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Article
Genome-wide analyses of gene expression during mouse endochondral ossification
PLoS ONE
  • Claudine G. James, Western University
  • Lee Anne Stanton, Western University
  • Hanga Agoston, Western University
  • Veronica Ulici, Western University
  • T. Michael Underhill, The University of British Columbia
  • Frank Beier, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-13-2010
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1371/journal.pone.0008693
Abstract

Background: Endochondral ossification is a complex process involving a series of events that are initiated by the establishment of a chondrogenic template and culminate in its replacement through the coordinated activity of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and endothelial cells. Comprehensive analyses of in vivo gene expression profiles during these processes are essential to obtain a complete understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved. Methodology/Principal Findings: To address these issues, we completed a microarray screen of three zones derived from manually segmented embryonic mouse tibiae. Classification of genes differentially expressed between each respective zone, functional categorization as well as characterization of gene expression patterns, cytogenetic loci, signaling pathways and functional motifs both confirmed reported data and provided novel insights into endochondral ossification. Parallel comparisons of the microdissected tibiae data set with our previously completed micromass culture screen further corroborated the suitability of micromass cultures for modeling gene expression in chondrocyte development. The micromass culture system demonstrated striking similarities to the in vivo microdissected tibiae screen; however, the micromass system was unable to accurately distinguish gene expression differences in the hypertrophic and mineralized zones of the tibia. Conclusions/Significance: These studies allow us to better understand gene expression patterns in the growth plate and endochondral bones and provide an important technical resource for comparison of gene expression in diseased or experimentally-manipulated cartilages. Ultimately, this work will help to define the genomic context in which genes are expressed in long bones and to understand physiological and pathological ossification. © 2010 James et al.

Citation Information
Claudine G. James, Lee Anne Stanton, Hanga Agoston, Veronica Ulici, et al.. "Genome-wide analyses of gene expression during mouse endochondral ossification" PLoS ONE Vol. 5 Iss. 1 (2010)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/frank-beier/109/