Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
DDR2, MMP13, osteoarthritis, joint degeneration, cartilage erosion, synovial inflammation
College
Life Sciences
Department
Physiology and Developmental Biology
Abstract
Arthritis is a painful, debilitating disease that affects sixty-six million Americans (The Arthritis Foundation 2005). Osteoarthritis (OA) results in joint degeneration caused by cartilage erosion and synovial inflammation. While the causes of OA remain unclear, current evidence suggests that both mechanical and biochemical factors can initiate OA. Since ethical and practical issues limit the availability of human tissue in OA research it is necessary to use animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Current research suggests the heterozygous Dmm mouse (D/+) is a valid model for early-onset OA (Bomsta 2005). To use D/+ mice as a model for OA more work is needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in the D/+ pathology. Through this study we have further established the mechanism by which OA onset is initiated in D/+ mice.
Recommended Citation
Merrell, Allyson and Merrell, Kenneth
(2013)
"Up-Regulation of DDR2 and MMP13 as a Mechanism of Osteoarthritis,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1433.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1433