Roles of metalloproteinase-3 and aggrecanase 1 and 2 in aggrecan cleavage during human meniscus degeneration.

The meniscus plays important roles in proper knee function. It was recently reported that meniscus degeneration was associated with progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, little is known about the effects of degradative enzymes on the meniscus matrix, primarily collagen type I and aggrecan, during OA.