Localisation-Dependent Variations in Articular Cartilage ECM: Implications for Tissue Engineering and Cartilage Repair
Year: 2025
Type: article
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 performed a comprehensive analysis of porcine femoral knee cartilage at eight defined anatomical sites. Cartilage thickness and proteoglycan (PG) content were analysed histologically, while specific ECM proteins were assessed by proteomics and validated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Significant differences were identified, particularly between medial and lateral compartments, in terms of cartilage thickness, PG abundance, and ECM composition. Some proteins also showed zone-specific localisation patterns. These structural differences likely reflect adaptation to mechanical loading and should be considered to optimise future cartilage repair and tissue engineering strategies.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms26199331
Institutions: University of Huddersfield, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, University of Copenhagen, University of Cologne, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases, University Hospital Cologne, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital Frankfurt
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Awards: G140106662, G1526988638, G1577097046, FOR 2722: Neue molekulare Determinanten der Homöostase der muskuloskelettalen extrazellulären Matrix ein systemischer Ansatz, TRR 259: Aortenerkrankungen, G3038008616, G3391696347, G3471047520, G3788027139, G4591880813, G6214362036, G6365783572, G6419405757, G6672539389, G6836826165, G6842265708, G687592868, G6939473826, G7344062161, G7499735357, G7697097940, Regulation der Kollagenproduktion bei fibrosierenden Erkrankungen der Haut durch Modulation von TANGO1, G8864365488
OpenAlex ID: W4414516559