Table 1 Transcription factors and mouse models associated with osteoblast differentiation

Ihh

reduced chondrocyte proliferation, maturation of chondrocytes at inappropriate position, and failure of OB development in endochondral bones

required for endochondral but not for intramembranous bone formation

1

Runx2

devoid of OB and impaired chondrocyte differentiation

required for OB differentiation of mesenchymal cells into preosteoblasts

2

Osx

completely lack bone formation and cartilage is normal

required for differentiation of preosteoblasts into mature OB

3

β-catenin

block OB differentiation and develop into chondrocyte

important for OB differentiation, and prevent transdifferentiation of OB into chondrocyte

4-7

Twist1

leads to premature OB differentiation

antiosteogenic function by inhibiting Runx2 function during skeletogenesis

8

ATF4

delayed bone formation during embryonic development and low bone mass throughout postnatal life

critical regulator of OB differentiation and function

9

SatB2

both craniofacial abnormalities and defects in OB differentiation and function

a molecular node in a transcriptional network regulating skeletal development and OB differentiation

10

Shn3

adult-onset osteosclerosis with increased bone mass due to augmented OB activity

a central regulator of postnatal bone mass

11

Dlx5

delayed ossification of the roof of the skull and abnormal osteogenesis

positive regulator in OB differentiation

12