Genetically Engineered Mouse Models Reveal the Importance of Proteases as Osteoarthritis Drug Targets.

ABSTRACT: More than two decades of research has revealed a combination of proteases that determine cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. These include metalloproteinases, which degrade the major macromolecules in cartilage, aggrecan and type II collagen, serine proteases, and cysteine proteases, for example cathepsin K. This review summarizes the function of proteases in osteoarthritis progression, as revealed by studies of genetically engineered mouse models. A brief overview of the biochemical characteristics and features of several important proteases is provided, with the objective of increasing understanding of their function. Published data reveal at least three enzymes to be major targets for osteoarthritis drug development: ADAMTS-5, MMP-13, and cathepsin K. In surgical models of osteoart

SUBMITTER: Miller RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4062186 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature