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JNK phosphorylation promotes natural degeneration of cervical endplate chondrocytes by down-regulating expression of

H-G Xu1, J-F Cheng, H-X Peng

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, People's Republic of China. pumchxuhg@126.com.

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|September 26, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

JNK pathway activation accelerates endplate chondrocyte degeneration by decreasing ANK protein. Inhibiting JNK improves chondrocyte health and proliferation, suggesting JNK as a therapeutic target for intervertebral disc degeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Endplate degeneration accelerates intervertebral disc degeneration.
  • The role of endplate chondrocytes in this process is not fully understood.
  • JNK and AKT signaling pathways are key regulators of chondrocyte function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate JNK and AKT pathway activation in endplate chondrocytes.
  • Determine the role of these pathways in chondrocyte degeneration.
  • Examine the involvement of progressive ankylosis protein (ANK) in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Primary rat chondrocytes were cultured and passaged.
  • Morphological changes, proliferation rates, and gene/protein expression (collagen II, aggrecan, p-JNK, p-AKT, ANK) were assessed.
  • JNK inhibition experiments were performed using SP600125.

Main Results:

  • Chondrocyte proliferation and expression of collagen II and aggrecan decreased with passaging.
  • JNK phosphorylation increased, while ANK expression decreased in higher passage cells.
  • JNK inhibition restored chondrocyte proliferation and increased collagen II, aggrecan, and ANK expression.

Conclusions:

  • JNK phosphorylation promotes natural degeneration of cervical endplate chondrocytes.
  • This degeneration is likely mediated by the down-regulation of ANK expression.
  • Targeting the JNK pathway may offer a therapeutic strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration.

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