Association between the abnormal expression of matrix‐degrading enzymes by human osteoarthritic chondrocytes and demethylation of specific CpG sites in the promoter regions

Abstract

This study provides the first evidence that altered synthesis of cartilage-degrading enzymes by late-stage OA chondrocytes may have resulted from epigenetic changes in the methylation status of CpG sites in the promoter regions of these enzymes. These changes, which are clonally transmitted to daughter cells, may contribute to the development of OA.