Published in:
01-09-2014 | Review Article
Development of cartilage tissue engineering techniques based on biomedical research
Author:
Norimasa Iwasaki
Published in:
Journal of Orthopaedic Science
|
Issue 5/2014
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Excerpt
The extracellular matrix (ECM), present between cells, is the authentic substrate for most cells in living organisms. Interplay between the ECM and cells plays a critical role in regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and matrix synthesis. A substantial characteristic of hyaline cartilage is that a few chondrocytes, which are the sole cells in this tissue, are surrounded by the abundant ECM. Therefore, the ECM is considered to be a key regulator of cartilage development and regeneration. …