Wnt16 signaling in bone homeostasis and osteoarthristis

Abstract

Wnts are secreted cysteine-rich glycoproteins involved in joint development and skeletal homeostasis and have been implicated in the occurrence of osteoarthritis. Over the past decade, Wnt16, a member of the Wnt family, has received widespread attention for its strong association with bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness, bone strength, and osteoporotic fracture risk. In recent years, further studies have shed light on the role of Wnt16 a positive regulator of bone mass and protective regulator of osteoarthritis progression. Transduction mechanisms and crosstalk involving Wnt16 signaling have also been illustrated. More importantly, local Wnt16 treatment has been shown to ease osteoarthritis, inhibit bone resorption, and promote new bone formation in bone defect models. Thus, Wnt16 is now a potential therapeutic target for skeletal diseases and osteoarthritis. This paper reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms by which Wnt16 signaling regulates bone homeostasis and osteoarthritis.

Effects of Aging on Osteosynthesis at Bone–Implant Interfaces

“…These paracrine mediators include RANKL, Yesassociated protein (YAP), and Wnt family member 16 (WNT16), etc. [50][51][52][53]. Osteoblasts affect osteoclast formation, differentiation, or apoptosis through several pathways, such as OPG/RANKL/RANK, Wnt signaling, Fas/FasL pathways, and Ephrin2/ephB4 [54,55].…”

Wnt/β-catenin signaling components and mechanisms in bone formation, homeostasis, and disease

“… 91 Wnt16 also shows protective effect on OA. 355 This is indicated by the findings that global knockout of Wnt16 ( Wnt16 −/− ) or chondrocyte-specific knockout of Wnt16 in mice promote OA development with decreased expression of lubricin, increased chondrocyte apoptosis, upregulated MMP13 and Col10a1 (Collagen type X alpha 1) expression, and deteriorated articular cartilage integrity. 356 , 357 Mechanistically, Wnt16 functions through both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling.…”