Rapid Growth of Cartilage Rudiments may Generate Perichondrial Structures by Mechanical Induction

Abstract

Experimental and theoretical research suggest that mechanical stimuli may play a role in morphogenesis. We investigated whether theoretically predicted patterns of stress and strain generated during the growth of a skeletal condensation are similar to in vivo expression patterns of chondrogenic and osteogenic genes. The analysis showed that predicted patterns of compressive hydrostatic stress (pressure) correspond to the expression patterns of chondrogenic genes, and predicted patterns of tensile strain correspond to the expression patterns of osteogenic genes. Furthermore, the results of iterative application of the analysis suggest that stresses and strains generated by the growing condensation could promote the formation and refinement of stiff tissue surrounding the condensation, a prediction that is in agreement with an observed increase in collagen bundling surrounding the cartilage condensation, as indicated by picro-sirius red staining. These results are consistent with mechanical stimuli playing an inductive or maintenance role in the developing cartilage and associated perichondrium and bone collar. This theoretical analysis provides insight into the potential importance of mechanical stimuli during the growth of skeletogenic condensations.

Mechanical modulation of osteochondroprogenitor cell fate

“…The points depicted in the figure represent both primary cells and cells lines, which have been demonstrated to have similar properties. 1 Pa = 10 dyn/cm 2 (after Anderson and Knothe Tate 2007a) [McBeath et al 2004, Meinel et al 2004, Knippenberg et al 2005, David et al 2007, Akimoto et al 2005, Baksh et al 2006, Campbell et al 2006, Takahashi et al 1998, Miyhanishi et al 2006, Hillsley and Frangos 1994, Billotte et al 2001, Klein-Nulend et al 1986, Wong and Carter 1990, Henderson et al 2007, Angele et al 2003, Roelofsen et al 1995, Illi et al 2005]. …”

Automated, contour-based tracking and analysis of cell behaviour over long time scales in environments of varying complexity and cell density

“…These in vitro environments can better mimic dynamic processes that exist in vivo, such as morphogenetic deformations [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling [18][19][20]. For example, materials with mechanically or magnetically actuated surface topography or altered stiffness can change cell morphology [21][22][23] and lineage specification [24].…”

Periosteal biaxial residual strains correlate with bone specific growth rates in chick embryos

“…The flattened appearance of cells in the perichondrium, which is the precursor to periosteum, suggests that cells are under tension in the longitudinal and circumferential directions (Figure 1; Rooney and Archer 1992;Henderson et al 2007). During development, bone growth in circumference occurs through the process of periosteal bone apposition and in length through endochondral ossification.…”

“…During development, bone growth in circumference occurs through the process of periosteal bone apposition and in length through endochondral ossification. Previous studies have suggested that circumferential tension in the perichondrium/periosteum may influence the ossification of the bone collar, which occurs through periosteal bone apposition (Henderson et al 2007). Additionally, it has been suggested that the longitudinal tensile stresses in the periosteum apply compressive loads across the growth plate, thereby restraining endochondral ossification at the physis (D'Souza and Shah 1999).…”