The unfolded protein response genes in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes: PERK emerges as a potential therapeutic target

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated following an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the global expression of UPR genes in human OA chondrocytes in induced (I)-UPR conditions, and to explore the regulation and role of the UPR genes in homeostatic (H)-UPR conditions in human normal and OA chondrocytes. Gene expression was determined by PCR array and qPCR. Protein production in cartilage was determined by immunohistochemistry, gene silencing by specific siRNAs, and gene regulation by treating chondrocytes with cytokines and growth factors asso... Mehr ...