LRP4 and Agrin Are Modulated by Cartilage Degeneration and Involved in β-Catenin Signaling in Human Articular Chondrocytes.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the roles of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) 4 and its ligand Agrin in the pathophysiology of cartilage degeneration. Immunohistochemical analysis of human normal articular cartilage and cartilage tissues from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) obtained during surgery of the knee joint showed marked LRP4 expression in the early stages of OA, which then decreased with cartilage degeneration, whereas Agrin was consistently increased with cartilage degeneration. In normal human articular chondrocytes (NHACs), mild cyclic tensile strain (CTS) (0.5 Hz, 5% elongation, 2 h) increased the expression of LRP4 and aggrecan (ACAN), while intense CTS (0.5 Hz, 10% elongation, 6 h) increased the expression of Agrin without affecting LRP4 expression. Treatment with re

SUBMITTER: Naniwa S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11817251 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature