Structure, Mechanics, and Mechanobiology of Fibrocartilage Pericellular Matrix Mediated by Type V Collagen.

ABSTRACT: The pericellular matrix (PCM) is the immediate microniche surrounding cells in various tissues, regulating matrix turnover, cell-matrix interactions, and disease. This study elucidates the structure-mechanical properties and mechanobiology of the PCM in fibrocartilage, using the murine meniscus as the model. The fibrocartilage PCM is comprised of thin, randomly oriented collagen fibrils that entrap proteoglycans, contrasting with the densely packed, highly aligned collagen fibers in the bulk extracellular matrix (ECM). Compared to the ECM, the PCM exhibits lower modulus and greater isotropy, but has similar relative viscoelastic properties. In Col5a1^+/- menisci, the reduction of collagen V results in thicker, more heterogeneous collagen fibrils, reduced modulus, loss of isotropy

SUBMITTER: Wang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12407281 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature