[Joint morphogenesis and development of permanent articular cartilage].

During limb skeletogenesis progenitor mesenchymal cells aggregate at specific times and sites to form continuous precartilaginous condensations. With time the condensations undergo chondrogenesis and give rise to cartilaginous anlagen that exhibit incipient synovial joints at each end. A multitude of factors regulates subdivision into discrete skeletal elements and the formation, organization, morphogenesis and structure of the joints. This review summarizes recent advance of joint morphogenesis and actions of key players of joint and articular cartilage formation. In addition, we would like to discuss possible direction to translate basic research findings towards treatment of joint diseases.