FGF2 High Molecular Weight Isoforms Contribute to Osteoarthropathy in Male Mice

What is it about?

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is a debilitating condition which presents a huge financial burden and lacks any effective therapy. Previous studies have shown that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) plays a role in the progression of OA, but for the first time we address the idea that the different FGF2 isoforms act differently within the knee joint and show that it is the high molecular weight isoform of FGF2 that is contributing to the disease. Using a mouse model that mimics patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), we demonstrate the destructive potential of the high molecular weight isoform of FGF2 not only in the context of XLH, but in overall joint degeneration.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Our findings begin to suggest a potential mechanism which leads to joint degeneration and may offer insight into a therapeutic target to treat osteoarthritis, which currently lacks a cure.