Preparation of immortalized human chondrocyte cell lines.

The chondrocyte is responsible for synthesis of cartilage matrix proteins, and, thereby, the specialized mechanical properties of articular cartilage, including tensile strength and resistence to mechanical loading (1). The limited repair response by chondrocytes accounts for a major component of the loss of articular cartilage in joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, a progressive disease associated with normal wear and tear of joints, aging, or trauma. Although research has been directed primarily toward developing therapeutic strategies that prevent degradation of cartilage matrix, recent work has also focused on promoting cartilage repair. Success of either strategy depends on the development of reliable cell culture models of human origin.