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Characterization of collagenous matrix assembly in a chondrocyte model system
Author(s) -
Yingst Sorcha,
Bloxham Kaci,
Warner Lisa R.,
Brown Raquel J.,
Cole Jennifer,
Kenoyer Linda,
Knowlton William B.,
Oxford Julia Thom
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.32078
Subject(s) - fibril , extracellular matrix , chondrocyte , materials science , matrix (chemical analysis) , biophysics , collagen fibril , cartilage , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , biology , composite material
Collagen is a major component of the newly synthesized pericellular microenvironment of chondrocytes. Collagen types II, IX, and XI are synthesized and assembled into higher ordered complexes by a mechanism in which type XI collagen plays a role in nucleation of new fibrils, and in limiting fibril diameter. This study utilizes a cell line derived from the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma that allows the accumulation and assembly of pericellular matrix. Immunofluorescence and atomic force microscopy were used to assess early intermediates of fibril formation. Results indicate that this cell line synthesizes and secretes chondrocyte‐specific pericellular matrix molecules including types II, IX, and XI collagen and is suitable for the study of newly synthesized collagen matrix under the experimental conditions used. AFM data indicate that small fibrils or assemblies of microfibrils are detectable and may represent precursors of the ∼20 nm thin fibrils reported in cartilage. Treatment with hyaluronidase indicates that the dimensions of the small fibrils may be dependent upon the presence of hyaluronan within the matrix. This study provides information on the composition and organization of the newly synthesized extracellular matrix that plays a role in establishing the material properties and performance of biological materials such as cartilage. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009