Chondrocytes, the only resident cell type in articular cartilage are entirely responsible for the synthesis and breakdown of the extracellular matrix in response to the physico-chemical environment. The degeneration of articular cartilage (possibly by a failure in ‘mechano-sensing’) ultimately leads to a loss of function and consequently OA. The principle focus of our research is the elucidation of how chondrocytes sense and respond to their environment and if this differs in the diseased state. Furthermore, as cartilage is not a homogeneous tissue, we are interested in how chondrocytes from different zones respond to mechanical stimuli.