MECHANICAL SIGNALS REGULATE THE ANCHORAGE OF COMP IN THE CHONDROCYTE MATRIX

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of chondrocytes is assembled in response to mechanical signals. The non-collagenous ECM protein COMP (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein) stabilizes the collagen network by binding to collagen II and other ECM components [Rosenberg, 1998; Zaucke, 2009]. COMP plays an important role in cartilage adaptation in response to mechanical signals. Serum levels of COMP are elevated after running [Niehoff, 2011] and dynamic loading of chondrocytes in 3D agarose scaffolds increased its expression resulting in altered mechanical properties of the engineered cartilage [Ng, 2009]. However, the cause effect relationship between COMP and mechanical loading is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of cyclic tensile strain on the expression and localization of COMP.