Runx2 is an important transcription factor for mesenchymal cell proliferation and chondrogenesis in the secondary cartilage of sphenoid bone

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K24105
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0907:Oral science and related fields
• Research Institution: Tokyo Dental College
• Principal Investigator: Mitomo Keisuke 東京歯科大学, 歯学部, 助教 (90844051)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-08-30 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: Runx2 / Sphenoid bone

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Runx2 is a transcription factor that is essential for osteoblast differentiation. However, in a previous study, the applicant found that the aggregation of mesenchymal cells in the medial pterygoid process region of the sphenoid bone was reduced in early embryonic Runx2 heterozygous-deficient mice. We hypothesized that Runx2 positively regulates the proliferation of mesenchymal cells and preosteoblasts. And the results of this study showed that the proliferative activity of mesenchymal cells in the secondary cartilage region of the sphenoid bone decreased with decreasing the dose of Runx2, suggesting that Runx2 regulates the proliferative activity of mesenchymal cells in secondary cartilage.

Free Research Field

Pulp biology

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究はRunx2欠損マウスの蝶形骨内側翼状突起において、Runx2の投与量の減少に伴い、蝶形骨の二次軟骨領域における間葉系細胞の増殖活性が低下し、二次軟骨の軟骨細胞への分化が確実に阻害されることを明らかにした。これらの結果は、Runx2が蝶形骨の二次軟骨における間葉系細胞の増殖活性と軟骨細胞への分化を積極的に制御していることを示唆している。本研究により、Runx2の細胞増殖機能に関する新たな知見が得られると同時に、RUNX2が関わる骨形成異常を呈する遺伝性疾患の治療の新たな基盤構築が期待できる。