Open Access

Targeting heterotopic ossification by inhibiting activin receptor‑like kinase 2 function (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Fuli Shi
    • Jiayu Gao
    • Junrong Zou
    • Ying Ying
    • Hui Lin
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: August 6, 2019     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2019.10556
  • Pages: 2979-2989
  • Copyright: © Shi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to the appearance of osteoblasts in soft tissues under pathological conditions, such as trauma or infection. HO arises in an unpredictable way without any recognizable initiation. Activin receptor‑like kinase‑2 (ALK2) is a type I cell surface receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). The dysregulation of ALK2 signaling is associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer and HO. At present, the prevention and treatment of HO in the clinic predominantly includes nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates and other drug treatments, low‑dose local radiation therapy and surgical resection, rehabilitation treatment and physical therapy. However, most of these therapies have adverse effects. These methods do not prevent the occurrence of HO. The pathogenesis of HO is not being specifically targeted; the current treatment strategies target the symptoms, not the disease. These treatments also cannot solve the fundamental problem of the occurrence of HO. Therefore, scholars have been working to develop targeted therapies based on the pathogenesis of HO. The present review focuses on advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of HO, and possible options for the prevention and treatment of HO. In addition, the role of ALK2 in the process of HO is introduced and the progress made towards the targeted inhibition of ALK2 is discussed. The present study aims to offer a platform for further research on possible targets for the prevention and treatment of HO.
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October-2019
Volume 20 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

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Spandidos Publications style
Shi F, Gao J, Zou J, Ying Y and Lin H: Targeting heterotopic ossification by inhibiting activin receptor‑like kinase 2 function (Review). Mol Med Rep 20: 2979-2989, 2019
APA
Shi, F., Gao, J., Zou, J., Ying, Y., & Lin, H. (2019). Targeting heterotopic ossification by inhibiting activin receptor‑like kinase 2 function (Review). Molecular Medicine Reports, 20, 2979-2989. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2019.10556
MLA
Shi, F., Gao, J., Zou, J., Ying, Y., Lin, H."Targeting heterotopic ossification by inhibiting activin receptor‑like kinase 2 function (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 20.4 (2019): 2979-2989.
Chicago
Shi, F., Gao, J., Zou, J., Ying, Y., Lin, H."Targeting heterotopic ossification by inhibiting activin receptor‑like kinase 2 function (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 20, no. 4 (2019): 2979-2989. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2019.10556