Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Articular cartilage is very important for joint movement and the dissipation ofbiomechanical forces
placed on joints during exercise. Yet, cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the synthesis and
breakdown of cartilage by chondrocytes when adapting to meet the needs of a healthy, fully-functional
joint remain poorly understood. The lack of a strong foundation of knowledge about chondrocyte
function makes it difficult to answer even basic questions about the mechanisms essential for cartilage
maturation and repair. In order to better understand how chondrocytes function during maturation and
how attempts are made at the healing of joint surface lesions, we intend to examine differential patterns
of gene expression. Chondrocyte gene expression from normal adult cartilage will be compared to three
different groups: 1) neonatal articular cartilage, 2) isolated articular chondrocytes allowed to "dedifferentiate"
in culture, and 3) repair tissue from articular cartilage lesions. Initial genomic-scale
comparisons will be made through micro array transcriptional profiling using an equine-specific cartilage
cDNA microarray containing 9,322 unique clone sets derived from the articular cartilage of a
thoroughbred yearling. As these comparisons 8!e made, patterns of gene expression will elucidate
which clones to further investigate because they contribute significantly to the functional adaptation of
chondrocytes during maturation and repair.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 9/1/06 → 8/31/08 |
Funding
- Morris Animal Foundation: $70,000.00
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