Sliding Hydrogels Reveal the Modulation of Mechanosensing Attenuates the Inflammatory Phenotype of Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes in 3D.

ABSTRACT: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalen degenerative joint disease with no FDA-approved therapies that can halt or reverse its progression. Current treatments address symptoms like pain and inflammation, but not underlying disease mechanisms. OA progression is marked by increased inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of the joint cartilage. While the role of biochemical cues has been widely studied for OA, how matrix mechanical cues influence OA phenotype remains poorly understood. Using sliding hydrogels (SGs) as a tool, we examine how local matrix compliance in 3D modulates OA chondrocyte phenotype and associated mechanosensing. We demonstrate that local matrix compliance reduces the inflammatory phenotype of OA chondrocytes, as indicated by decreased gene expression of catab

SUBMITTER: Ayushman M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12790461 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature