Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 9 is a potent inducer of osteogenic differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells, but the mediators of BMP9-induced osteogenesis remain elusive. Here, the authors show that inhibition of Notch1 signaling effectively diminishes BMP9-induced osteogenesis. Genetic disruption of Notch pathway severely impairs BMP9-induced bone formation. Thus, these results demonstrate that Notch signaling may play an essential role in coordinating osteogenic differentiation.
- Jing Cui
- Wenwen Zhang
- Tong-Chuan He