The Chondrocyte Channelome: A Narrative Review

Chondrocytes are the main cells in the extracellular matrix and possess a highly differentiated phenotype that is hallmark of the unique physiological functions of articular cartilage. The plasma membrane of articular chondrocytes contains a rich and diverse complement of membrane proteins, known as the membranome, which defines the cell surface phenotype of the cells. The chondrocyte membranome is a key target of pharmacological agents and is important for function and includes channels, transporters, enzymes, receptors, and anchors for intracellular, cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix proteins and other macromolecular complexes. The chondrocyte channelome, is a sub-compartment of the membranome and includes a complete set of ion channels and porins expressed in these cells. Many of these are multi-functional proteins with “moonlighting” roles, serving as channels, receptors and signalling components of larger molecular assemblies. The aim of this review is to summarise our current knowledge on the fundamental aspects of chondrocyte channelome, discuss its relevance to cartilage biology and highlight its possible role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Excessive and inappropriate mechanical loads, an inflammatory micro-environment, alternative splicing of channel components or accumulation of basic calcium phosphate crystals can result in the altered chondrocyte channelome function. Alterations in Ca2+ signalling may lead to defective synthesis of ECM macromolecules and aggravated catabolic responses in chondrocytes, which is an important and relatively unexplored aspect of the complex mechanism of osteoarthritis development.