INFLUENCE OF AN ADHESIVE CELL-SURFACE PROTEIN ON CHONDROGENIC EXPRESSION INVITRO

Fibronectin is a major glycoprotein associated with fibroblasts and other cells of mesenchymal origin. However, when mesenchyme differentiates into cartilage, fibronectin is no longer synthesized. The significance of the change in fibronectin was further evaluated by culturing chondrocytes in the presence of exogenous fibronectin. Treatment with fibronectin caused the chondrocytes to assume a fibroblastic morphology and also enhanced other fibroblastic properties. These results suggest that decreased fibronectin levels may be required for chondrogenesis to occur normally. © 1979.