Finally, we show evidence that increased ELF3 mRNA expression in OA chondrocytes correlates with hypermethylation of the proximal promoter, suggesting that ELF3 transcription is subjected to epigenetic control in OA disease.
Intracellular ESE-1 staining in chondrocytes in cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), but not in normal cartilage, further suggests a fundamental role for ESE-1 in cartilage degeneration and suppression of repair.
Immunohistochemical analysis showed specific expression of ESE-1 in cells of the synovial lining layer and in some mononuclear and endothelial cells in RA and OA synovial tissues.