Progranulin Protects Against Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head by Activating ERK1/2 Pathway
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Modified Yeast-Two-Hybrid System to Identify Proteins Interacting with the Growth Factor Progranulin
Published on: January 17, 2012
Yingguang Han1, Meng Si1, Yunpeng Zhao1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, No. 107, Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate progranulin (PGRN) expression and its effect in cartilage degradation and in the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Cartilage specimens were obtained from ONFH and FNF patients and PGRN expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis, and RT-PCR. Peripheral blood PGRN level was detected by ELISA. Additionally, primary chondrocytes were cultured and treated with PGRN. Next, the expression of aggrecan and collagen II and the activation of ERK1/2 were detected. We observed that the expression of PGRN was significantly upregulated in ONFH patients' articular cartilage, and recombinant PGRN could promote expression of aggrecan and collagen II and the activation of ERK1/2. Collectively, PGRN can improve chondrocyte anabolism and perform a therapeutic role in the pathogenesis of ONFH. This study helps to elucidate the pathogenesis of ONFH and presents PGRN as a potential target for the treatment of ONFH.
More Related Videos
07:58Establishment of a Surgically-induced Model in Mice to Investigate the Protective Role of Progranulin in Osteoarthritis
Published on: February 25, 2014
05:55Author Spotlight: Developing a Rat Model for Weight-Bearing Intervention to Investigate Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Published on: September 27, 2024
Related Concept Videos
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
MAPK Signaling Cascades
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
The Unfolded Protein Response
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle