Modulation of superficial zone protein/lubricin/PRG4 by kartogenin and transforming growth factor-β1 in surface zone chondrocytes in bovine articular cartilage

摘要

Introduction: Articular cartilage is an anisotropic structure with a zonal design and consists of surface or superficial, middle, and deep zones. Superficial zone protein (SZP)/lubricin/PRG4 functions as a boundary lubricant in articular cartilage to decrease friction and wear. (Reference 1, 2) As articular cartilage lubrication is critical for normal joint function, the accumulation of SZP at the surface of cartilage is important for joint homeostasis. Recently, a heterocyclic compound called kartogenin (KGN) was found to induce chondrogenic differentiation and enhance mRNA expression of lubricin. (Reference. 3) The objective of this study was to determine whether KGN can stimulate synthesis of SZP in superficial zone articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes.