Runx2 is an essential transcription factor for skeletal development. It is expressed in
multipotent mesenchymal cells, osteoblast-lineage cells, and chondrocytes. Runx2 plays a
major role in chondrocyte maturation, and Runx3 is partly involved. Runx2 regulates
chondrocyte proliferation by directly regulating Ihh expression. It also determines whether
chondrocytes become those that form transient cartilage or permanent cartilage, and
functions in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Runx2 is essential for osteoblast …