Figure 3. Speculative schematic depicting some known functions of genes whose expression was affected by ePi by 24 hrs. ePi resulted in differential patterns of expression of genes mediating Wnt signaling, suggesting a complex role for these genes in ePi signaling. The expression of Bmp4 and osterix (Sp7), implicated in bone and tooth development, as well as an inhibitor of Bmp Tob1, appears to be co-regulated, so that BMP signaling is diminished. The transcription factors Foxc2, a stimulator of chondroblast differentiation, and Egr2, a promoter of mineralization, may play a similar role in cementoblasts.