Wnt influence on chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage function.
The Wnt signaling network regulates chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation, and maturation during embryonic limb development. In this review, we summarize studies of Wnt signaling during the chondrocyte life cycle in avian and mammalian systems, both before and after birth. Recent reports that implicate abnormal Wnt signaling as a contributing factor to pathogenic joint conditions are also discussed. In addition, we show new data that suggests Wnt signaling is active in adult cartilage. Overall, it appears that the Wnt network has dual roles in cartilage, as has been described in other tissues: it is an important regulator of chondrocyte development, but deregulated signaling is detrimental to mature tissues and may lead to disease.
Yates
Karen E
KE
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. kyates@partners.org
Shortkroff
Sonya
S
Reish
Richard G
RG
D000818:Animals; D002356:Cartilage / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051153:Wnt Proteins
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D051153:Wnt Proteins