Life | Special Issue : Biology of Cartilage Cells and Cell Signaling with Emphasis on Osteoarthritis and Its Risk Factors

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bibiane Steinecker-Frohnwieser

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Guest Editor

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Ludwig Boltzmann Society, Thorerstrasse 26, 5760 Saalfelden, Austria
Interests: OA chondrocytes; rehabilitation

Dr. Birgit Lohberger

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Guest Editor

Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Auenbrugggerplatz 5, 8036 Graz, Austria
Interests: basic cellular and molecular research in sarcomas and chordomas; influence of particle irradiation (proton and carbon ions) on physiology and signal transduction cascades of tumor cells; research into new compounds for the chemotherapy of sarcomas/chordomas; osteoarthritis research; material science of prosthesis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chondrocytes are the only cells in articular cartilage and are largely responsible for maintaining a healthy structure of the extracellular cartilage matrix. In doing so, they ensure a balance between cartilage-building and cartilage-degrading processes. The destruction of cartilage as occurs in the development of osteoarthritis (OA) is due to a disturbed balance between those processes that maintain cartilage. Based on the characterization of various risk factors leading to OA, mechanisms in this context that ultimately influence the physiology of chondrocytes are not yet clearly, or only schematically, mapped in detail. A more precise elucidation, in particular, of the interplay of extracellular signaling processes associated with OA risk factors, their transformation into intracellular signaling processes, and their misregulation in OA chondrocytes compared with healthy cartilage may lead to a better understanding of the onset or progression of the disease.

Better insight or even clarification of some of the details of the molecular processes associated with OA and OA risk factors could improve prevention strategies and, thus, represent potential solutions in the translational aspects. Insights into which of the signal transduction cascades may be out of control in OA chondrocytes compared with healthy cells and subsequent systematic characterization could lead to the evaluation of new pharmacological targets in OA therapy.

Dr. Bibiane Steinecker-Frohnwieser
Dr. Birgit Lohberger
Guest Editors

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Keywords

chondrocyte biology
osteoarthritis
diabetes
obesity
phosphokinases

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systemic and Local Comparison of Senescence in an Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury—A Pilot Case Series

by Robert A. Waltz, Kaitlyn E. Whitney, Victoria R. Duke, Heidi Kloser, Charles Huard, Matthew T. Provencher, Marc J. Philippon, Chelsea Bahney, Jonathan A. Godin and Johnny Huard

Life 2023, 13(7), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13071567 - 15 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1074

Abstract

Background: Senescence, a characteristic of cellular aging and inflammation, has been linked to the acceleration of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to prospectively identify, measure, and compare senescent profiles in synovial fluid and peripheral blood in patients with an acute knee injury within 48 h. Methods: Seven subjects, aged 18–60 years, with an acute ACL tear with effusion were prospectively enrolled. Synovial fluid and peripheral blood samples were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry, using senescent markers C12FDG and CD87. The senescent versus pro-regenerative phenotype was probed at a gene and protein level using qRT-PCR and multiplex immunoassays. Results: C₁₂FDG and CD87 positive senescent cells were detected in the synovial fluid and peripheral blood of all patients. Pro-inflammatory IL-1β gene expression measured in synovial fluid was significantly higher (p = 0.0156) than systemic/blood expression. Senescent-associated factor MMP-3 and regenerative factor TIMP-2 were significantly higher in synovial fluid compared to blood serum. Senescent-associated factor MMP-9 and regenerative factor TGFβ-2 were significantly elevated in serum compared to synovial fluid. Correlation analysis revealed that C12FDG⁺⁺/CD87⁺⁺ senescent cells in synovial fluid positively correlated with age-related growth-regulated-oncogene (ρ = 1.00, p < 0.001), IFNγ (ρ = 1.00, p < 0.001), IL-8 (ρ = 0.90, p = 0.0374), and gene marker p16 (ρ = 0.83, p = 0.0416). Conclusions: There is an abundance of senescent cells locally and systemically after an acute ACL tear without a significant difference between those present in peripheral blood compared to synovial fluid. This preliminary data may have a role in identifying strategies to modify the acute environment within the synovial fluid, either at the time of acute ligament injury or reconstruction surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biology of Cartilage Cells and Cell Signaling with Emphasis on Osteoarthritis and Its Risk Factors)

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Review

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20 pages, 2280 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chondrocyte Homeostasis and Differentiation: Transcriptional Control and Signaling in Healthy and Osteoarthritic Conditions

by Yara M. Michelacci, Raquel Y. A. Baccarin and Nubia N. P. Rodrigues

Life 2023, 13(7), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13071460 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1765

Abstract

Chondrocytes are the main cell type in articular cartilage. They are embedded in an avascular, abundant, and specialized extracellular matrix (ECM). Chondrocytes are responsible for the synthesis and turnover of the ECM, in which the major macromolecular components are collagen, proteoglycans, and non-collagen proteins. The crosstalk between chondrocytes and the ECM plays several relevant roles in the regulation of cell phenotype. Chondrocytes live in an avascular environment in healthy cartilage with a low oxygen supply. Although chondrocytes are adapted to anaerobic conditions, many of their metabolic functions are oxygen-dependent, and most cartilage oxygen is supplied by the synovial fluid. This review focuses on the transcription control and signaling responsible for chondrocyte differentiation, homeostasis, senescence, and cell death and the changes that occur in osteoarthritis. The effects of chondroitin sulfate and other molecules as anti-inflammatory agents are also approached and analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biology of Cartilage Cells and Cell Signaling with Emphasis on Osteoarthritis and Its Risk Factors)

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