| P63 is a member of the P53 gene family, with six isoforms (ΔNP63 and TAP63, α, β, γ). While it has been shown that P63 isoforms affect downstream transcriptional targets that are involved in cancer and development, the molecular mechanism by which P63 (specifically ΔNP63) is involved in bone development is poorly elucidated. To characterize the role of ΔNP63α on bone development, we proposed ΔNP63α gain of function studies using a unique Col10a1-ΔNP63α transgenic mouse model. Preliminary phenotypic analysis of this mouse model at postnatal day 1, using gene expression profiling, skeletal staining, and histological analysis of the growth plate suggests that ΔNP63α may play a minor role in skeletal development. Further analysis, using targeted over-expression of ΔNP63α at an earlier developmental phase, using the Col2a1 specific promoter may help to further elucidate its potential function during skeletal, and especially long bone development. |
