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INTEGRINS AND STRETCH ACTIVATED ION CHANNELS; PUTATIVE COMPONENTS OF FUNCTIONAL CELL SURFACE MECHANORECEPTORS IN ARTICULAR CHONDROCYTES
Author(s) -
Mobasheri A.,
Carter S. D.,
MartínVasallo P.,
Shakibaei M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
cell biology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.932
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1095-8355
pISSN - 1065-6995
DOI - 10.1006/cbir.2001.0826
Subject(s) - chondrocyte , mechanotransduction , microbiology and biotechnology , mechanosensitive channels , extracellular matrix , integrin , mechanoreceptor , chemistry , biophysics , signal transduction , cartilage , ion channel , anatomy , biology , cell , neuroscience , receptor , biochemistry , sensory system
Perception of mechanical signals and the biological responses to such stimuli are fundamental properties of load bearing articular cartilage in diarthrodial joints. Chondrocytes utilize mechanical signals to synthesize an extracellular matrix capable of withstanding high loads and shear stresses. Recent studies have shown that chondrocytes undergo changes in shape and volume in a coordinated manner with load induced deformation of the matrix. These matrix changes, together with alterations in hydrostatic pressure, ionic and osmotic composition, interstitial fluid and streaming potentials are, in turn, perceived by chondrocytes. Chondrocyte responses to these stimuli are specific and well coordinated to bring about changes in gene expression, protein synthesis, matrix composition and ultimately biomechanical competence. In this hypothesis paper we propose a chondrocyte mechanoreceptor model incorporating key extracellular matrix macromolecules, integrins, mechanosensitive ion channels, the cytoskeleton and subcellular signal transduction pathways that maintain the chondrocyte phenotype, prevent chondrocyte apoptosis and regulate chondrocyte‐specific gene expression.