Targeting heterotopic ossification by inhibiting activin receptor ‑like kinase 2 function (Review).

Targeting heterotopic ossification by inhibiting activin receptor‑like kinase 2 function (Review). Mol Med Rep. 2019 Aug 06;: Authors: Shi F, Gao J, Zou J, Ying Y, Lin H Abstract Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to the appearance of osteoblasts in soft tissues under pathological conditions, such as trauma or infection. HO arises in an unpredictable way without any recognizable initiation. Activin receptor‑like kinase‑2 (ALK2) is a type I cell surface receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). The dysregulation of ALK2 signaling is associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer and HO. At present, the prevention and treatment of HO in the clinic predominantly includes nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates and other drug treatments, low‑dose local radiation therapy and surgical resection, rehabilitation treatment and physical therapy. However, most of these therapies have adverse effects. These methods do not prevent the occurrence of HO. The pathogenesis of HO is not being specifically targeted; the current treatment strategies target the symptoms, not the disease. These treatments also cannot solve the fundamental problem of the occurrence of HO. Therefore, scholars have been working to develop targeted therapies based on the pathogenesis of HO. The present review focuses on advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of HO, and possible options for the prevention ...
Source: Molecular Medicine Reports - Category: Molecular Biology Tags: Mol Med Rep Source Type: research