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Forkhead box O proteins in chondrocyte aging and diseases
Yuchen He1,2, Weihong Zhu1, Peter G Alexander3
1Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Journal of Orthopaedic Translation
|August 18, 2025
Summary
Forkhead box class O (FoxO) proteins are crucial for maintaining cartilage health and cellular aging. Targeting FoxO proteins offers a promising strategy for treating osteoarthritis and promoting joint longevity.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Aging Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cartilage integrity declines with age, increasing osteoarthritis (OA) risk.
- Chondrocyte regenerative capacity diminishes, hindering repair.
- Forkhead box class O (FoxO) proteins are key regulators of aging and cellular homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and function of FoxO proteins in chondrocytes.
- To explore the role of FoxO dysfunction in cartilage aging and OA.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting FoxO for OA treatment and cartilage repair.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on FoxO proteins in chondrocytes.
- Analysis of FoxO's role in epigenetic regulation during chondrocyte differentiation.
- Examination of FoxO's involvement in cellular processes like apoptosis and oxidative stress resistance.
Main Results:
- FoxO proteins are vital for maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis and resilience.
- Dysfunctional FoxO proteins contribute to age-related cartilage degradation and OA.
- FoxO proteins regulate epigenetics across different chondrocyte differentiation stages.
Conclusions:
- Restoring chondrocyte regenerative capacity by targeting FoxO proteins is a promising therapeutic avenue.
- FoxO proteins, particularly FoxO1 and FoxO3, are potential targets for longevity and OA treatment.
- Further research into FoxO proteins can deepen understanding and advance OA therapies.
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