Col2-GFP reporter marks chondrocyte lineage and chondrogenesis during mouse skeletal development

Mice were generated in which a Col2-GFP transgene serves as a reporter for the chondrocyte lineage and for chondrogenesis in live embryos and newborn pups. Cells actively engaged in chondrogenesis were identified by confocal optical sectioning within their native environments in embryos and in thick tissue slices. Chondrocytes exhibiting GFP fluorescence were purified from rib cages by high-speed cell sorting of crude cell suspensions. Intensity of fluorescence correlated with biosynthesis of procollagen II in these cel ls. The use of these mice and their cells provides a novel approach for stu dying chondrocyte differentiation and chondrogenesis during skeletal develo pment. Dev Dyn 2000;218:394-400. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.