A novel prostaglandin E receptor 4 (EP4) small molecule antagonist induces articular cartilage regeneration.

ABSTRACT: Articular cartilage repair and regeneration is an unmet clinical need because of the poor self-regeneration capacity of the tissue. In this study, we found that the expression of prostaglandin E receptor 4 (PTGER4 or EP4) was largely increased in the injured articular cartilage in both humans and mice. In microfracture (MF) surgery-induced cartilage defect (CD) and destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery-induced CD mouse models, cartilage-specific deletion of EP4 remarkably promoted tissue regeneration by enhancing chondrogenesis and cartilage anabolism, and suppressing cartilage catabolism and hypertrophy. Importantly, knocking out EP4 in cartilage enhanced stable mature articular cartilage formation instead of fibrocartilage, and reduced joint pain. In addition, we identifie

SUBMITTER: Jin Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8901748 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature