Acute TGFα drives OA-associated transcriptional and metabolic remodelling in primary chondrocytes

Objectives: Articular cartilage degeneration is a hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA); however, underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) and chondrocyte metabolism have been independently implicated in OA pathogenesis; in this study, we investigated whether TGFα affects chondrocyte metabolism. Design: = 4). Results: ), while inducing depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential in chondrocytes. TGFα enhanced extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in the presence of OA synovial fluid. Conclusion: Acute TGFα exposure induces transcriptional changes associated with ROS, glycolysis, and inflammatory signalling. TGFα decreases mitochondrial membrane potential, while increasing glycolysis in the presence of OA synovial fluid, supporting a link between TGFα signalling and metabolic reprogramming.