Physiology and Pharmacology Publications
Chondrocyte hypertrophy in skeletal development, growth, and disease
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Journal
Birth Defects Research Part C - Embryo Today: Reviews
First Page
74
Last Page
82
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1002/bdrc.21062
Abstract
Most of our bones form through the process of endochondral ossification, which is tightly regulated by the activity of the cartilage growth plate. Chondrocyte maturation through the various stages of growth plate physiology ultimately results in hypertrophy. Chondrocyte hypertrophy is an essential contributor to longitudinal bone growth, but recent data suggest that these cells also play fundamental roles in signaling to other skeletal cells, thus coordinating endochondral ossification. On the other hand, ectopic hypertrophy of articular chondrocytes has been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Thus, a better understanding of the processes that control chondrocyte hypertrophy in the growth plate as well as in articular cartilage is required for improved management of both skeletal growth disorders and osteoarthritis. This review summarizes recent findings on the regulation of hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation, the cellular mechanisms involved in hypertrophy, and the role of chondrocyte hypertrophy in skeletal physiology and pathophysiology. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.