Metabolomic Profiling and Characterization of a Novel 3D Culture System for Studying Chondrocyte Mechanotransduction.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Articular chondrocytes synthesize and maintain the avascular and aneural articular cartilage. In vivo these cells are surrounded by a 3D pericellular matrix (PCM) containing predominantly collagen VI. The PCM protects chondrocytes and facilitates mechanotransduction. PCM stiffness is critical in transmitting biomechanical signals to chondrocytes. Various culture systems with different hydrogels are used to encapsulate chondrocytes for 3D culture, but many lack either the PCM or the in vivo stiffness of the cartilage matrix. This study aimed at establishing a culture system to investigate (a) if chondrocytes cultured in alginate will develop a PCM and (b) study mechanotransduction via metabolic changes induced in 3D agarose-embedded chondrocytes upon mechanical stimulation.<

SUBMITTER: Brahmachary PP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12664864 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature