Christine Hartmann (Group Leader)

Formation and Patterning of the Vertebrate Skeleton

The skeleton is essential for vertebrates; it supports the body, provides the mechanical framework for physical movements, and protects internal organs. During embryonic development the sites where the future skeletal elements (bones) are formed and their size are determined as well as the positions of articulations (joints). Most skeletal elements are formed as cartilaginous templates and need to be remodeled into bony tissue to provide strength to the skeleton. This process is referred to as endochondral ossification. We use mouse and chick as model organisms to gain insight into how these different processes are regulated by Wnt-signaling pathways during embryonic and postnatal development.

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Selected Publications

2008
Taschner, MJ., Rafigh, M., Lampert, F., Schnaiter, S., Hartmann, C. (2008). Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent kinase II signaling causes skeletal overgrowth and premature chondrocyte maturation. Dev Biol. 317(1):132-46 (abstract)
 
2006
Hartmann, C. (2006). A Wnt canon orchestrating osteoblastogenesis. Trends Cell Biol. 16(3):151-8 (abstract)
 
Hill, TP., Taketo, MM., Birchmeier, W., Hartmann, C. (2006). Multiple roles of mesenchymal beta-catenin during murine limb patterning. Development. 133(7):1219-29 (abstract)
 
Später, D., Hill, TP., Gruber, M., Hartmann, C. (2006). Role of canonical Wnt-signalling in joint formation. Eur Cell Mater. 12:71-80 (abstract)
 
Später, D., Hill, TP., O\'sullivan, RJ., Gruber, M., Conner, DA., Hartmann, C. (2006). Wnt9a signaling is required for joint integrity and regulation of Ihh during chondrogenesis. Development. 133(15):3039-49 (abstract)
 
2005
Hill, TP., Später, D., Taketo, MM., Birchmeier, W., Hartmann, C. (2005). Canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling prevents osteoblasts from differentiating into chondrocytes. Dev Cell. 8(5):727-38 (abstract)
 

Projects & Memberships


  • ARC "Arthritis Research Campaign" together with Prof. Charles Archer;
    "Comprehensive lineage tracing of joint interzone cells",
    start September 2007

  • FWF grant "Target genes of beta-catenin during skeletogenesis", start November 2006

  • Cells into Organs - a Network of Excellence under FP6, running for 5 years (start 1.4.2004)
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