Further, the Cu<sup>2+</sup> content and Runx2 level in the callus were determined, and local mechanical test of the fracture was performed to assess the healing quality.
We found that expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein-receptor-type Ⅱ (BMPR2), phosphorylated Smad 1/5/8, and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive element binding protein (CREB) in the callus of PTHKO mice were significantly decreased, whereas no significant difference in expression of SOX9, TGF-βR2,or pSMAD2/3 was observed between PTHKO and WT mice.
At two weeks PF, mineral density of callus, bony callus areas, mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), and protein levels of Runx-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 decreased in PTHrP+/- mice compared with WT mice.
Callus tissue isolated from Itch KO mice expressed higher levels of osteoblast-associated genes, including Runx2, a positive regulator of osteoblast differentiation, but osteoclast-associated genes were not increased.