Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to articular cartilage homeostasis through lubricin induction in the superficial zone.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Both loss- and gain-of-function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chondrocytes result in exacerbation of osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we examined the activity and roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the superficial zone (SFZ) of articular cartilage. METHODS:Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity was analyzed using TOPGAL mice. We generated Prg4-CreERT2;Ctnnb1fl/fl and Prg4-CreERT2;Ctnnb1-ex3fl/wt mice for loss- and gain-of-function, respectively, of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the SFZ. Regulation of Prg4 expression by Wnt/β-catenin signaling was examined in vitro, as were upstream and downstream factors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in SFZ cells. RESULTS:Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity, as determined by the TOPGAL reporter, was high specifically in the SFZ of mouse adult articular cartilage, w

SUBMITTER: Xuan F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6880374 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature