Transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α regulates chondrogenesis via association with Sox9
Abstract
Chondrogenesis is a multistep pathway in which multipotential mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) differentiate into chondrocytes. The transcription factor Sox9 (SRY-related high mobility group-Box gene 9) regulates chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage-specific expression of genes, such as Col2a1 (collagen type II α1). However, Sox9 expression is detected not only in chondrogenic tissue but also in nonchondrogenic tissues, suggesting the existence of a molecular partner(s) required for Sox9 to control chondrogenesis and chondrogenic gene expression. Here, we report identification of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) as a coactivator for Sox9 during chondrogenesis. Expression of PGC-1α is induced at chondrogenesis sites during mouse embryonic limb development and during chondrogenesis in human MSC cultures. PGC-1α directly interacts with Sox9 and promotes Sox9-dependent transcriptional activity, suggesting that PGC-1α acts as a transcriptional coactivator for Sox9. Consistent with this finding, PGC-1α disruption in MSC by small interfering RNA inhibits Col2a1 expression during chondrogenesis. Furthermore, overexpression of both PGC-1α and Sox9 induced expression of chondrogenic genes, including Col2a1, followed by chondrogenesis in the MSC and developing chick limb. Together, our results suggest a transcriptional mechanism for chondrogenesis that is coordinated by PGC-1α.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- February 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.0407510102
- Bibcode:
- 2005PNAS..102.2414K
- Keywords:
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- DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY