Document Type
Article
Journal Title
Science Advances
Publication Date
2025
Volume
11
Abstract
Physical properties of cartilage are conferred by the composition and ultrastructure of the extracellular matrix. This study focuses on the development of the pericellular matrix (PCM), a domain that directly contacts the chondrocyte and is a key regulator of biomechanical and biochemical signaling. Using three-dimensional cell culture, microfluidic cell compression platforms, and genetic mouse models, we demonstrated that collagen VI is initially assembled at the cell surface and then displaced to form a shell at the PCM-territorial matrix boundary. Cell surface-bound hyaluronan is crucial for the assembly process, and hyaluronan-aggrecan complexes drive displacement. Integrin adhesion is not required early but is crucial to determine the final placement of the collagen VI shell. Dynamic compression accelerated PCM maturation except in aggrecan mutants. Together, these findings provide key insights into the development of the mechanosensitive PCM and establish an in vitro platform to support studies of matrix biology in normal and disease models.
MeSH Headings
Animals, Extracellular Matrix, Mice, Chondrocytes, Mechanotransduction, Cellular, Hyaluronic Acid, Aggrecans, Collagen Type VI, Biomechanical Phenomena
DOI Link
ISSN
2375-2548
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Donghee; Greer, Sydney E.; and Dudley, Andrew T., "Development of the Mechanoresponsive Pericellular Matrix of Chondrons" (2025). Journal Articles: Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy. 58.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/com_gcba_articles/58