The extended chondrocyte lineage: implications for skeletal homeostasis and disorders

KY Tsang, KSE Cheah - Current opinion in cell biology, 2019 - Elsevier
KY Tsang, KSE Cheah
Current opinion in cell biology, 2019Elsevier
Endochondral bone formation relies on a finely controlled sequence of chondrocyte
proliferation, maturation and hypertrophy that establishes the growth plate which, combined
with the deposition of bone upon the cartilage template, mediates longitudinal skeletal
growth. Recent lineage studies support a chondrocyte—osteoblast differentiation continuum
and the presence of skeletal stem cells within cartilage. The biological significance of the
lineage extension and the mechanisms controlling the process are unclear. In this review …
Endochondral bone formation relies on a finely controlled sequence of chondrocyte proliferation, maturation and hypertrophy that establishes the growth plate which, combined with the deposition of bone upon the cartilage template, mediates longitudinal skeletal growth. Recent lineage studies support a chondrocyte—osteoblast differentiation continuum and the presence of skeletal stem cells within cartilage. The biological significance of the lineage extension and the mechanisms controlling the process are unclear. In this review, we describe recent work on the extended chondrocyte—osteoblast lineage and its contribution to the development, growth and repair of bone and to bone disorders that provides insight into the process and the molecular controls involved. The implications for skeletal homeostasis are discussed.
Elsevier