The effect of in vivo chondrocyte depletion on the structural and functional properties of murine articular cartilage

Articular cartilage is an intricate and remarkable tissue found within synovial joints. It is essential for providing low-friction and load bearing during movement, resulting in pain-free mobility. Chondrocytes are the sole cell population present within the articular cartilage and play a critical role in tissue homeostasis. As the cellular building blocks of cartilage, they direct the synthesis and maintenance of this tissues proteoglycan-rich collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM), which in turn confers the mechanical properties required for cartilage to withstand shear and compressive loadings generated about 1000’s of times per day.