Muscle Contraction Is Necessary to Maintain Joint Progenitor Cell Fate

Joy Kahn, Yulia Shwartz, Einat Blitz, Sharon Krief, Amnon Sharir, Dario A. Breitel, Revital Rattenbach, Frederic Relaix, Pascal Maire, Ryan B. Rountree, David M. Kingsley, Elazar Zelzer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

209 Scopus citations

Abstract

During embryogenesis, organ development is dependent upon maintaining appropriate progenitor cell commitment. Synovial joints develop from a pool of progenitor cells that differentiate into various cell types constituting the mature joint. The involvement of the musculature in joint formation has long been recognized. However, the mechanism by which the musculature regulates joint formation has remained elusive. In this study, we demonstrate, utilizing various murine models devoid of limb musculature or its contraction, that the contracting musculature is fundamental in maintaining joint progenitors committed to their fate, a requirement for correct joint cavitation and morphogenesis. Furthermore, contraction-dependent activation of β-catenin, a key modulator of joint formation, provides a molecular mechanism for this regulation. In conclusion, our findings provide the missing link between progenitor cell fate determination and embryonic movement, two processes shown to be essential for correct organogenesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)734-743
Number of pages10
JournalDevelopmental Cell
Volume16
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 19 May 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • DEVBIO

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