Chondrocyte Cell Fate Determination in Response to Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling

Advances in the understanding of the molecular determinants of skeletal morphogenesis are facilitated by investigating growth and transcription factor regulation of cartilage patterning, chondrocyte cell fate determination, differentiation, and maturation (1). The development of the skeleton is regulated by interacting signaling pathways composed of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. These factors function in synergistic or antagonistic combinations, and some act as rate-limiting elements to regulate cellular development. An understanding of the mechanisms by which these multiple and diverse pathways interact as networks contributes to early gene- or biomarker-based detection and diagnosis of diseases and disorders that affect cartilage, such as osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the knowledge base provides the necessary foundation for prevention and treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, tissue engineering, and other orthopedic applications.