Its role in bone and cartilage homeostasis in vivo is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo function of F-spondin (Spon1) in bone and cartilage development and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Generation and analysis of Spon1 knockout (Spon1-/-) mice.
- Histological staining, micro CT analysis, and immunohistochemistry.
- Biochemical assays for serum markers and signaling pathways (TGF-β1, BMP/SMADs).
Main Results:
- Spon1-/- mice showed significantly increased bone mass in femurs and tibiae from 6 to 12 months.
- Elevated markers of bone synthesis and turnover (periostin, alkaline phosphatase, TRAP activity) were observed in the growth plate.
- Reduced serum TGF-β1 levels and increased P-SMAD1/5 signaling were noted in Spon1-/- mice.
Conclusions:
- F-spondin acts as a negative regulator of bone mass.
- Spon1 deficiency leads to reduced TGF-β1, enhanced BMP signaling, and increased bone deposition in adult mice.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
8.0K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
8.0K
01:09Spongy Bone
12.8K
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
12.8K