Runx2 regulates chondrocyte proliferation through Fgf18. (A) In situ hybridization analysis of Fgf18 expression in ribs and humeri of E15.5 wild-type (WT), α1(I) Twist-1, Runx2
+/−, CC/CC, and ΔTwist box
−/− embryos. Perichondrial Fgf18 expression is decreased in α1(I) Twist1 and Runx2
+/− and increased in CC/CC and ΔTwist box
−/− embryos. (B) BrdU incorporation analysis in ribs and humeri at E14.5 and E16.5 of wild-type, Fgf18
+/−, Runx2
+/−, Fgf18
+/−
; Runx2
+/−, and Fgf18
−/− embryos. Chondrocyte proliferation is similarly increased in Fgf18
+/−
; Runx2
+/− and Fgf18
−/− embryos. (C) Histological and in situ hybridization analysis of α1(X) Collagen and Osteocalcin expression in humeri of E16.5 wild-type, Fgf18
+/−, Runx2
+/−, Fgf18
+/−
; Runx2
+/−, and Fgf18
−/− embryos. (D) Real-time PCR analysis of α1 Integrin expression in humeri of E15.5 wild-type, Runx2
+/−, Fgf18
+/−, Fgf18
−/−, and Runx2
+/−
; Fgf18
+/− embryos, normalized to β-actin.