Premium
Growth/differentiation factor 5 enhances chondrocyte maturation
Author(s) -
Coleman Cynthia M.,
Tuan Rocky S.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.10369
Subject(s) - chondrocyte , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , growth differentiation factor , mesenchymal stem cell , extracellular matrix , cartilage , chondrogenesis , muscle hypertrophy , runx2 , embryonic stem cell , alkaline phosphatase , cellular differentiation , anatomy , bone morphogenetic protein , endocrinology , biochemistry , enzyme , gene
Growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) is required for limb mesenchymal cell condensation and joint formation during skeletogenesis. Here, we use a model consisting of long‐term, high‐density cultures of chick embryonic limb mesenchymal cells, which undergo the entire life history of chondrocyte development, to examine the effects of GDF5 overexpression on chondrocyte maturation. Exposure to GDF5 significantly enhanced chondrocyte hypertrophy and maturation, as determined by the presence of alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen type X protein production, and the presence of a sulfated proteoglycan‐rich extracellular matrix. Histologic analysis also revealed an increase in cell volume and cellular encasement in larger lacunae in GDF5‐treated cultures. Taken together, these results support a role for GDF5 in influencing chondrocyte maturation and the induction of hypertrophy in the late stages of embryonic cartilage development, and provide additional mechanistic insights into the role of GDF5 in skeletal development. Development Dynamics 228:208–217, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.