Lin28a overexpression reveals the role of Erk signaling in articular cartilage development.

ABSTRACT: Adult articular cartilage shows limited tissue turnover, and therefore development of the proper structure of articular cartilage is crucial for life-long joint function. However, the mechanism by which the articular cartilage structure is developmentally regulated is poorly understood. In this study, we show evidence that activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk1/2) in articular chondrocyte progenitors during developmental stages control articular cartilage thickness. We found that overexpression of Lin28a, an RNA-binding protein that regulates organismal growth and metabolism, in articular chondrocyte progenitor cells upregulated Erk signaling and increased articular cartilage thickness. Overexpression of a constitutively active Kras mimicked Lin28a overexpression, and i

SUBMITTER: Kobayashi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6110150 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature