<i>Hox</i> genes maintain critical roles in the adult skeleton
Jane Y. Song, Kyriel M. Pineault, Jesús M. Dones, Ronald T. Raines, Deneen M. Wellik
Abstract
Significance Mammalian Hox genes are absolutely critical for proper development of skeletal morphology during embryogenesis, and Hox11 genes are essential for proper zeugopod (radius/ulna, tibia/fibula) development. While the expression of Hox genes continues through postnatal and adult stages, whether Hox genes continue to function in the skeleton after the establishment of skeletal morphology has not been determined due to lack of genetic tools. To address this issue, we generated a conditional Hoxd11 allele that allows for temporal deletion of Hox11 function at adult stages following normal zeugopod development and growth of the skeleton. Here, we show that Hox genes function in the adult skeleton by regulating the differentiation of skeletal stem cells into the osteolineage.