This fully updated volume collects protocols that have been optimized or created in recent years for today and tomorrow’s cutting-edge research on chondrocytes, cartilage, and associated tissues. Beginning with refined methods to analyze gene expression and protein levels in cartilage tissues and closely related intervertebral discs in vivo, using the mouse as an experimental model, the book continues by exploring procedures for single-cell transcriptomics assays and other omics, phenotyping assays of chondrocytes and neighboring cells, assays in mice in vivo, and in vitro cell culture models and assays to study various aspects of chondrocyte biology. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and practical, Chondrocytes: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for experts as well as newcomers in the cartilage field with the aim of sparking new research ideas to solve many of the pending mysteries regarding cartilage biology, disease mechanisms, and potential treatments.