Chow G, Nietfeld JJ, Knudson CB, Knudson W. Antisense inhibition of chondrocyte CD44 expression leading to cartilage chondrolysis.
ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 1998;
41:1411-9. [PMID:
9704639 DOI:
10.1002/1529-0131(199808)41:8<1411::aid-art10>3.0.co;2-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To better define critical functions of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 in cartilage.
METHODS
Articular chondrocytes and cartilage tissue slices were treated with CD44 sequence-specific antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. CD44 expression was probed by immunofluorescence microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting.
RESULTS
Antisense oligonucleotides demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of CD44 protein expression; negative controls showed no effect. Similar to osteoarthritic cartilage, antisense-treated cartilage slices displayed a near-total loss of stainable proteoglycan-rich matrix.
CONCLUSION
CD44 expression is needed for maintenance of cartilage homeostasis.
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