Ndrg2 regulates vertebral specification in differentiating somites

► Ndrg2 is expressed in the PSM and mesenchyme of developing somites. ► Loss of Ndrg2 in mice resulted in vertebral homeotic transformations. ► Loss of Ndrg2 in osteoblasts or chondrocytes resembles the vertebral defects in Ndrg2−/− mice. ► Ndrg2 instructs vertebral specification via the Hox genes and Bmp signaling.