Cell cycle genes in chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation

Coordinated proliferation and differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes controls longitudinal growth of endochondral bones. While many extracellula r factors regulating these processes have been identified, much less is kno wn about the intracellular mechanisms transducing and integrating these ext racellular signals. Recent evidence suggests that cell cycle proteins play an important role in the coordination of chondrocyte proliferation and diff erentiation. Our current knowledge of the function and regulation of cell c ycle proteins in endochondral ossification is summarized. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V./International Society of Matrix Biology. All rights reserved.