Arthrogryposis, also known as joint contractures, is a condition that results in multiple joint deformities. It is characterized by the inability to move a joint, resulting in a fixed, bent position. This can affect any joint in the body but is most commonly seen in the arms, legs, and spine.

According to Ma et al., Botox injection and a dietary fatty acid commonly found in fish reduced joint and tendon defects.

“The study by Ma et al. provides exciting new insights into the mechanisms that cause DA,” writes Urich Müller in a related Perspective. “Finding that expression of the gain-of-function allele of Piezo2 in young adult mice does not cause DA symptoms is reassuring. It narrows down a time window for potential therapeutic intervention that could lead to lifelong improvement for the affected patients.”

Reference: “Excessive mechanotransduction in sensory neurons causes joint contractures” by Shang Ma, Adrienne E. Dubin, Luis O. Romero, Meaghan Loud, Alexandra Salazar, Sarah Chu, Nikola Klier, Sameer Masri, Yunxiao Zhang, Yu Wang, Alex T. Chesler, Katherine A. Wilkinson, Valeria Vásquez, Kara L. Marshall and Ardem Patapoutian, 12 January 2023, Science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.add3598