Interrelationship of Runx2 and estrogen pathway in skeletal tissues.

Two key molecules in skeletal tissues are bone formation master transcription factor Runx2 and the steroid hormone estrogen. It is well known that these two molecules play pivotal roles in bone homeostasis; however, the functional interaction between Runx2 and estrogen synthesis in skeletal tissues is largely unknown. Recent studies have indicated that there is a positive relationship between Runx2 and the estrogen biosynthesis pathway. In this review, a possible functional link between Runx2 and estrogen synthesis pathway in skeletal tissues will be discusses as well as the biological significance of this interaction.