Cyclic compressive loading induces a mature meniscal cell phenotype in mesenchymal stem cells with an atelocollagen-based scaffold

we investigated how cyclic compressive loading (CCL) could impact MSCs using three-dimensional cultures in atelocollagen-based meniscal substitute (ACMS). We extracted MSCs from the meniscus, synovium, and articular cartilage, cultured them in three-dimensional cultures, and submitted to CCL for seven days. We then compared the transcriptomes of MSCs treated with and without CCL. Our RNA-seq analysis revealed that CCL induced significant transcriptome changes, significantly affecting chondrocyte-related genes, including SOX9, TGFB1, and PRG4 upregulation. CCL-induced transcriptional differentiation from meniscus progenitors toward mature meniscal cells.