Skeletal Deformities in Osterix-Cre;Tgfbr2 Mice May Cause Postnatal Death.

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling plays an important role in skeletal development. We previously demonstrated that the loss of TGFβ receptor II (Tgfbr2) in Osterix-Cre-expressing mesenchyme results in defects in bones and teeth due to reduced proliferation and differentiation in pre-osteoblasts and pre-odontoblasts. These Osterix-Cre;Tgfbr2 mice typically die within approximately four weeks for unknown reasons.