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Histone Deacetylases in Cartilage Homeostasis and Osteoarthritis

Lomeli R Carpio1,2, Jennifer J Westendorf3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.

Current Rheumatology Reports
|July 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic modifiers called histone deacetylases (Hdac) are crucial for cartilage health. Inhibitors of these enzymes show promise for treating osteoarthritis (OA) by preventing cartilage destruction.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and molecular biology
  • Skeletal biology and osteoarthritis research

Background:

  • The epigenome plays a significant role in complex diseases, with advancements in genomic and computational technologies enabling deeper study.
  • Epigenetic therapies targeting histone deacetylases (Hdac) are approved for cancers and neurological disorders, with potential applications in other conditions like arthritis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of histone deacetylases (Hdac) in normal cartilage development and homeostasis.
  • To examine alterations in Hdac expression and activity in osteoarthritis (OA).
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of Hdac inhibitors for OA.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on epigenetics, histone deacetylases, and osteoarthritis.
  • Analysis of studies investigating Hdac inhibitors in preclinical models of cartilage disease.

Main Results:

  • Histone deacetylases (Hdac) are key regulators of cartilage development and maintenance.
  • Dysregulation of Hdac is implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA).
  • Hdac inhibitors demonstrate potential in preclinical studies for preventing cartilage damage in OA.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding Hdac's role in cartilage is vital for developing new osteoarthritis treatments.
  • Hdac inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis, but further research is needed to address potential limitations.
Keywords:
ChondrocytesEpigeneticsHdacHdac inhibitors

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