Abstract cellular level is not completely understood, but both aging and loading-induced
stresses have been shown to undermine cell functions related to the maintenance and
restoration of the cartilage matrix. Based on precedents set by studies of other age-related
degenerative diseases, we have focused our laboratory work on senescence as the cause
of age-dependent decline in chondrocytes and on the impact of excessive mechanical
stresses in promoting senescence. We hypothesized that senescent chondrocytes …