Maurizio Pacifici

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..The results suggest that ERG is part of molecular mechanisms leading chondrocytes into a permanent developmental path and become joint forming cells, and may do so by acting downstream of GDF-5...

..The data indicate also that defects in joint formation reverberate on, and delay, overall long bone growth...

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..The cranial base appears to be a skeletal structure in which growth and ossification patterns along its antero-posterior axis are orchestrated by both Ihh and Shh...

..The joint-forming functions of the cells appear to normally involve a previously unsuspected asymmetric distribution along the ventral-to-dorsal plane of the developing joint...

..Absence of articular disc and joint cavities in single and double mutants points to irreplaceable Ihh roles in formation of those critical TMJ components...

..The data are the first to indicate that Ihh action in chondrocyte proliferation involves syndecan-3 and to identify a specific member of the syndecan family as mediator of hedgehog function...

..Since aggrecan is critical for growth plate function, its deficiency in RAR-mutant mice is likely to have contributed directly to their growth retardation...

..The cells appear to be patterned along specific limb symmetry axes and rely on local signaling tools to make distinct contributions to joint formation...

..Taken together, our data indicate that the Wnt and retinoid signaling pathways do interact in chondrocytes, and their cross-talks and cross-regulation play important roles in the regulation of cartilage matrix homeostasis...

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..Together, the data reveal that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a key regulator of SFZ cell phenotype and proliferation, and may be as important for articular cartilage long-term function...

..Recently, CTGF (CCN2) was found to regulate chondrocyte function, particularly in the hypertrophic zone. The goal of the study was to determine whether CTGF is a retinoid signaling effector molecule, how it is regulated, and how it acts...

..Histologic analysis of intervertebral disc (IVD) in three types of transgenic mice...

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..CTGF may aid chondrogenesis by acting down-stream of transforming growth factor-beta and stimulating cell-cell interactions and expression of condensation-associated genes...

..The factors are powerful chondrocyte regulators and their functional interrelationships may be important for steering the cells toward alternative developmental paths...

..The inhibitory effects of Shh neutralizing antibody treatment are discussed in relation to roles of this signaling pathway proposed by this and other groups previously...

..The re-emergence of such anatomical structures suggests that their genetic blueprint is still present in the mouse genome but is normally modified to the needs of the mammalian joint-formation program by distinct Hox11 function...

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..The data indicate that RAR-γ agonists are potent inhibitors of heterotopic ossification in mouse models and, thus, may also be effective against injury-induced and congenital heterotopic ossification in humans...

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..In this study, normal intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues and degenerative human IVD tissues were compared for presence of fibronectin (FN) mRNA splice variants and for FN fragments (FN-f)...

..Discovering the genetic basis of the disease would be an important step in understanding the etiology of this disabling condition...

..In conclusion, the results suggest that syndecan-3 is a direct and selective regulator of the mitotic behavior of chondrocytes and its role may involve formation of dimeric/oligomeric structures on their cell surface...

..Phases of skeletogenesis, such as terminal chondrocyte maturation and joint formation, appear to be particularly dependent on Wnt signaling and thus very sensitive to Frzb-1 antagonistic action...

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..It should also generate mouse models of degenerative joint disease that could be used to test future gene- and cell-based therapies for joints conditions common to osteoarthritic patients and aging individuals. ..

..The results will provide much needed information on the regulation of long bone formation, and will have relevance to questions of skeletal growth, fracture repair and congenital conditions of cartilage and bone. ..

..It should also generate mouse models of degenerative joint disease that could be used to test future gene- and cell-based therapies for joints conditions common to osteoarthritic patients and aging individuals. ..

..It should also generate mouse models of degenerative joint disease that could be used to test future gene- and cell-based therapies for joints conditions common to osteoarthritic patients and aging individuals. ..

..The results will be invaluable in conceiving novel, directed and specific therapies to repair and restore malfunctioning joints common to aging individuals and otherwise affected patients. ..

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