Acta NaturaeActa Naturae2075-8251Acta Naturae Ltd1054210.32607/20758251-2014-6-3-89-97Research ArticleChanges in Gene Expression Associated with Matrix Turnover, Chondrocyte Proliferation and Hypertrophy in the Bovine Growth PlateTchetinaE. V.etchetina@mail.ruMwaleF.etchetina@mail.ruPooleA. R.etchetina@mail.ruResearch Institute of Rheumatology, Russian Academy of SciencesOrthopaedics Research Laboratory, Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute for Medical ResearchMcGill University1509201463899717012020Copyright © 2014, Tchetina E.V., Mwale F., Poole A.R.2014<p>The aim of the study is to investigate the interrelationships between the expression of genes for structural extracellular matrix molecules, proteinases and their inhibitors in the bovine fetal growth plate. This was analyzed by RT-PCR in microsections of the proximal tibial growth plate of bovine fetuses in relationship to expression of genes associated with chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and matrix vascularization. In the resting zone the genes for extracellular matrix molecule synthesis were expressed. Extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and their inhibitors were also expressed here. Onset of proliferation involved cyclic upregulation of cell division-associated activity and reduced expression of extracellular matrix molecules. Later in the proliferative zone we noted transient expression of proteinases and their inhibitors, extracellular matrix molecules, as well as activity associated with vascularization and apoptosis. With the onset of hypertrophy expression of proteinases and their inhibitors, extracellular matrix molecules, as well as activity associated with vascularization and apoptosis were significantly upregulated. Terminal differentiation was characterized by high expression of proteinases and their inhibitors, extracellular matrix molecules, as well as activity associated with apoptosis. This study reveals the complex interrelationships of gene expression in the physis that accompany matrix assembly, resorption, chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy, vascularization and cell death while principal zones of the growth plate are characterized by a distinct signature profile of gene expression.</p>growth plategene expressionproteinaseschondrocyte differentiation[[1] Mackie E.J., Tatarczuch L., Mirams M. // J. Endocrinol. 2011, V.211, P.109-121][[2] Alini M., Matsui Y., Dodge G.R., Poole A.R. // Calcified Tissue International. 1992, V.50, №4, P.327-335][[3] Poole A.R. // / Ed. Koopman W. Arthritis and Allied Conditions. 15th ed. Chapter 11. 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