ENTRAINING THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK WITH MECHANICAL STIMULI DURING IN VITRO CHONDROGENESIS

Abstract

Purpose: During chondrogenesis, chondroprogenitor cells differentiate into chondroblasts and chondrocytes, which produce cartilage ECM in response to internal or external stimuli. These include a combination of chemical, biological, and physical cues, the specific combination and timing of which are essential for chondrogenesis. One of the key external factors relevant to articular cartilage is the biomechanical environment, which plays a role in cartilage formation. Temporal cues are involved in the process, governed by the cell-autonomous circadian clock.