Upstream and downstream regulation of Sox9. Chondrogenesis begins with the upregulation of N-cadherin and Sox9 by paracrine factors like TGF-β, FGFs, or BMPs, while Wnts downregulate the expression of Sox9. Expression of N-cadherins and Sox9 is accompanied by the condensation and proliferation of MCs, a process called mesenchymal condensation. Sox9 activates the expression of Sox5 and Sox6, and with them and the help of cofactors such as CBP, induces the MC to differentiate into chondroblasts after the condensation. Chondroblasts produce cartilage-specific ECM, including collagen II, IV, IX, and XI; proteoglycans such as aggrecan; and also link proteins and COMP.