Sp7 transcription factor

Transcription factor Sp7, also called Osterix (Osx), is a <a href="/facts/Protein/Jxmagu3E">protein</a> that in humans is encoded by the SP7 <a href="/facts/Gene/e1swwPY6">gene</a>. It is a member of the Sp family of <a href="/facts/Zinc_finger_transcription_factor/penLfr7H">zinc-finger transcription factors</a> It is highly conserved among bone-forming vertebrate species It plays a major role, along with <a href="/facts/RUNX2/df5KyHup">Runx2</a> and <a href="/facts/DLX5/KeEdc90d">Dlx5</a> in driving the differentiation of mesenchymal precursor cells into <a href="/facts/Osteoblast/N6mMDQvR">osteoblasts</a> and eventually <a href="/facts/Osteocyte/nUBl8e1S">osteocytes</a>. Sp7 also plays a regulatory role by inhibiting <a href="/facts/Chondrocyte/wVM93CGh">chondrocyte</a> differentiation maintaining the balance between differentiation of mesenchymal precursor cells into ossified bone or cartilage. Mutations of this gene have been associated with multiple dysfunctional bone phenotypes in vertebrates. During development, a mouse embryo model with Sp7 expression knocked out had no formation of bone tissue. Through the use of GWAS studies, the Sp7 locus in humans has been strongly associated with bone mass density. In addition there is significant genetic evidence for its role in diseases such as <a href="/facts/Osteogenesis_imperfecta/jKr64on7">Osteogenesis imperfecta</a> (OI).

Sp7 transcription factor open-in-new

Sp7 transcription factor