Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) is recognized as a versatile cytokine that plays a vital role in regulation of joint development, homeostasis, and diseases, but its role as a biological mechanism is understood far less than that of its counterpart, TGF-β1. Cartilage as a load-resisting structure in vertebrates however displays a fragile performance when any tissue disturbance occurs, due to its lack of blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. Recent reports have indicated that TGF-β2 is involved in the physiological processes of chondrocytes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis, and the pathological progress of cartilage such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TGF-β2 also shows its potent capacity in the repair of cartilage defects by recruiting autologous mesenchymal stem cells and promoting secretion of other growth factor clusters. In addition, some pioneering studies have already considered it as a potential target in the treatment of OA and RA. This article aims to summarize the current progress of TGF-β2 in cartilage development and diseases, which might provide new cues for remodelling of cartilage defect and intervention of cartilage diseases.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with limited coding potential, which have emerged as novel regulators in many biological and pathological processes, including growth, development, and oncogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that lncRNAs have a special role in the osteogenic differentiation of various types of cell, including stem cells from different sources such as embryo, bone marrow, adipose tissue and periodontal ligaments, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Involved in complex mechanisms, lncRNAs regulate osteogenic markers and key regulators and pathways in osteogenic differentiation. In this review, we provide insights into the functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in osteogenesis and highlight their emerging roles and clinical value in regenerative medicine and osteogenesis-related diseases.
