The Skeleton Biochemical, Genetic, and Molecular Interactions in Development and Homeostasis

A cutting-edge review of the biochemical, physiological, pharmacological, genetic, and molecular interactions involved in the development and homeostasis of the skeleton. Topics range from chondrogenesis, chondrocytes, and cartilage to skeletal dysmorphology, and include the control of skeletal development, osteoblastic cell differentiation, and bone induction, growth, remodeling, and mineralization. The authors' understanding of bone physiology-and how it is modified throughout all the stages of life-offers novel approaches for improving the endurance of load-bearing implants, achieving life-long optimal bone strength, overcoming microgravity situations (space flight), and hastening the healing of fractures, osteotomies, and antrodeses.

1 Molecular Basis of Cell—Cell Interaction and Signaling in Mesenchymal Chondrogenesis.- 2 Chondrocyte Cell Fate Determination in Response to Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling.- 3 Regulation of Chondrocyte Differentiation.- 4 Continuous Expression of Cbfa1 in Nonhypertrophic Chondrocytes Uncovers Its Ability to Induce Hypertrophic Chondrocyte Differentiation and Partially Rescues Cbfa1-Deficient Mice.- 5 Molecular Biology and Biosynthesis of Collagens.- 6 Mechanotransduction Pathways in Cartilage.- 7 Molecular Genetic Analysis of the Role of the HoxD Complex in Skeletal Development: Impact of the loxP/Cre System in Targeted Mutagenesis of the Mouse HoxD Complex.- 8 Control of Development and Homeostasis Via Regulation of BMP, Wnt, and Hedgehog Signaling.- 9 FGF4 and Skeletal Morphogenesis.- 10 Retinoid Signaling and Skeletal Development.- 11 Retinoids and Indian Hedgehog Orchestrate Long Bone Development.- 12 Synergy Between Osteogenic Protein-1 and Osteotropic Factors in the Stimulation of Rat Osteoblastic Cell Differentiation.- 13 Bone Morphogenic Proteins, Osteoblast Differentiation, and Cell Survival During Osteogenesis.- 14 Osteoclast Differentiation.- 15 Soluble Signals and Insoluble Substrata: Novel Molecular Cues Instructing the Induction of Bone.- 16 Perichondrial and Periosteal Regulation of Endochondral Growth.- 17 Computer Simulations of Cancellous Bone Remodeling.- 18 Effects of Microgravity on Skeletal Remodeling and Bone Cells.- 19 Quantitative Analyses of the Development of Different Hard Tissues.- 20 Fetal Mineral Homeostasis and Skeletal Mineralization.- 21 Control of Osteoblast Function and Bone Extracellular Matrix Mineralization by Vitamin D.- 22 Role of Pax3 and PDGF-? Receptor in Skeletal Morphogenesis and Facial Clefting.- 23 Genetics ofAchondroplasia and Hypochondroplasia.- 24 Effects of Boric Acid on Hox Gene Expression and the Axial Skeleton in the Developing Rat.- 25 Toxicant-Induced Lumbar and Cervical Ribs in Rodents.- 26 Experimental Skeletal Dysmorphology: Risk Assessment Issues.