Can mechanical forces sculpt cartilage? This review explores the regulatory pathways that enable chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli, driving tissue remodeling. The article highlights how mechanical loading influences chondrocyte-mediated biosynthesis, degradation, and repair of cartilage. It compares the effects of compression and tissue shear deformation, also describing approaches to study mechanical regulation of gene expression. Recent experiments have underscored the crucial role of mechanotransduction in vivo, particularly in the feedback loop between physical stimuli, molecular structure of newly synthesized matrix molecules, and macroscopic biomechanical properties of dense connective tissues. The review delves into these intricate mechanisms, showcasing the remarkable ability of cartilage to adapt to its mechanical environment. Understanding the processes of cartilage tissue remodeling holds promise for developing innovative therapeutic strategies for cartilage repair and regeneration, ultimately addressing conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Published in the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, this review is highly relevant due to the journal's focus on integrating engineering principles with biomedical advancements. The paper's exploration of mechanotransduction and cartilage remodeling aligns perfectly with the journal's scope, addressing a critical area in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
| Category | Category Repetition |
|---|---|
| Science: Biology (General) | 121 |
| Medicine: Medicine (General) | 114 |
| Medicine: Medicine (General): Medical technology | 106 |
| Science: Biology (General): Genetics | 87 |
| Science: Physics | 72 |