Faculty Advisor
Adams, David S.
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are a family of effector genes that control bone cell differentiation (osteogenesis). Recently, mutations in homeodomain (HD) proteins have been linked to bone-related defects in humans and mice, but the precise mechanism by which HD proteins contribute to bone formation is unclear. We investigated the ex vivo expression profiles of two BMP2- inducible HD proteins Msx2 and Dix3. We also used two in vitro mouse models to determine the Msx2, which in the presence of BMP2, can partially induce osteogenesis in progenitor cells, while Dix3 accelerates the differentiation of committed osteoblasts. These results suggest that Msx2 and Dix3 may promote osteoblast differentiation by targeting distinct osteoblast subpopulations.
Publisher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
January 2004
Major
Biology and Biotechnology
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
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Accessibility
Restricted-WPI community only
Advisor Department
Biology and Biotechnology
Advisor Program
Biology and Biotechnology