Hartmann Group

Christine Hartmann (Group Leader)

(Email)

Functions of Wnt Signaling in 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 as well as the positions of articulations (joints) are determined. Most skeletal elements are formed as cartilaginous templates and need to be remodeled into bony tissue to strengthen the skeleton - this process is referred to as endochondral ossification. We use mouse as a model organism to gain insight how different aspects of skeletogenesis are regulated by Wnt-signaling pathways during embryonic and postnatal development. In addition, we use mouse embryonic stem cells to dissect the different functions of β-catenin, a core component of the canonical Wnt-pathway, in signaling and cell-adhesion.

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Selected Publications

  • Lyashenko, N., Winter, M., Migliorini, D., Biechele, T., Moon, RT., Hartmann, C. (2011). Differential requirement for the dual functions of β-catenin in embryonic stem cell self-renewal and germ layer formation. Nat Cell Biol. 13(7):753-61 (abstract)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)