[Functions of BMPs, Runx2, and osterix in the development of bone and cartilage].

BMP signaling plays important roles in craniofacial development, limb development, and joint formation. BMPs enhance chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation but inhibit the terminal differentiation of chondrocytes. Runx2 and Runx3 are essential for chondrocyte maturation, and Runx2 and Osterix are essential for osteoblast differentiation. Runx2 and Runx3 induce Ihh, which enhances chondrocyte proliferation and inhibits chondrocyte maturation, in prehypertrophic chondrocytes, and Ihh induces Runx2 in the perichondrial cells leading to their differentiation into osteoblasts.