Ucma was discovered as a protein highly expressed in the articular cartilage and osteophytes during arthritis. It has been identified as a key player in blocking the activity of ADAMTS aggrecanases, enzymes that contribute to cartilage degeneration. The ability of Ucma to inhibit these enzymes makes it a promising target for therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing cartilage degradation in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis .
Ucma exerts its protective effects on cartilage by physically interacting with ADAMTS5, one of the major aggrecanases involved in cartilage breakdown. This interaction inhibits the aggrecanase activity of ADAMTS5, thereby preventing the degradation of aggrecan, a critical component of the cartilage extracellular matrix. Studies have shown that Ucma can effectively inhibit ADAMTS5-triggered or IL-1β-triggered aggrecanolysis both in vitro and in vivo .
The therapeutic potential of Ucma lies in its ability to protect cartilage from degradation in inflammatory arthritis. Experimental studies have demonstrated that treatment with recombinant Ucma can inhibit cartilage degeneration and reduce osteophyte formation in animal models of arthritis. This suggests that Ucma could be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for preventing cartilage degradation and promoting cartilage repair in patients with arthritis .