Mitochondrial genome sequencing of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis by human mitochondria RT2 Profiler™ PCR array.

Mitochondria are not only the main energy generators of the cell, but also mediate several critical biochemical processes such as apoptosis, proliferation and redox homeostasis. As such, mitochondrial dysfunctions can lead to a wide variety of human diseases, including cancer and osteoarthritis (OA). In OA, mitochondrial-associated signaling has been implicated in the molecular events leading to cartilage degradation, including oxidative stress, defective chondrocyte biosynthesis and growth responses, increased cytokine-induced chondrocyte inflammation and matrix catabolism, cartilage matrix calcification and increased chondrocyte apoptosis.