Molecular Response to Biomechanical Loading in Human Growth Plate Cartilage

Understanding the effects of biomechanical loading on human growth plate cartilage, which are unknown so far, could uncover diagnostic and therapeutic avenues. To address this, we used rare human growth plate biopsies obtained from children undergoing epiphysiodesis. These biopsies were exposed to a precisely controlled mechanical loading application using a microloading device. Subsequently, the biopsies were cultured for 24 hours post-mechanical loading, followed by RNA-sequencing analyses to decipher the molecular responses. Biopsies from three patients were divided into two groups: mechanical loading (9 biopsies) and control (9 biopsies). Mechanical loading was applied using a custom device at 0.4N and 0.77Hz for 30 seconds, while the control group underwent the same procedure without loading. After 24 hours, RNA was extracted and DNA libraries were prepared for next-generation sequencing using the Smart-seq2 protocol.