ANALYSING THE SURFACEOME DURING CHONDROGENESIS: SEARCHING FOR NOVEL BIOMARKERS

Abstract

Purpose: Chondroprogenitor cells differentiate into chondroblasts and then chondrocytes during the complex process of chondrogenesis. During this process, they produce cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) in a dynamic manner. Given that the matrix undergoes profound changes between early and late stages, it is plausible to hypothesise that chondroprogenitors differentiating into chondrocytes are characterised by a dynamically changing surfaceome - i.e., the assembly of plasma membrane ion channels, transporters and other cell surface molecules that regulate their function and phenotype, and maintain communication with the ECM.