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Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Laser Capture Microdissection of Mouse Embryonic Cartilage and Bone for Gene Expression Analysis
Published on: December 18, 2019
Type-H endothelial cell protein Clec14a orchestrates osteoblast activity during trabecular bone formation and
Georgiana Neag1, Jonathan Lewis1, Jason D Turner1
1Rheumatology Research Group, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Abstract:
Type-H capillary endothelial cells control bone formation during embryogenesis and postnatal growth but few signalling mechanisms underpinning this influence have been characterised. Here, we identify a highly expressed type-H endothelial cell protein, Clec14a, and explore its role in coordinating osteoblast activity. Expression of Clec14a and its ligand, Mmrn2 are high in murine type-H endothelial cells but absent from osteoblasts. Clec14a-/- mice have premature condensation of the type-H vasculature and expanded distribution of osteoblasts and bone matrix, increased long-bone length and bone density indicative of accelerated skeletal development, and enhanced osteoblast maturation. Antibody-mediated blockade of the Clec14a-Mmrn2 interaction recapitulates the Clec14a-/- phenotype. Endothelial cell expression of Clec14a regulates osteoblast maturation and mineralisation activity during postnatal bone development in mice. This finding underscores the importance of type-H capillary control of osteoblast activity in bone formation and identifies a novel mechanism that mediates this vital cellular crosstalk.
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