# CARTILAGE PROTEINS IN LIGAMENT DEFICIENT KNEES

> **NIH NIH R01** · CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION · 1992 · $177,060

## Abstract

OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) is a major cause of disability.  The majority of
clinically demonstrable secondary OA involves some compromise in joint
stability.  Rupture of the ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) is a common
SPORTS INJURY and OA frequently develops as a consequence.  Elucidation of
the early and late molecular and cellular mechanisms in cartilage
degeneration following ACL rupture would provide information essential to
the design of a rational approach towards the management of this and other
types of OA.

A characteristic feature of early OA is a disorganized fibrillar matrix,
implicating a defect in intermolecular and cell-matrix adhesion molecules.
Immunolocalization experiments suggest that the pericellular distribution
of type VI collagen (COLL VI) is disorganized in OA.

We here address the hypothesis that COLL VI is a pivotal intermolecular
adhesion and cell attachment factor in the maintenance of tissue
homeostasis.  We hypothesize that it functions:  (a) by interacting with
other matrix molecules; (b) by functioning as a cell attachment factor for
cartilage chondrocytes and meniscal fibrochondrocytes.

This hypothesis will be addressed by isolating intact COLL VI and
investigating its capacity to interact with cells and a variety of matrix
macromolecules.

These experiments will delineate the role of COLL VI in the maintenance of
the integrity of the normal cartilage matrix.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3159697
- **Project number:** 2R01AR039569-04A1
- **Recipient organization:** CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
- **SAM.gov UEI:** TDGUJ1WA4UJ9
- **Principal Investigator:** CAHIR Aidan MCDEVITT
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $177,060
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1988-07-01 → 1995-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3159697

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3159697, CARTILAGE PROTEINS IN LIGAMENT DEFICIENT KNEES (2R01AR039569-04A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3159697. Licensed CC0.

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