5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Spatial proteomic mapping reveals early molecular changes in knee joints associated with osteoarthritis progression.

• 2

  MALDI-MSI allowed localization of peptides in cartilage and subchondral bone, enhancing analysis of mineralized tissue.

• 3

  Collagen-derived peptides and modifications linked to matrix remodeling were upregulated in subchondral bone beneath damaged cartilage.

• 4

  Bone remodeling may occur before visible cartilage degeneration, indicating subchondral bone as an early OA progression marker.

• 5

  Linking tissue proteomic signatures with synovial fluid signals could enable earlier assessment and monitoring of OA.