Dynamic compression of chondrocyte-agarose constructs reveals new candidate mechanosensitive genes.

ABSTRACT: Articular cartilage is physiologically exposed to repeated loads. The mechanical properties of cartilage are due to its extracellular matrix, and homeostasis is maintained by the sole cell type found in cartilage, the chondrocyte. Although mechanical forces clearly control the functions of articular chondrocytes, the biochemical pathways that mediate cellular responses to mechanical stress have not been fully characterised. The aim of our study was to examine early molecular events triggered by dynamic compression in chondrocytes. We used an experimental system consisting of primary mouse chondrocytes embedded within an agarose hydrogel; embedded cells were pre-cultured for one week and subjected to short-term compression experiments. Using Western blots, we demonstrated that chondrocytes

SUBMITTER: Bougault C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3355169 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature