Figure 4 Role of TGFβ in a normal and an osteoarthritic joint Figure 4 | Role of TGFβ in a normal and an osteoarthritic joint. In a healthy joint, loading-induced transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling is important in the maintenance of the differentiated chondrocyte phenotype. In an osteoarthritic joint, TGFβ levels are increased and TGFβ receptor expression on chondrocytes is altered. The high TGFβ concentrations stimulate osteophyte formation, synovial fibrosis and subchondral bone sclerosis and remodelling. In addition, the high TGFβ concentrations, in combination with the altered TGFβ receptor expression, push articular chondrocytes towards hypertrophy. van der Kraan, P. M. (2017) The changing role of TGFβ in healthy, ageing and osteoarthritic joints Nat. Rev. Rheumatol. doi:10.1038/nrrheum.2016.219