Mechanotransduction pathways in articular chondrocytes and the emerging role of estrogen receptor-α.

ABSTRACT: In the synovial joint, mechanical force creates an important signal that influences chondrocyte behavior. The conversion of mechanical signals into biochemical cues relies on different elements in mechanotransduction pathways and culminates in changes in chondrocyte phenotype and extracellular matrix composition/structure. Recently, several mechanosensors, the first responders to mechanical force, have been discovered. However, we still have limited knowledge about the downstream molecules that enact alterations in the gene expression profile during mechanotransduction signaling. Recently, estrogen receptor α (ERα) has been shown to modulate the chondrocyte response to mechanical loading through a ligand-independent mechanism, in line with previous research showing that ERα exerts importan

SUBMITTER: Wang N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9984452 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature