TGFβ signaling in cartilage development and maintenance

Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) superfamily of secreted factors play essential roles in nearly every aspect of cartilage formation and maintenance. However, the mechanisms by which TGF beta s transduce their effects in cartilage in vivo remain poorly understood. Mutations in several TGF beta family members, their receptors, extracellular modulators, and intracellular transducers have been described, and these usually impact the development of the cartilaginous skeleton. Furthermore, genome-wide association studies have linked components of the (TGF beta) superfamily to susceptibility to osteoarthritis. This review focuses on recent discoveries from genetic studies in the mouse regarding the regulation of TGF beta signaling in developing growth plate and articular cartilage, as well as the different modes of crosstalk between canonical and noncanonical TGF beta signaling. These new insights into TGF beta signaling in cartilage may open new prospects for therapies that maintain healthy articular cartilage. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 102:37-51, 2014. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.