Alteration of cartilage mechanical properties in absence of β1 integrins revealed by rheometry and FRAP analyses

The results demonstrate that the absence of β1 integrins on the surface of chondrocytes increases the stiffness and modifies the diffusion properties of costal cartilage. Our data imply that β1 integrins-mediated chondrocyte-matrix interactions directly affect cartilage biomechanics probably by modifying physical properties of individual cells. This study thus highlights the crucial role of β1 integrins in the cartilage function.