An essential role for IGF2 in cartilage development and glucose metabolism during postnatal long bone growth

Endochondral ossification is the process by which the embryonic cartilaginous scaffold of most bones is gradually replaced by bone. During this process chondrocytes proliferate, undergo hypertrophy and maturation and form the growth plate, essential for bone growth. Postnatal bone growth is tightly regulated by both systemic and local factors, many of which not yet identified.