Genetic control of skeletogenesis

Thanks to the progresses of human genetics and to the explosion of genome manipulations in mice, our understanding of skeletogenesis has made tremendous advances during the last 10 years. For instance, growth factors and transcription factors have been identified that trigger and regulate the differentiation of the 3 cell types specific to the skeleton : chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Furthermore, in several instance, genetic cascades can now be drawn that integrate both cellular and structural events during skeletogenesis. This review will summarize the most recent advances of the field of skeleton development, trying to present a comprehensive view of the steps,and regulatory events that genetically control skeletogenesis.