Scope: Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage
JOC focuses exclusively on the mechanistic understanding of osteoarthritis and cartilage diseases. We publish research that examines molecular pathways, cellular processes, disease models, and biomarkers that explain how these conditions develop and progress at the fundamental biological level.
Our Core Focus: JOC emphasizes molecular mechanisms, cellular pathways, biomarker discovery, and pathophysiological processes. We seek research that elucidates the biological basis of joint degeneration, cartilage breakdown, inflammatory cascades, and tissue repair mechanisms.
What We Do Not Cover: Clinical treatment protocols, patient management strategies, surgical techniques, therapeutic guidelines, or clinical outcomes research fall outside our scope. Our focus remains on understanding disease mechanisms rather than clinical practice applications.
Molecular Mechanisms
Gene expression, signaling pathways, protein interactions, epigenetic modifications, and molecular cascades in cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis progression.
Cellular Pathophysiology
Chondrocyte biology, synoviocyte function, osteoblast-osteoclast dynamics, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cellular senescence in joint tissues.
Biomarker Discovery
Identification and validation of biochemical, molecular, and imaging biomarkers for disease onset, progression, and mechanistic subtypes of osteoarthritis.
Disease Models
Development and characterization of in vitro, ex vivo, and animal models that recapitulate osteoarthritis pathophysiology for mechanistic investigation.
Extracellular Matrix Biology
Collagen degradation, proteoglycan loss, matrix metalloproteinase activity, aggrecanase function, and ECM remodeling in cartilage pathology.
Inflammatory Pathways
Cytokine networks, chemokine signaling, complement activation, innate immunity mechanisms, and inflammasome activation in joint inflammation.
Metabolic Dysregulation
Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy defects, metabolic reprogramming, and nutrient sensing pathways in chondrocytes.
Mechanobiology
Mechanical stress responses, load-induced signaling, mechanotransduction pathways, and biomechanical factors influencing cartilage homeostasis.
Tissue Repair Mechanisms
Endogenous repair pathways, regenerative capacity limits, progenitor cell biology, and molecular barriers to cartilage regeneration.
Research Areas We Publish
Molecular Pathogenesis
- Gene regulatory networks in osteoarthritis
- Non-coding RNA mechanisms in cartilage disease
- Epigenetic modifications and chromatin remodeling
- Transcriptional profiling and single-cell analysis
- Protein post-translational modifications
Cellular Mechanisms
- Chondrocyte phenotype alterations and dedifferentiation
- Synovial cell activation and inflammatory mediator release
- Subchondral bone remodeling cellular mechanisms
- Cell death pathways: apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis
- Cellular senescence and SASP factor secretion
Signaling Pathways
- Wnt, TGF-beta, BMP, and Hedgehog pathways
- MAPK, NF-kappaB, and JAK-STAT signaling
- mTOR, AMPK, and nutrient sensing cascades
- Integrin-mediated mechanotransduction
- Growth factor receptor signaling networks
Biomarker Systems
- Proteomic signatures of disease progression
- Metabolomic profiles in synovial fluid and serum
- MicroRNA biomarkers for disease stratification
- Imaging biomarkers of molecular processes
- Multi-omics integration for mechanistic subtypes
Disease Models and Experimental Systems: JOC welcomes research utilizing innovative model systems including CRISPR-engineered cell lines, organoid cultures, precision-cut tissue slices, microfluidic joint-on-chip platforms, and genetically modified animal models that enable mechanistic investigation of osteoarthritis pathophysiology.
Publication Types
Original Research Articles
Comprehensive reports of novel mechanistic findings that significantly advance understanding of osteoarthritis and cartilage disease pathophysiology. Studies must include rigorous experimental validation, appropriate controls, and mechanistic interpretation.
Mechanistic Review Articles
Critical syntheses of current knowledge on specific molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, or pathophysiological processes in osteoarthritis. Reviews should provide mechanistic frameworks and identify key unanswered questions.
Methodological Advances
Reports of novel techniques, disease models, or analytical approaches that enable mechanistic investigation of osteoarthritis and cartilage disease. Must include validation and demonstration of utility.
Short Communications
Concise reports of preliminary mechanistic findings, novel observations, or technical innovations that warrant rapid dissemination to the research community.
Why Publish in JOC
- Mechanistic Focus: Dedicated venue for in-depth exploration of disease mechanisms without clinical application requirements
- Open Access Visibility: Immediate global accessibility ensures maximum impact for mechanistic discoveries
- Expert Peer Review: Reviewers with deep expertise in molecular and cellular mechanisms of joint diseases
- Rapid Publication: Efficient editorial processes accelerate dissemination of mechanistic insights
- Interdisciplinary Audience: Reaches molecular biologists, biochemists, cell biologists, and translational researchers
- Rigorous Standards: Commitment to reproducibility, transparency, and methodological rigor in mechanistic research
Editorial Standards and Review Process
All manuscripts undergo rigorous peer review by experts in molecular and cellular mechanisms of osteoarthritis and cartilage disease. Our review process emphasizes:
- Mechanistic Clarity: Assessment of whether proposed mechanisms are supported by experimental evidence
- Experimental Rigor: Evaluation of controls, replication, statistical approaches, and data quality
- Translational Relevance: Consideration of how mechanistic insights advance understanding of disease pathophysiology
- Reproducibility: Verification that methods are sufficiently detailed for independent replication
- Data Transparency: Encouragement of data sharing, protocol deposition, and open science practices
Editorial Board
JOC's Editorial Board comprises internationally recognized experts in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of osteoarthritis and cartilage disease. Our editors bring deep expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and systems approaches to joint pathophysiology.
Southern Medical University, China
Cyprus International University
Private Society Surgical Medical Center
University of Messina
University Hospital Senene, Siena, Italy
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Medical University of Vienna
King George Medical University
View complete editorial board information and areas of expertise on our Editorial Board page.
Submission Guidelines
JOC welcomes submissions from researchers investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of osteoarthritis and cartilage disease. We accept manuscripts via our online submission system or by email to [email protected].
Manuscript Requirements
- Manuscripts must be in English and follow journal formatting guidelines
- Include structured abstract emphasizing mechanistic findings (250 words maximum)
- Provide detailed methods enabling independent replication
- Present data with appropriate statistical analysis and visualization
- Discuss findings in context of current mechanistic understanding
- Declare all funding sources and conflicts of interest
- Include author contribution statements using CRediT taxonomy
- Confirm institutional ethical approvals for human or animal research
Detailed submission instructions, formatting requirements, and ethical guidelines are available in our Instructions for Authors.
Article Processing Charges: JOC operates on an open access model with article processing charges (APCs) applied to accepted manuscripts. APCs support rigorous peer review, professional editing, and global dissemination. View detailed pricing and waiver policies on our APC information page.
Submit Your Mechanistic Research
Join the global community of researchers advancing understanding of osteoarthritis and cartilage disease pathophysiology. JOC provides a dedicated platform for mechanistic discoveries that shape the future of joint disease research.
