The senolytic activity of connexin43 peptides target senescence in osteoarthritis: new treatment approaches based on targeted therapy

Abstract

Purpose: Chondrocytes in articular cartilage undergo senescence, restricting cartilage regeneration and favoring osteoarthritis (OA) progression. We have previously identified connexin43 (Cx43) as a new therapeutic target for OA. This channel protein forms gap junction channels (GJs) and hemichannels, which mediate the exchange of signaling molecules, ions and metabolites between cells. Cx43 controls dedifferentiation increasing the synthesis of metabolic factors such as IL-1ß leading to accumulation of senescence cells in OA models.