In the case of osteoblasts—which are crucial for bone formation—it has been shown that zinc deficiency (defined as <1 μmol/L) delays the induction of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression by osteogenic stimuli, reduces extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization, and decreases both cellular and matrix alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in murine, immortalized MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts [15,16]. The gene discussed is RUNX2; the disease is Zinc deficiency.