Visual reporters for study of the osteoblast lineage.

Fiche publication


Date publication

novembre 2016

Journal

Bone

Auteurs

Membres identifiés du Cancéropôle Est :
Dr ROEDER Emilie


Tous les auteurs :
Roeder E, Matthews BG, Kalajzic I

Résumé

Advancing our understanding of osteoblast biology and differentiation is critical to elucidate the pathological mechanisms responsible for skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. Histology and histomorphometry, the classical methods to study osteoblast biology, identify osteoblasts based on their location and morphology and ability to mineralize matrix, but do not clearly define their stage of differentiation. Introduction of visual transgenes into the cells of osteoblast lineage has revolutionized the field and resulted in a paradigm shift that allowed for specific identification and isolation of subpopulations within the osteoblast lineage. Knowledge acquired from the studies based on GFP transgenes has allowed for more precise interpretation of studies analyzing targeted overexpression or deletion of genes in the osteoblast lineage. Here, we provide a condensed overview of the currently available promoter-fluorescent reporter transgenic mice that have been generated and evaluated to varying extents. We cover different stages of the lineage as transgenes have been utilized to identify osteoprogenitors, pre-osteoblasts, osteoblasts, or osteocytes. We show that each of these promoters present with advantages and disadvantages. The studies based on the use of these reporter mice have improved our understanding of bone biology. They constitute attractive models to target osteoblasts and help to understand their cell biology.

Mots clés

Green fluorescent protein, Osteoblast, Osteocyte, Osteoprogenitor

Référence

Bone. 2016 11;92:189-195