Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

They discover how the cartilage becomes bone

The UPV/EHU and an international team led by CIC biomaGUNE have clarified the molecular mechanisms that cause some cartilage cells to become bone cells. In a paper published in the Bone Research journal, it has been shown that in bone development, certain cartilaginous cells become bone cells. This finding calls into question the belief that bone cells originate only from bone marrow stem cells. In other words, the researchers explain that a newly formed bone may have originated both from bone marrow stem cells and cartilage cells that have been transformed into bone cells.

The research team has developed in vitro and in vivo tools capable of modeling the process of bone formation, which has allowed them to monitor the transformation of cartilage into bone. They have shown that this transition actually occurs, and they have also been able to clarify which mechanisms are involved in this process of bone growth.

This could help guide future research on bone development and regenerative medicine. For example, with greater knowledge of the ossification process, new targets can be found to improve the bone repair process.