Title:The Key Role of Canonical Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Cartilage Chondrocytes
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
Author(s): Xiaoliang Yuan, Haiqing Liu, Hao Huang, Hai Liu, Linfu Li, Jianqiong Yang, Weimei Shi, Weiyou Liu and Longhuo Wu
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Wnt/β-catenin signaling, chondrocytes, chondrogenesis, chondrocytes development.
Abstract: Articular cartilage is a physiologically non-self-renewing avascular tissue with a unique cell
type, the chondrocyte, which functions as producing and maintaining the extracellular matrix of cartilage.
Cartilage differentiation and maintenance of homeostasis are finely tuned by a complex network
of signaling molecules. The network sheds light on these mechanisms that appear to be highly relevant
to both the identification of pathogenic key factors, and the development of biological approaches for
cartilage regeneration. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been recognized as a key regulator of development and homeostasis in
bone, cartilage, and joint. It plays important roles in many biological processes, including the condensation and differentiation
of mesenchymal cells, the maintenance of mature articular cartilage phenotype, the hypertrophic maturation in the
process of endochondral ossification, and tissue degeneration and regeneration. With regard to the importance of Wnt signaling
pathways in regulating chondrocytes physiological and pathological activities, this article reviews the role of
Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chondrogenesis, chondrocytes development, degeneration, and the inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin
signaling.
