Molecular Response to Biomechanical Loading in Human Growth Plate Cartilage

Understanding the effects of biomechanical loading on human growth plate cartilage, which are unknown so far, could uncover diagnostic and therapeutic avenues. To address this, we used rare human growth plate biopsies obtained from children undergoing epiphysiodesis. These biopsies were exposed to a precisely controlled mechanical loading application using a microloading device. Subsequently, the biopsies were cultured for 24 hours post-mechanical loading, followed by RNA-sequencing analyses to decipher the molecular responses.