Undercarboxylated OCN Inhibits Chondrocyte Hypertrophy and Osteoarthritis Development through GPRC6A/HIF-1α Cascade.

ABSTRACT: Initial investigations established osteocalcin (OCN) as a pivotal factor in bone formation. Fully carboxylated osteocalcin (cOCN) exhibits a high affinity for hydroxyapatite within the bone matrix, yet under specific physiological conditions, it may undergo decarboxylation, thereby acquiring endocrine regulatory capabilities. Recent findings suggest a potential protective role for undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN) beyond bone, influencing various systems, including the brain, pancreas, muscle, and gonads, where its effects are well established. Although increased intracellular OCN expression is often considered a marker of osteoarthritis (OA) and chondrocyte hypertrophy, the specific role of extracellular ucOCN in chondrocytes remains largely unexplored and has received little attentio

SUBMITTER: Du Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12320228 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature