Regulatory Mechanisms of Chondrogenesis and Implications for Understanding Articular Cartilage Homeostasis

Studies of chondrogenesis and embryonic limb development offer a wealth of knowledge regarding signals that regulate the behavior of chondrocytes. Many such chondrogenic regulators are upregulated in osteoarthritis-affected chondrocytes, suggesting a role in pathogenesis. Yet, some of the same factors also support adult articular cartilage homeostasis, and enhance neo-cartilage tissue formation in experimental models. In this review, we summarize many of the important regulatory mechanisms involved in chondrogenesis and examine how their disruption may contribute to functional changes in articular cartilage during osteoarthritis or aging.