Molecular Mechanisms of Soft Tissue Regeneration and Bone Formation in Mice: Implications in Fracture Repair and Wound Healing in Humans

Abstract

Abstract : The primary goal of the proposed work is to identify genes which play an anabolic role in bone and soft tissue function and to clarify the function of these genes. Three hypotheses have been proposed: (1) The high bone density gene in chromosome I in our CAST/B6 congenic mice can be cloned; (2) Genes that regulate soft and hard tissue regeneration can be identified by using appropriate mouse strains that exhibit differences in regeneration; and (3) ENU mutagenesis, applied to our mouse model, will lead to the identity of genes that regulate soft and hard tissue function. During the first twelve months of the funding period, we have proposed several specific objectives for each of the above-mentioned hypotheses. As disclosed in the progress report, we have successfully accomplished all of the specific objectives. Our work during the first year of the funding period has resulted in four manuscripts in press, four submitted manuscripts, one manuscript in preparation, and four abstracts. We believe that the successful accomplishment of the proposed studies will provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in hard- and soft-tissue regeneration and will provide a framework for future development of therapies for hard and soft tissue injuries.