Fig. 6: Schematic model of the Bmp2–Runx2–Smoc1/2 axis in bone formation.
From: Smoc1 and Smoc2 regulate bone formation as downstream molecules of Runx2
a For intramembranous ossification, the Bmp2–Runx2 axis directly induces Smoc1 and Smoc2; Smoc1 and Smoc2 play pivotal roles in bone formation. b The Bmp2–Sox9 axis regulates Col2a1 expression and the early stage of endochondral ossification. The Bmp2–Runx2–Smoc1/2 axis regulates the hypertrophic stage of endochondral ossification.
