Cartilage Fibronectin Fig. Schematic representation of fibronectin protein isoforms expressed in articular cartilage. The principal fibronectin isoforms predicted by RNA splicing patterns in adult equine articular cartilage are indicated.
Cartilage has a highly organized and spatially differentiated matrix.
Our laboratory continues to have a particular interest in one important constituent of that matrix, the glycoprotein fibronectin, since levels of this protein can increase over 20 fold in severely fibrillated osteoarthritic cartilage. We were the first laboratory to demonstrate this dramatic increase in the fibronectin content of osteoarthritic cartilage and, together with the laboratory of our Baker Institute colleague, Dr. Jamie MacLeod, identified a previously unknown splice variant of fibronectin that is specific to cartilage. These findings support an important role for this fibronectin isoform in the structure and function of a healthy cartilage matrix. James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health. All rights reserved.