Runx2 is an osteoblast master transcription factor and a target for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, but our knowledge of events downstream of Runx2 is limited. In this study, we used ChIP Display to discover seven novel genomic regions occupied by Runx2 in living MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. Six of these regions are found within or up to 1-kb away from annotated genes, but only two ...

Three-dimensional organization of chromatin is fundamental for transcriptional regulation. Tissue-specific transcriptional programs are orchestrated by transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. The RUNX2 transcription factor is required for differentiation of precursor cells into mature osteoblasts. Although organization and control of the bone-specific Runx2-P1 promoter have been studie...

BACKGROUND Intracellular signaling triggered by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) results in activated Smad complexes that regulate transcription of BMP-responsive genes. However, the low specificity of Smad binding to regulatory sequences implies that additional tissue-specific transcription factors are also needed. Runx2 (Cbfal) is a transcription factor required for bone formation. We have ...

The runt-related transcription factor 2 gene (RUNX2), which is also known as CBFA1, is a master regulatory gene in bone formation. Mutations in RUNX2 have been identified in cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) patients. CCD is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia that is characterized by delayed closure of cranial sutures, aplastic or hypoplastic clavicle formation, short stature, and dental ...

MicroRNAs are identified as negative regulators in gene expression through silencing gene expression at the post-transcriptional and translational levels. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is the most effective in inducing osteogenesis in the BMP family, the members of which were originally identified as osteoinductive cytokines. In the current study, the role of miR‑23b in the progression of...

Our previous research has shown that the spliced isoform of XBP1 (XBP1s) is an important downstream mediator of BMP2 and is involved in BMP2-stimulated chondrocyte differentiation. Herein, we report that ATF6 and its cleaved N-terminal cytoplasmic domain (known as ATF6a) are expressed in growth plate chondrocytes. We find that these proteins are differentially induced during BMP2-triggered chon...

Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) is a regulator of embryogenesis and development, but has also been implicated in the progression of certain human cancer. This study aimed to elucidate the role of RUNX2 in the invasive and metastatic potentials of human gastric cancer (GC) and the underlying mechanisms. We found that the levels of RUNX2 expression in gastric cancer tissues were corre...

Our previous research testified that XBP1S is a significant downstream mediator of BMP2 and is involved in BMP2-stimulated chondrocyte differentiation. Herein we report that ATF6 and ATF6a are expressed in growth plate chondrocytes. There are differentially induced during BMP2-triggered chondrocyte differentiation. This differential expression is probably resulted from the activation of the ATF...

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is an autosomal dominant craniofacial and skeletal dysplasia that is caused by mutations involving the TRPS1 gene. Patients with TRPS have short stature, hip abnormalities, cone-shaped epiphyses and premature closure of growth plates reflecting defects in endochondral ossification. The TRPS1 gene encodes for the transcription factor TRPS1 that has been de...

Transcription factor Runx2 controls bone development and osteoblast differentiation by regulating expression of a significant number of bone-related target genes. Here, we report that transcriptional activation and repression of the Runx2 gene via its osteoblast-specific P1 promoter (encoding mRNA for the Runx2/p57 isoform) is accompanied by selective deposition and elimination of histone marks...