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Abstract
Chondrocytes and alteration in chondrocyte differentiation play a central role in
osteoarthritis. Chondrocyte differentiation is amongst others regulated by members
of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. The major intracellular
signaling routes of this family are via the receptor-Smads. This review is focused
on the modulation of receptor-Smad signaling and how this modulation can affect chondrocyte
differentiation and potentially osteoarthritis development.
Peer reviewed publications published prior to April 2009 were searched in the Pubmed
database. Articles that were relevant for the role of TGF-beta superfamily/Smad signaling
in chondrocyte differentiation and for differential modulation of receptor-Smads were
selected.
Chondrocyte terminal differentiation is stimulated by Smad1/5/8 activation and inhibited
the by Smad2/3 pathway, most likely by modulation of Runx2 function. Several proteins
and signaling pathways differentially affect Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 signaling. This
will result in an altered Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 balance and subsequently have an effect
on chondrocyte differentiation and osteoarthritis development.
Modulation of receptor-Smads signaling can be expect to play an essential role in
both the regulation of chondrocyte differentiation and osteoarthritis development
and progression.