Osteocyte (OCY)-specific degradation-resistant HIF-2α (HIF-2α cDR) mice generated a high bone mass skeletal phenotype with increased trabecular bone and decreased cortical bone. Distal femoral metaphysis of HIF-2α cDR mice showed evidence of bone marrow stromal tissue expansion, increased trabecular bone and new bone formation compared to cre-negative control. Arrows indicate newly embedding osteocytes in newly forming bone. Created with BioRender.com.

In addition to being faster and easier to quantify, mid-thigh tissue masses can be used for identifying osteoporosis and low lean mass.

Craniosynostosis is characterized by premature fusion of cranial sutures resulting in abnormal skull shapes. Here, we showed that augmentation of BMP signaling alters cell fate of cranial neural crest cells towards chondrogenic lineage and that develops ectopic cartilage, which leads to premature fusion of cranial sutures through endochondral ossification.