Deep phenotyping of an ATDC5 in-vitro cartilage model system

Cartilage is characterized by a highly specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by chondrocytes and limited self-regenerative capacity. In vivo investigations of chondrogenesis are limited by difficult and traumatic access, especially in humans. While it is known for decades that disturbances of chondrocyte differentiation and changed cartilage ECM composition cause severe phenotypes skeletal phenotypes in vertebrates, a detailed molecular understanding of chondrogenesis and cartilage ECM formation is still missing, especially in the context of human genetic skeletal diseases.