To elucidate the role of decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, in the degradation of cartilage matrix during the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA).
Three-month-old decorin-null (Dcn
In both Dcn
In post-traumatic OA, decorin delays the loss of fragmented aggrecan and fibrillation of cartilage surface, and thus, plays a protective role in ameliorating cartilage degeneration.