Type β Transforming Growth Factor Regulates Expression of Genes Encoding Bone Matrix Proteins

Abstract
TGF beta modulates the growth and differentiation of various cell types, in part by regulating the production of extracellular matrix proteins. In rat osteoblast-like cells TGF beta stimulates the production of collagen, osteopontin and osteonectin. On the other hand, TGF beta inhibits the production of osteocalcin, one of the most abundant non-collagenous bone matrix proteins, which is only expressed in osteoblasts. Inhibition of osteocalcin expression by TGF beta in the rat osteoblastic osteosarcoma, ROS 17/2.8 cells, occurs at least in part through transcriptional control.