Clock gene Bmal1 influences the cell cycle of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease caused by multiple factors. This study used in vitro and animal models to investigate the connection between the biological clock and cell cycle in osteoarthritic cartilage. The results indicate that the transcription levels of the circadian clock gene Bmal1 exhibit a negative correlation with Mmp13 and positive correlation with Wee1. Thus, increased expression of Bmal1 and Wee1 may be a potential protective factor in osteoarthritis, while high expression of Per1, Cdk1, Ccnb1, and Mmp13 may be a risk factor. By controlling the cell cycle and contributing to the pathophysiology of OA, the biological clock may impact the apoptosis of chondrocytes.