Hypoxia-Induced Transcription in Bone Cells

Principle Investigator

Philip Mayer-Kuckuk, PhD

Scope

The early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1) transcription factor is induced by a variety of environmental stimuli, including hypoxia. Since latter is likely to be an important initiator of the healing cascade post bone damage, we will test if hypoxia is sufficient to induce EGR transcription factors (EGR-1 to EGR-4) in human osteoblasts. The expression pattern of the EGR family in bone cells will be compare to vascular endothelial cells. Further, expression of EGR-1 will be correlated to the expression of direct and indirect downstream targets, such as fibroblast growth factor 2 as well as vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors. Methods used in this study will include cell culture and Western blotting. The proposed experiments will provide an important basis for subsequent studies aimed at understanding signaling pathways post interruption of EGR or hypoxia-inducible HIF-1alpha.

Contact

Philip Mayer-Kuckuk, PhD
mayerkuckukp@hss.edu