Overexpression of connective tissue growth factor hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific gene product 24 decreases bone density in adult mice and induces dwarfism
T. Nakanishi et al., Overexpression of connective tissue growth factor hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific gene product 24 decreases bone density in adult mice and induces dwarfism, BIOC BIOP R, 281(3), 2001, pp. 678-681
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Journal title
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
Connective tissue growth factor/hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific gene prod
uct 24 (CTGF/Hcs24) is a multifunctional growth factor for fibroblasts, cho
ndrocytes, and vascular endothelial cells. In the present study, we establi
shed transgenic (Tg) mice that overproduce CTGF/Hcs24 under the control of
mouse type XI collagen promoter. Tg mice could develop and their embryonic
and neonatal growth occurred normally. But they showed dwarfism within a fe
w months of birth. X-ray analysis revealed that their bone density was decr
eased compared with normal mice. The femurs in the hindlimbs in particular
showed an apparent low density. These results indicated that overexpression
of CTGF/Hcs24 affects certain steps of endochondral ossification. In addit
ion, the testes were much smaller than normal and fertility was affected in
Tg mice, indicating that CTGF/Hcs24 may also regulate the embryonic develo
pment of the testis. (C) 2001 Academic Press.