Figure 6 | Scientific Reports

Figure 6

From: Conditional Deletion of Fgfr3 in Chondrocytes leads to Osteoarthritis-like Defects in Temporomandibular Joint of Adult Mice

Figure 6

Summary the development of TMJOA-like defects in Fgfr3 cKO mice.

(A) Normal structure of the condylar cartilage in TMJ. Mandibular condylar cartilage is well-organized and divided into 4 layers: superficial layer, polymorphic layer, flattened chondrocyte layer and hypertrophic layer. (B) FGFR3 is mainly expressed in flattened chondrocyte layer and hypertrophic layer of TMJ cartilage during adult stage. Loss of Fgfr3 in TMJ cartilage up-regulates IHH expression and promotes chondrocyte hypertrophy. The enhanced IHH signaling down-regulates the expression of lubricin at superficial layer and polymorphic layer leading to disturbance of articular surface integrity, while, up-regulates cartilage matrix-degrading enzymes, such as ADAMTS5 and MMP13, possibly via a RUNX2-mediated manner to degrade the cartilage ECM.

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