Effects of different temperatures on chondrocyte growth: a transcriptomic analysis

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Previous studies established microwave ablation (MWA) effectively modulates growth plates in piglets.
• This research focuses on understanding the in vitro effects of varying temperatures on chondrocyte viability and molecular mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the impact of different temperatures on chondrocyte (ATDC5) viability.
• To elucidate the molecular pathways and key genes involved in temperature-induced changes in chondrocytes.

Main Methods:

• ATDC5 cells were exposed to temperatures ranging from 37°C to 50°C for 10 minutes.
• Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and hub genes at 37°C, 40°C, and 44°C; RT-qPCR validated gene expression.

Main Results:

• A temperature of 40°C significantly increased ATDC5 cell viability compared to 37°C; temperatures ≥44°C reduced viability, with significant loss at ≥46°C.
• RNA-seq revealed DEGs involved in proliferation, differentiation, necrosis, immune responses, and ECM remodeling, associated with Ras, PI3K/AKT, mTOR, cAMP, and MAPK pathways.
• Agt, Hspa1a, Hspb1, and Nlrc4 were identified as hub genes, with expression patterns confirmed by RT-qPCR.

Conclusions:

• Chondrocyte viability is regulated by temperature, involving the Ras, PI3K/AKT, mTOR, cAMP, and MAPK signaling pathways.
• Agt, Hspa1a, Hspb1, and Nlrc4 are identified as potential key regulatory genes in temperature-dependent chondrocyte responses.