Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
08:19
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Mechanobiology of Tendon Impingement – A Multiaxial Murine Hind Limb Explant Model
Published on: December 8, 2023
1.7K
Extracellular Matrix Signalling and Injury Susceptibility: ACAN and FMOD Variants in Sports-Related Musculoskeletal
Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska1, Agata Leońska-Duniec2
1Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-326 Rzeszow, Poland.
Genes
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Genetic variations in aggrecan (ACAN) and fibromodulin (FMOD) genes were not robustly linked to sports injuries. Some ACAN variants showed nominal associations with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, requiring further study in larger populations.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Sports Medicine
- Molecular Biology and Injury Epidemiology
Background:
- Musculoskeletal soft-tissue injuries are prevalent in physically active individuals.
- Genetic factors, particularly variations in extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, may influence injury susceptibility.
- Investigating polymorphisms in aggrecan (ACAN) and fibromodulin (FMOD) could elucidate genetic predispositions to sports injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if specific polymorphisms in the ACAN and FMOD genes are associated with the risk of sports-related musculoskeletal injuries.
- To analyze the association between ACAN rs2351491, rs1042631, and FMOD rs7543148 variants and injury susceptibility in physically active Caucasians.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 335 physically active Caucasians (202 injured, 133 controls).
- Genotyping of ACAN (rs2351491, rs1042631) and FMOD (rs7543148) polymorphisms using real-time polymerase chain reaction.
- Statistical analysis to assess associations between genotypes and overall injury occurrence, and specific injuries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.
Main Results:
- No significant associations were found between the studied polymorphisms and overall injury risk after correcting for multiple comparisons.
- A nominal association was observed for ACAN rs2351491 (CT heterozygotes) with overall injury risk (p=0.0457).
- ACAN rs1042631 showed nominal associations with ACL injury risk across different genetic models, with the TT genotype potentially linked to lower odds (OR=0.15).
Conclusions:
- The investigated ACAN and FMOD gene variants do not show robust associations with musculoskeletal soft-tissue injury susceptibility.
- Nominal associations for ACAN variants, especially concerning ACL injuries, warrant cautious interpretation and require validation in larger cohorts.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm potential genetic links to sports-related injuries.
Related Concept Videos
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
10.7K
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
10.7K
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
65.0K
Overview
65.0K
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
2.7K
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
2.7K
01:26Extracellular Matrix
5.9K
Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
5.9K
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
2.8K
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
2.8K
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
8.0K
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
8.0K