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Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Tissue Collection and RNA Extraction from the Human Osteoarthritic Knee Joint
Published on: July 22, 2021
Osteoarthritis year in review 2025: Biology
Fatma Scerif1, Suzanne E Eldridge2
1Centre for Bone and Joint Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
Objective:
To synthesize recent advances in developmental biology, mechanobiology, metabolism, and tissue engineering as they relate to cartilage biology and osteoarthritis (OA).
Design:
Narrative review integrating peer-reviewed studies covering chondrocyte ontogeny, mechanical and metabolic regulation, disease pathogenesis, and regenerative strategies.
Results:
SOX9+ progenitors persist postnatally and contribute to cartilage and bone repair. Mechanotransductive signaling through TRPV4 and PIEZO1 ion channels, together with cytoskeletal regulators, orchestrate cartilage matrix remodeling and inflammation. Metabolic rewiring driven by TGF-β, HIF1α, and fatty acid oxidation programs is critical for joint development and OA pathology. Sex-linked lipidomic signatures and enhancer reprogramming shape disease risk and response. Engineered tissues using nasal chondrocytes and transcriptional enhancers offer repair potential.
Conclusions:
OA arises from disruption of conserved developmental, metabolic, and mechanical programs. Targeted interventions restoring transcriptional fidelity, metabolic balance, and tissue mechanics offer translational promise.
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