GENETIC-CONTROL OF CELL-DIFFERENTIATION IN THE SKELETON

The mechanisms of cell differentiation in the skeleton are just beginn ing to be unraveled. In the past year classical gene expression studie s, genetic manipulation in mice and human genetic approaches have led to the identification of Osf2/Cbfa1 as a major regulator of osteoblast differentiation. important progress was also made in the understandin g of the control of osteoclast differentiation through the identificat ion of osteoprotegerin and its ligand. These studies, as well as other s of chondrocyte differentiation, provide a better understanding of sk eletogenesis.