Fig. 2: Foxf2 deficiency in osteoblast progenitors results in high bone volume in vivo.
From: Foxf2 represses bone formation via Wnt2b/β-catenin signaling
a Gene expression of Foxf2f/f and Foxf2osp−/− mouse calvaria (P2). The expression of Foxf2 was significantly decreased in the Foxf2osp−/− mice, while no significant difference was observed in Foxf1, as demonstrated by qPCR analysis. *, P < 0.05 versus the Foxf2f/f mice. ns, not significant. b FOXF2 protein levels in the Foxf2osp−/− mice based on Western blot analysis. Calvarial bones were isolated from the Foxf2f/f (control) or Foxf2osp−/− mice. c Micro-CT analysis of 3-month-old Foxf2osp−/− and Foxf2f/f mice. Representative 3D images of femoral trabecular bone from both groups are shown. *, P < 0.05 versus the Foxf2f/f mice. d Micro-CT analysis of 3-month-old Foxf2osp−/− and Foxf2f/f mice. *, P < 0.05 versus the Foxf2f/f mice. e Serum P1NP and CTX-I levels measured in 3-month-old female mice. P1NP was increased in the Foxf2osp−/− mice. *, P < 0.05 versus the Foxf2f/f mice. ns, not significant. (f and g) Bone histomorphometric analysis of 3-month-old Foxf2f/f and Foxf2osp−/− mice. The number of osteoblasts was increased in the Foxf2osp−/− mice, whereas the number of osteoclasts was not affected. Representative images of toluidine blue staining (f) and TRAP staining (g). White arrowheads show osteoblasts, and black arrows show osteoclasts. Scale bars, 100 μm. *, P < 0.05 versus the Foxf2f/f mice. ns not significant. h Representative images of calcein labeling. *, P < 0.05 versus the Foxf2f/f mice. All data represent the mean ± SEM.
