Stored in the extracellular matrix, FGF2 promotes both osteoblastic and chondrogenic differentiation of cranial neural crest cells.149 Mice with non-targeted overexpression of FGF2 show shortened long bones caused by premature closure of the epiphyseal plate.150 Sobue et al.151 found that overexpression of FGF2 in mice leads to osteopenia and defective mineralization, proposing that FGF2 functions as a negative regulator of bone formation. This evidence concerns the gene FGF2 and Osteopenia.