Depleting transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 signalling in the cartilage of -null mice attenuates spontaneous knee osteoarthritis.

Objectives: Integrin α1β1 protects against osteoarthritis (OA) when it is upregulated in the superficial zone of cartilage in the early stages of disease. However, the mechanism behind this protection is unknown. Integrin α1β1 moderates transforming growth factor β receptor II (TGFBR2) signalling, a critical regulator of chondrocyte anabolic activity.