Human Chondrocytes (Osteoarthritis)

Description

Human Chondrocytes (Osteoarthritis), also known as HC-OA, are primary human cells isolated from the articular cartilage of individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis, typically adults, though exact donor age and gender are often unspecified. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage due to the overproduction of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes. These fibroblast-like cells exhibit an adherent growth pattern and typically show a polygonal to elongated morphology in culture. Although they initially respond to cartilage injury with increased activity, they fail to regenerate the damaged tissue effectively. Instead, they enter a terminal differentiation process, followed by apoptosis, which contributes to cartilage calcification, mimicking endochondral ossification. Karyotype analysis is not always routinely provided, and these cells are not tumorigenic.

Application

• HC-OA cells are a valuable model for studying chondrocyte behavior within the context of an osteoarthritic joint. They offer an opportunity toidentify key factors and pathways driving cartilage degradation during osteoarthritis. By utilizing HC-OA cells, researchers can study how chondrocytes respond to osteoarthritic conditions present in the osteoarthritic joint. This model provides insights into the cellular processes underlying the development and progression of osteoarthritis, aiding in the development of targeted interventions and potential therapeutic strategies.