The effects of mutated MMP2 on bone and joint

MMP2基因突变导致骨溶解，其特征是多关节牵张和严重的骨质疏松。骨质溶解中关节损伤的病理学类似于类风湿性滑膜炎，然而，MMP 2失活突变如何导致骨质溶解的基本分子机制在很大程度上是未知的。在本研究中，我们试图建立一种骨质溶解的动物模型。我们已经建立了一个条件转基因小鼠携带突变的MMP 2基因，它可以在特定条件下过表达。这种小鼠将有助于了解MMP2在骨质溶解发展过程中的作用。

Mutations in MMP2 gene results in unique skeletal phenotype called osteolysis, which is characterized by multiple joint distraction and severe osteoporosis. The pathology of joint damages in osteolysis mimics rheumatoid synovitis, however, the underlining molecular mechanism how inactivated mutation in MMP2 results in osteolysis is largely unknown. In this study, we tried to develop an animal model for osteolysis. We have made a conditional transgenic mouse carring an mutated MMP2 gene, which can be over-expressed under specific condition. This mouse would be useful for understanding the roles of MMP2 during the development of osteolysis.