Expression of genes encoding matrilin-3 and cyclin-I during the impairment and recovery of chicken growth plate in tibial dyschondroplasia.

Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is a skeletal disease characterized by the disruption ofendochondral bone formation in avian species. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of Matrilin-3 and Cyclin-I genes in chicken growth plate during impairment and recovery from TD. Gene expressions were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, and proteins by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridizations. Expression of genes encoding Matrilin-3 and Cyclin-I were diminished with parallel decrease in proteins during TD, with fewer signs of cartilage cell differentiation. In contrast, there was an increase in mRNA expressions and protein levels of both genes during the recovery phase. These findings suggest that the Matrilin-3 and Cyclin-I genes also play a role in chondrocyte differentiation during the impairment and recovery of growth plate in TD.