Mapk7-KO Mouse

Mapk7, also known as Mitogen-activated protein kinase 7, is a member of the MAPK family. It plays crucial roles in controlling cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival, and is involved in multiple signaling pathways such as MEF2C/PTEN/AKT, Lrp6/β -catenin, and is related to the function of macrophages like MAPK7/AhR/STAT3 signaling [1,2,3]. Genetic models, especially knockout (KO) mouse models, are valuable for studying its functions.

In a Col2a1 -cre;Mapk7f/f transgenic (a type of conditional knockout, CKO) mouse model, deletion of Mapk7 in cartilage led to kyphosis and osteopenia. Mechanistically, it decreased MEF2C expression, activated PTEN, and opposed PI3K/AKT signaling in vertebral growth plate chondrocytes, impairing chondrocyte hypertrophy and vertebral ossification [1]. In Prx1 -Cre;Mapk7flox/flox mice (another CKO model), depletion of Mapk7 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) caused severe low bone mass and fat accumulation in the bone marrow, as Mapk7 promoted osteogenic differentiation and inhibited adipogenic differentiation of MSCs by activating the Wnt/β -catenin signaling [3].

In conclusion, Mapk7 is essential for normal bone development, especially in vertebral and limb bone development, and in regulating the balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. The KO/CKO mouse models have significantly contributed to understanding the role of Mapk7 in spinal deformities and bone-related diseases, providing a basis for potential therapeutic strategies [1,3].