CHONDROCYTE-MATRIX ATTACHMENT COMPLEXES MEDIATE SURVIVAL AND DIFFERENTIATION

Integrin mediated cell-extracellular matrix interactions are required for survival and differentiation of many cell types. In this review, t he cell-matrix attachment complex (CMAX) is described for chondrocytes . The evidence that integrin-mediated signal transduction is necessary for normal chondrocyte differentiation and survival in various cultur e conditions and in vivo are reviewed. The possible signal transductio n pathways stimulated by the extracellular matrix components are discu ssed with a review of current data from chondrocyte experiments. In ad dition, the influence of parathyroid hormone and transforming growth f actor beta on chondrocyte survival has been included as they may funct ion in concert with integrin mediated signal transduction. Finally, sp ecific changes in gene expression preceding apoptosis are discussed. T he current understanding of how integrin-mediated signals prevent apop tosis and implications of anchorage-dependent survival for development and differentiation of the chondrocyte phenotype are discussed. Micro sc. Res. Tech. 43:111-122, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.