Phenotypic analyses of genetically modified mice for BMP receptors

Abstract

BMPs play important roles in the development, disease, and regeneration of many tissues. Genetically modified mice with altered BMP receptor genes are particularly informative for clarifying the role of BMP signaling. In this chapter, we introduce several selected protocols for in vivo functional characterization of BMP receptors in genetically modified mice, including immunohistochemistry of BMP downstream signaling (P-Smad1/5/9 or others), histological analysis, whole-mount skeletal staining for cartilage and bone tissues, and whole-mount cartilage staining.