Pig meniscus single-cell sequencing reveals highly active red zone chondrocyte populations involved in stemness maintenance and vascularization development.

ABSTRACT: Meniscus injuries are widespread and the available treatments do not offer enough healing potential. Here, we provide critical support for using pigs as a biological model for meniscal degeneration and the development of cutting-edge therapies in orthopedics. We present a single-cell transcriptome atlas of the meniscus, consisting of cell clusters corresponding to four major cell types: chondrocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells. Five distinct chondrocyte subclusters (CH0‒CH4) were annotated, of which only one was widespread in both the red and white zones, indicating a major difference in the cellular makeup of the zones. Subclusters distinct to the white zone appear responsible for cartilage-specific matrix deposition and protection against adverse microenviro

SUBMITTER: Mankowska M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12303794 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature