Journal article
Structure, Mechanics, and Mechanobiology of Fibrocartilage Pericellular Matrix Mediated by Type V Collagen
Advanced science, v 12(32), e14750
28 Aug 2025
PMID: 40407177
Abstract
The pericellular matrix (PCM) is the immediate microniche surrounding cells in various tissues, regulating matrix turnover, cell-matrix interactions, and disease. This study elucidates the structure-mechanical properties and mechanobiology of the PCM in fibrocartilage, using the murine meniscus as the model. The fibrocartilage PCM is comprised of thin, randomly oriented collagen fibrils that entrap proteoglycans, contrasting with the densely packed, highly aligned collagen fibers in the bulk extracellular matrix (ECM). Compared to the ECM, the PCM exhibits lower modulus and greater isotropy, but has similar relative viscoelastic properties. In Col5a1
menisci, the reduction of collagen V results in thicker, more heterogeneous collagen fibrils, reduced modulus, loss of isotropy and faster viscoelastic relaxation in the PCM. Such altered PCM leads to impaired matrix-to-cell strain transmission, and in turn, disrupts mechanotransduction of meniscal cells, as illustrated by reduced calcium signaling activities and alters expression of matrix genes. In vitro, Col5a1
cells produce a weakened PCM with inferior properties and reduced protection of cells against tensile stretch. These findings highlight the PCM as a distinctive microstructure in fibrocartilage mechanobiology, underscoring a pivotal role of collagen V in PCM function. Targeting the PCM or its constituents offers potential for improving meniscus regeneration, osteoarthritis intervention and broader fibrocartilage-related therapies.
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Details
- Title
- Structure, Mechanics, and Mechanobiology of Fibrocartilage Pericellular Matrix Mediated by Type V Collagen
- Creators
- Chao Wang - Drexel UniversityMingyue Fan - Drexel UniversitySu Chin Heo - University of PennsylvaniaSheila M Adams - University of South FloridaThomas Li - Drexel UniversityYuchen Liu - Drexel UniversityQing Li - Drexel UniversityClaudia Loebel - University of PennsylvaniaJason A Burdick - University of Colorado BoulderX Lucas Lu - University of DelawareDavid E Birk - University of South FloridaFarid Alisafaei - New Jersey Institute of TechnologyRobert L Mauck - University of PennsylvaniaLin Han (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Advanced science, v 12(32), e14750
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 19
- Grants
- Grant note
- P30AR069619 / NIH HHS R01AR075418 / NIH HHS R01AR074472 / NIH HHS NNCI-1542153 / National Science Foundation R01AR056624 / NIH HHS AR069619 / NIAMS NIH HHS
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001493132000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105006631757
- Other Identifier
- 991022053878204721
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
- Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
- Nanoscience & Nanotechnology