Wnts produced by Osterix-expressing osteolineage cells regulate their proliferation and differentiation.

TitleWnts produced by Osterix-expressing osteolineage cells regulate their proliferation and differentiation.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsTan SH, Senarath-Yapa K, Chung MT, Longaker MT, Wu JY, Nusse R
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume111
Issue49
PaginationE5262-71
Date Published2014 Dec 9
ISSN0027-8424
AbstractWnt signaling is a critical regulator of bone development, but the identity and role of the Wnt-producing cells are still unclear. We addressed these questions through in situ hybridization, lineage tracing, and genetic experiments. First, we surveyed the expression of all 19 Wnt genes and Wnt target gene Axin2 in the neonatal mouse bone by in situ hybridization, and demonstrated--to our knowledge for the first time--that Osterix-expressing cells coexpress Wnt and Axin2. To track the behavior and cell fate of Axin2-expressing osteolineage cells, we performed lineage tracing and showed that they sustain bone formation over the long term. Finally, to examine the role of Wnts produced by Osterix-expressing cells, we inhibited Wnt secretion in vivo, and observed inappropriate differentiation, impaired proliferation, and diminished Wnt signaling response. Therefore, Osterix-expressing cells produce their own Wnts that in turn induce Wnt signaling response, thereby regulating their proliferation and differentiation.
URLhttp://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=25422448
DOI10.1073/pnas.1420463111
Short TitleProc Natl Acad Sci U S A