A review of crosstalk between MAPK and Wnt signals and its impact on cartilage regeneration

Chondrogenesis is a developmental process that is controlled and coordinated by many growth and differentiation factors, in addition to environmental factors that initiate or suppress cellular signaling pathways and the transcription of specific genes in a temporal-spatial manner. As key signaling molecules in regulating cell proliferation, homeostasis and development, both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and the Wnt family participate in morphogenesis and tissue patterning, playing important roles in skeletal development, especially chondrogenesis. Recent findings suggest that both signals are also actively involved in arthritis and related diseases. Despite the implication that crosstalk between MAPK and Wnt signaling has a significant function in cancer, few studies have summarized this interaction and its regulation of chondrogenesis. In this review, we focus on MAPK and Wnt signaling, referencing their relationships in various types of cells and particularly to their influence on chondrogenesis and cartilage development. We also discuss the interactions between MAPK and Wnt signaling with respect to cartilage-related diseases such as osteoarthritis and explore potential therapeutic targets for disease treatments.