Understanding of Runx2-mediated hierarichical gene regulatory network in bone formation and application of the network for bone regeneration

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H05106
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Surgical dentistry
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Hojo Hironori 東京大学, 大学院医学系研究科(医学部), 准教授 (80788422)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 転写制御

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Runx2 is an essential transcription factor for both osteoblast specification and chondrocyte hypertrophy. In this study, we performed integrative analysis of Runx2-DNA binding profile and cell-type distinct epigenetic landscape profile in mouse neonatal osteoblasts and chondrocytes. We identified cell-type specific putative enhancers targeted by Runx2 in osteoblasts and chondrocytes, and confirmed a biological function of these. Through this study, we identified a Runx2-mediated gene regulatory program in skeletal development.

Free Research Field

骨発生・再生学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

転写因子Runx2は骨を形成する骨芽細胞の分化決定・成熟化を促進する作用と、軟骨組織に存在する軟骨細胞の分化・肥大化を進める作用を有しており、これらのメカニズム解明は、骨格組織の再生医療法の確立や疾患の分子病態の理解に必須である。本研究では、Runx2の骨芽細胞と軟骨細胞に対する作用メカニズムの一端を、ゲノムワイドな転写制御機構の観点から明らかにし、骨格再生に向けた基礎的知見を取得した。