
Articular cartilage separates the bones in articulating joints (e.g. hips, knees, shoulder, etc.) and allows for almost effortless movement. The predominant cell types found in articular cartilage are termed chondrocytes and are responsible for building, maintaining and degrading the tissue. The pathological breakdown of articular cartilage results in osteoarthritis, which is a wide-spread disease in western civilizations and has a major socio-economic impact. An active lifestyle and adequate mechanical stimulation are essential for cellular health and tissue maintenance. However, to date the molecular mechanisms on how chondrocytes (cartilage cells) integrate mechanical forces into a cellular response (mechanotransduction) are not fully understood. Our aim is, therefore, to better understand the effects of mechanotransduction on cartilage degeneration and regeneration.
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