Localisation-Dependent Variations in Articular Cartilage ECM: Implications for Tissue Engineering and Cartilage Repair.

ABSTRACT: Articular cartilage (AC) is a specialised connective tissue covering joint surfaces. It enables smooth movement, distributes mechanical loads, and protects the underlying bone. In response to loading, AC adapts by modifying both its thickness and composition. AC is organised in different zones, with low cellularity and a high abundance of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mechanical overloading or immobilisation can lead to structural changes, potentially resulting in osteoarthritis (OA), for which no causal treatment currently exists. However, smaller defects can be treated using chondrocyte/cartilage transplantation or tissue engineering. A better understanding of the molecular composition of AC at different locations is essential to improve such therapeutic approaches. For this purpose, we pe

SUBMITTER: Weimer L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12524475 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature