Changes in the gene expression of collagens, fibronectin, integrin and proteoglycans during matrix-induced bone morphogenesis.

Subcutaneous implantation of demineralized bone matrix in rat results in the local cartilage and bone development. This in vivo model of bone formation was used to examine the expression patterns of cartilage and bone specific extracellular matrix genes. The steady state levels of mRNA in implants for cartilage specific type II collagen, type IX collagen, proteoglycan link protein and cartilage proteoglycan core protein (aggrecan) were increased during chondrogenesis and cartilage hypertrophy. Fibronectin mRNA levels were high during mesenchymal cell migration, attachment and chondrogenesis. Integrin (beta 1 chain) mRNA was expressed throughout the endochondral bone development. Type I collagen mRNA levels in implants increased as early as day 3, reached its peak during osteogenesis. These gene markers will be useful in the study of the mechanism of action of bone morphogenetic proteins present in the demineralized bone matrix.