Fibroblast-Myofibroblast Transition in Osteoarthritis Progression: Current Insights.
Ruixin Peng1, Qiyuan Lin1, Zhen Yang1
1Arthritis Clinical and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Osteoarthritis progression is driven by synovial fibrosis, where fibroblast-like synoviocytes transition into myofibroblasts. Targeting this fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMT) offers new therapeutic strategies for joint disease.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Molecular Biology
- Cellular and Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage degradation and synovial fibrosis.
- Synovial fibrosis involves fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) transitioning to myofibroblasts, depositing excess extracellular matrix (ECM).
- This process stiffens the joint capsule, exacerbating inflammation, cartilage damage, and dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMT) in OA pathogenesis.
- To examine molecular pathways driving OA-related FMT.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting synovial fibrosis in OA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on synovial fibrosis and FMT in OA.
- Analysis of molecular pathways including TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, YAP/TAZ, and inflammation.
- Evaluation of emerging therapeutic targets for OA.
Main Results:
- FLS to myofibroblast transition (FMT) is a key driver of OA pathology.
- Specific molecular pathways (TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, YAP/TAZ) mediate OA-related FMT.
- Synovial fibrosis significantly contributes to OA severity and joint dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- The fibroblast-myofibroblast axis is central to OA progression.
- Targeting synovial fibrosis and FMT presents a promising therapeutic avenue for OA.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate and exploit these mechanisms for clinical benefit.
Keywords:
fibroblast-like synoviocytesfibroblast–myofibroblast transitionosteoarthritissynovial fibrosisMore Related Videos
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