Abstract:

The extracellular matrix is an important component of articular cartilage， and in previous studies it was more commonly recognized as a scaffolding structure supporting chondrocytes that provides protection from mechanical loading and elastic compression. As research continues to progress， a large body of literature suggests that the extracellular matrix is dynamic in nature. It degrades， deposits， and releases components in response to changes in its local microenvironment， which in turn dynamically regulates chondrocyte function and fate. Therefore， this review outlines the impact of matrix-chondrocyte interactions on chondrocyte behavior and joint homeostasis in osteoarthritis. It is hoped that the systematic elucidation of matrix-cell reciprocal relationships will provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms of osteoarthritis and the design and construction of cartilage tissue engineering. Specifically， we first summarize the typical molecular components that make up the extracellular matrix and the mechanical properties they confer in the matrix and the mechanotransduction functions they exert in chondrocytes. Next， we discuss the negative impact of chondrocytes on the synthesis and breakdown of matrix components during the osteoarthritic process in response to abnormal mechanical loading in the local microenvironment or disturbance by trauma. Finally， we focus on the impact of an abnormally remodeled extracellular matrix on chondrocyte signaling and the pathological progression of osteoarthritis by mediating the generation of bioactive catabolic fragments， modulating cytokine release， and altering mechanical properties.

Key words: osteoarthritis, cartilage, extracellular matrix, cytokines, mechanobiology