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Article
Transforming growth factor-alpha induces endothelin receptor A expression in osteoarthritis
Journal of Orthopaedic Research
  • Shirine E. Usmani, Western University
  • C. Thomas G. Appleton, Western University
  • Frank Beier, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2012
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1002/jor.22099
Abstract

Previously, our lab identified transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFα) as a novel factor involved in osteoarthritis (OA) in a surgical model of the disease. In the same study, we also observed increased transcript levels for endothelin receptor A (ET(A)R), a known contributor to cartilage pathology. To investigate the connection between TGFα and endothelin signaling in OA, primary articular chondrocytes and osteochondral explants were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and treated with vehicle or TGFα. Expression of ET(A)R protein and its encoding gene Ednra was assessed. Chondrocytes and cartilage explants were also treated with the endothelin receptor A/B antagonist Bosentan, in order to determine whether TGFα effects could be blocked. TGFα induced expression of ET(A)R protein and its encoding gene Ednra. In primary chondrocyte cultures, Bosentan did not block TGFα responses of the anabolic genes Sox9, Agc1, and Col2a1, but reduced the induction of Mmp13 and Ednra transcripts by TGFα. In osteochondral explants, the inhibitor partially blocked TGFα reduction of type II collagen, as well as induction of MMP-13 and type II collagen neoepitopes. TGFα induces ET(A)R expression in articular chondrocytes and receptor antagonism appears to block some TGFα-induced catabolic effects in a three-dimensional organ culture system. Thus, TGFα may be a therapeutic target upstream of ET(A)R in OA. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Notes

Article is freely available from the journal.

Citation Information
Shirine E. Usmani, C. Thomas G. Appleton and Frank Beier. "Transforming growth factor-alpha induces endothelin receptor A expression in osteoarthritis" Journal of Orthopaedic Research (2012) p. 1391 - 1397
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tom-appleton/8/