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Updated: Aug 2, 2026

3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation
Published on: October 7, 2015
COMP (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein) is synthesized in ligament, tendon, meniscus, and articular cartilage
G Müller1, A Michel, E Altenburg
1Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University of Griefswald, Germany. muellerg@rz.uni_greifswald
Abstract:
The presence of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in extracts of ligament, tendon, meniscus, and canine articular cartilage was demonstrated by Western blot analysis using anti-dog COMP antibody. When the tissues were cultured in the presence of [35-S]methionine/cysteine, metabolically labeled COMP was purified from the culture media and from tissue extracts by DEAE-cellulose gel chromatography. SDS-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by autoradiography and immunoblotting under reducing and non-reducing conditions revealed that COMP is synthesized by the cells of these connective tissues. Increased levels of COMP in samples of both synovial fluid and serum of patients with various joint diseases may not only be derived from cartilage but also from ligaments and tendons. COMP is not a highly tissue-specific cartilage molecule.
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