Molecular mechanisms underlying cartilage degeneration by excessive mechanical loading

抄録

Articular cartilage is an essential tissue that support movement of articular joint, and always receives intensive mechanical loading, particularly in lower extremities. We have studied molecular pathophysiology of osteoarthritis using mouse experimental models for years, and identified NF-kappaB-HIF-2alpha pathway as a major responsible signaling for cartilage degeneration. We recently reported mechanisms in which excessive loading cause cartilage degradation through Gremlin-1 induction and the subsequent NF-kappaB activation. In this symposium, I introduce these molecular mechanisms.