The Journal of cell biology
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Bone has an enormous capacity for growth, regeneration, and remodeling. This capacity is largely due to induction of osteoblasts that are recruited to the site of bone formation. The recruitment of osteoblasts has not been fully elucidated, though the immediate environment of the cells is likely to play a role via cell- matrix interactions. ⋯ In the transgenic model, the HB-GAM expression is maintained in mesenchymal tissues with the highest expression in the periosteum. The HB-GAM transgenic mice develop a phenotype characterized by an increased bone thickness. HB-GAM may thus play an important role in bone formation, probably by mediating recruitment and attachment of osteoblasts/osteoblast precursors to the appropriate substrates for deposition of new bone.