Forced exercise-induced osteoarthritis is attenuated in mice lacking the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin

摘要

Objective Interterritorial regions of articular cartilage matrix are rich in decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan and important structural protein, also involved in many signalling events. Decorin sequesters transforming growth factor P (TGFP3), thereby regulating its activity. Here, we analysed whether increased bioavailability of TGF3 in decorin-deficient (Dcn(-/-)) cartilage leads to changes in biomechanical properties and resistance to osteoarthritis (OA).