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Current Rheumatology Reports
Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports 9/2017

01-09-2017 | Osteoarthritis (M Goldring, Section Editor)

Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Osteoarthritis and in Other Forms of Arthritis

Authors: Yachuan Zhou, Tingyu Wang, John L. Hamilton, Di Chen

Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports | Issue 9/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Arthritis defines a large group of diseases primarily affecting the joint. It is the leading cause of pain and disability in adults. Osteoarthritis (OA) affecting the knee or hip is the most common form among over 100 types of arthritis. Other types of arthritis include erosive hand OA, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) OA, facet joint OA, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and spondyloarthritis (SpA). However, the specific molecular signals involved in the development and progression of OA and related forms of arthritis remain largely unknown. The canonical wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway could play a unique role in the pathogenesis of arthritis. In this review article, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the pathogenesis of OA and other types of arthritis.

Recent Findings

Emerging evidence demonstrates that Wnts and Wnt-related molecules are involved in arthritis development and progression in human genetic studies and in vitro studies. Also, mouse models have been generated to determine the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the pathogenesis of arthritis.

Summary

Wnt/β-catenin signaling represents a unique signaling pathway regulating arthritis development and progression, and the molecules in this particular pathway may serve as targets for the therapeutic intervention of arthritis. Mediators and downstream effectors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling are increased in OA as well other forms of arthritis, including DISH and SpA. Through extensive investigations, including pre-clinical studies in transgenic mice and translational and human studies, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been proven to play roles in bone and joint pathology by directly affecting bone, cartilage, and synovial tissue; further, these pathologies can be reduced through targeting this pathway. Continued investigation into the distinct molecular signaling of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway will provide additional insights toward the therapeutic intervention in arthritis.
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Metadata
Title
Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Osteoarthritis and in Other Forms of Arthritis
Authors
Yachuan Zhou
Tingyu Wang
John L. Hamilton
Di Chen
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Rheumatology Reports / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 1523-3774
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6307
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-017-0679-z

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