Extracellular Matrix Stiffening Contributes to Cartilage Aging and Osteoarthritis

Age-related changes in the structure of the extracellular matrix that surrounds and supports cells are not as well studied as changes in cell behavior. Nonetheless, there is plenty of evidence for changes in the extracellular matrix to negatively affect tissue function. Cells create and maintain the matrix, but the state of the matrix in turn influences cells, and over time is affected by more than just cell behavior. Metabolic processes can alter and fragment elastin, cross-link collagen molecules, and so forth. Cross-linking of matrix molecules occurs with age as a byproduct of the normal operation of metabolism, reducing flexibility and increasing stiffness. Targeting this cross-linking is a field still in its infancy, and only a few lines of research and development have made significant progress. Clinical trials of cross-link breaking in the lens of the eye have been undertaken, but this chemistry isn't relevant to the rest of the body. Some inroads have been made on finding ways to break down the persistent glucosepane cross-links that appear to be the most relevant to human extracellular matrix aging elsewhere in the body, but despite the launch of a company, Revel Pharmaceuticals, to develop these candidate treatments, there is still a long road ahead. New mechanism uncovered behind osteoarthritis could inform new treatments Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in a joint stiffens and begins to break down which then damages the underlying bone, ...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs