Electroporation-mediated transfer of SOX trio genes (SOX-5, SOX-6, and SOX-9) to enhance the chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the SOX trio genes (SOX-5, SOX-6, and SOX-9) have a lower level of expression during the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) compared with chondrocytes and that the electroporation-mediated gene transfer of SOX trio promotes chondrogenesis from human MSCs. An in vitro pellet culture was carried out using MSCs or chondrocytes at passage 3 and analyzed after 7 and 21 days. Then, MSCs were transfected with SOX trio genes and analyzed for the expression of chondrogenic markers after 21 days of in vitro culture. Without transforming growth factor-β1, the untransfected MSCs had a lower level of SOX trio gene and protein expression than chondrocytes. However, the level of SOX-9 gene expression increased in MSCs when treated with transforming growth factor-β1. GAG level significantly increased 7-fold in MSCs co-transfected with SOX trio, which was corroborated by Safranin-O staining. SOX trio co-transfection significantly increased COL2A1 gene and protein and decreased COL10A1 protein in MSCs. It is concluded that the SOX trio have a significantly lower expression in human MSCs than in chondrocytes and that the electroporation-mediated co-transfection of SOX trio enhances chondrogenesis and suppresses hypertrophy of human MSCs.     

小鼠间充质干细胞三系分化中SOX9与Ⅱ型胶原mRNA的定量

背景：研究表明,软骨中的主要成分Ⅱ型胶原的基因-Col2a1在软骨细胞中的表达与SOX9 的浓度呈剂量依赖正相关关系。 目的：通过成骨、成软骨、成脂肪诱导干细胞分化,分析3种分化过程及不同时期的SOX9与Ⅱ型胶原 mRNA含量的变化,探讨SOX9在不同时空分布的表达规律及与Ⅱ型胶原的相关关系。 方法：取4周龄昆明小鼠骨髓间充质细胞,体外培养得到间充质干细胞并传达至第3代,对间充质干细胞进行流式细胞仪鉴定细胞表型,共分3组每组设3个时间段,通过成骨、成软骨、成脂肪3种诱导培养液对3组细胞进行诱导,另设不进行诱导的细胞作为对照组。分别在诱导3,7,14 d后收集提取细胞的总RNA,通过RT-PCR进行SOX9与Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA定量检测,同时对诱导后的细胞进行染色、免疫荧光染色,观察其分化状态及相关统计分析。 结果与结论：第3代骨髓间充质干细胞生长良好,流式细胞仪鉴定细胞表型证实为干细胞,对诱导后细胞进行染色、免疫荧光染色结果证实细胞分化为骨、软骨、脂肪细胞。经RT-PCR检测,在3组诱导分化细胞中SOX9 mRNA含量由高到低分别是成软骨、成骨、成脂肪,Ⅱ型胶原 mRNA含量由高到低分别是成软骨、成脂肪、成骨。在成软骨分化中SOX9在3,7 d表达不断升高,14 d呈下降趋势。Ⅱ型胶原在3,7,14 d均逐渐升高。在成骨分化中SOX9 mRNA含量随着时间推移而增加,而Ⅱ型胶原则随着时间推移而不断降低。在成脂肪分化中SOX9 mRNA表达与对照组比较差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05);而Ⅱ型胶原的表达没有规律可循,时间点的延伸及检测未观察到。结果提示,SOX9在软骨分化中作用优于成骨、成脂肪组,且软骨分化中SOX9与Ⅱ型胶原存在相关性,可能在软骨分化的早期Ⅱ型胶原随着SOX9的变化而变化;且软骨分化和成骨分化过程中SOX9可能起到了一个互相协调促进平衡的关键作用。     

SOX6和SOX9基因转染对人原发性骨关节炎关节软骨间充质祖细胞增殖和成软骨分化的调控作用

目的观察SOX6和SOX9基因转染对原发性OA关节软骨MPCs的促增殖、分化作用,为通过调控关节软骨MPCs以防治原发性OA提供理论依据。方法分别以pAdTrack-CMV-SOX6、SOX9腺病毒穿梭质粒构建SOX6、SOX9基因,并感染原发性OA关节软骨MPCs,比较基因感染组和未感染组成软骨诱导分化后TB、Ⅱ型胶原以及Ⅱ型胶原mRNA表达的变化。结果SOX6和SOX9能够分别稳定感染OA关节软骨MPCs;经二者分别感染的关节软骨MPCs成软骨诱导分化后,其TB染色、Ⅱ型胶原染色呈强阳性表达,未基因感染细胞为弱阳性着色;SOX6基因感染原发性OA关节软骨MPCs的Ⅱ型胶原mRNA表达量为未基因感染细胞的3.8倍(P0.01),SOX9基因为未感染细胞的5.15倍(P0.01)。结论构建的SOX6、SOX9基因序列与基因库报道序列完全一致;SOX6和SOX9能稳定感染原发性OA关节软骨MPCs,并显著促进感染细胞成软骨分化;提示通过适宜浓度的bFGF、TGF-β1对原发性OA关节软骨MPCs的作用及SOX6和SOX9基因感染,可能具有促进原发性OA关节软骨损伤修复的作用。     

Differentiation Capacity of Human Chondrocytes Embedded in Alginate Matrix

Healing capacity of cartilage is low. Thus, cartilage defects do not regenerate as hyaline but mostly as fibrous cartilage which is a major drawback since this tissue is not well adapted to the mechanical loading within the joint. During in vitro cultivation in monolayers, chondrocytes proliferate and de-differentiate to fibroblasts. In three-dimensional cell cultures, de-differentiated chondrocytes could re-differentiate toward the chondrogenic lineage and re-express the chondrogenic phenotype. The objective of this study was to characterize the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) potential of human chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage. Furthermore, the differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes in three-dimensional cell cultures was analyzed to target differentiation direction into hyaline cartilage. After isolation and cultivation of chondrogenic cells, the expression of the MSC-associated markers: cluster of differentiation (CD)166, CD44, CD105, and CD29 was performed by flow cytometry. The differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes was analyzed in alginate matrix cultured in Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium with (chondrogenic stimulation) and without (control) chondrogenic growth factors. Additionally, the expression of collagen type II, aggrecan, and glycosaminoglycans was determined. Cultivated chondrocytes showed an enhanced expression of the MSC-associated markers with increasing passages. After chondrogenic stimulation in alginate matrix, the chondrocytes revealed a significant increase of cell number compared with unstimulated cells. Further, a higher synthesis rate of glycosaminoglycans and a positive collagen type II and aggrecan immunostaining was detected in stimulated alginate beads. Human chondrocytes showed plasticity whilst cells were encapsulated in alginate and stimulated by growth factors. Stimulated cells demonstrated characteristics of chondrogenic re-differentiation due to collagen type II and aggrecan synthesis.     

Differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes embedded in alginate matrix

Healing capacity of cartilage is low. Thus, cartilage defects do not regenerate as hyaline but mostly as fibrous cartilage which is a major drawback since this tissue is not well adapted to the mechanical loading within the joint. During in vitro cultivation in monolayers, chondrocytes proliferate and de-differentiate to fibroblasts. In three-dimensional cell cultures, de-differentiated chondrocytes could re-differentiate toward the chondrogenic lineage and re-express the chondrogenic phenotype. The objective of this study was to characterize the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) potential of human chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage. Furthermore, the differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes in three-dimensional cell cultures was analyzed to target differentiation direction into hyaline cartilage. After isolation and cultivation of chondrogenic cells, the expression of the MSC-associated markers: cluster of differentiation (CD)166, CD44, CD105, and CD29 was performed by flow cytometry. The differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes was analyzed in alginate matrix cultured in Dulbecco?s modified eagle medium with (chondrogenic stimulation) and without (control) chondrogenic growth factors. Additionally, the expression of collagen type II, aggrecan, and glycosaminoglycans was determined. Cultivated chondrocytes showed an enhanced expression of the MSC-associated markers with increasing passages. After chondrogenic stimulation in alginate matrix, the chondrocytes revealed a significant increase of cell number compared with unstimulated cells. Further, a higher synthesis rate of glycosaminoglycans and a positive collagen type II and aggrecan immunostaining was detected in stimulated alginate beads. Human chondrocytes showed plasticity whilst cells were encapsulated in alginate and stimulated by growth factors. Stimulated cells demonstrated characteristics of chondrogenic re-differentiation due to collagen type II and aggrecan synthesis.     

Adenovirus-mediated expression of growth and differentiation factor-5 promotes chondrogenesis of adipose stem cells

The repair of articular cartilage injuries is impeded by the avascular and non-innervated nature of cartilage. Transplantation of autologous chondrocytes has a limited ability to augment the repair process due to the highly differentiated state of chondrocytes and the risks of donor-site morbidity. Mesenchymal stem cells can undergo chondrogenesis in the presence of growth factors for cartilage defect repair. Growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF5) plays an important role in chondrogenesis. In this study, we examined the effects of GDF5 on chondrogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and evaluate the chondrogenic potentials of GDF5 genetically engineered ADSCs using an in vitro pellet culture model. Rat ADSCs were grown as pellet cultures and treated with chondrogenic media (CM). Induction of GDF5 by an adenovirus (Ad-GDF5) was compared with exogenous supplementation of GDF5 (100 ng/ml) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1; 10 ng/ml). The ADSCs underwent chondrogenic differentiation in response to GDF5 exposure as demonstrated by production of proteoglycan, and up-regulation of collagen II and aggrecan at the protein and mRNA level. The chondrogenic potential of a one-time infection with Ad-GDF5 was weaker than exogenous GDF5, but equal to that of TGF-β1. Stimulation with growth factors or CM alone induced transient expression of the mRNA for collagen X, indicating a need for optimization of the CM. Our findings indicate that GDF5 is a potent inducer of chondrogenesis in ADSCs, and that ADSCs genetically engineered to express prochondrogenic growth factors, such as GDF5, may be a promising therapeutic cell source for cartilage tissue engineering.     

Adenovirus-mediated expression of growth and differentiation factor-5 promotes chondrogenesis of adipose stem cells

The repair of articular cartilage injuries is impeded by the avascular and non-innervated nature of cartilage. Transplantation of autologous chondrocytes has a limited ability to augment the repair process due to the highly differentiated state of chondrocytes and the risks of donor-site morbidity. Mesenchymal stem cells can undergo chondrogenesis in the presence of growth factors for cartilage defect repair. Growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF5) plays an important role in chondrogenesis. In this study, we examined the effects of GDF5 on chondrogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and evaluate the chondrogenic potentials of GDF5 genetically engineered ADSCs using an in vitro pellet culture model. Rat ADSCs were grown as pellet cultures and treated with chondrogenic media (CM). Induction of GDF5 by an adenovirus (Ad-GDF5) was compared with exogenous supplementation of GDF5 (100 ng/ml) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1; 10 ng/ml). The ADSCs underwent chondrogenic differentiation in response to GDF5 exposure as demonstrated by production of proteoglycan, and up-regulation of collagen II and aggrecan at the protein and mRNA level. The chondrogenic potential of a one-time infection with Ad-GDF5 was weaker than exogenous GDF5, but equal to that of TGF-beta1. Stimulation with growth factors or CM alone induced transient expression of the mRNA for collagen X, indicating a need for optimization of the CM. Our findings indicate that GDF5 is a potent inducer of chondrogenesis in ADSCs, and that ADSCs genetically engineered to express prochondrogenic growth factors, such as GDF5, may be a promising therapeutic cell source for cartilage tissue engineering.     

microRNA-130b downregulation potentiates chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting SOX9

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic health condition. MicroRNAs (miRs) are critical in chondrocyte apoptosis in OA. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of miR-130b in OA progression. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and chondrocytes were first extracted. Chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs was carried out and verified. Chondrocytes were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β to imitate OA condition in vitro. The effect of miR-130b on the viability, inflammation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix of OA chondrocytes was studied. The target gene of miR-130b was predicted and verified. Rescue experiments were performed to further study the underlying downstream mechanism of miR-130b in OA. miR-130b first increased and drastically reduced during chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs and in OA chondrocytes, respectively, while IL-1β stimulation resulted in increased miR-130b expression in chondrocytes. miR-130b inhibitor promoted chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs and chondrocyte growth and inhibited the levels of inflammatory factors. miR-130b targeted SOX9. Overexpression of SOX9 facilitated BMSC chondrogenic differentiation and chondrocyte growth, while siRNA-SOX9 contributed to the opposite trends. Silencing of SOX9 significantly attenuated the pro-chondrogenic effects of miR-130b inhibitor on BMSCs. Overall, miR-130b inhibitor induced chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs and chondrocyte growth by targeting SOX9.     

Comparison of phenotypic characterization between "alginate bead" and "pellet" culture systems as chondrogenic differentiation models for human mesenchymal stem cells

Chondrogenesis involves the recruitment of mesenchymal cells to differentiate into chondroblasts, and also the cells must synthesize a cartilage-specific extracellular matrix. There were two representative culture systems that promoted the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. These systems were adaptations of the "pellet" culture system, which was originally described as a method for preventing the phenotypic modulation of chondrocytes, and the "alginate bead" culture system, which was used to maintain encapsulated cells at their differentiated phenotype over time, and also it was used to maintain the cells' proteoglycan synthesis at a rate similar to that of primary chondrocytes. We performed test on the differences of phenotypic characterization with the two methods of differentiating human mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes. The typical gene for articular cartilage, collagen type II, was more strongly expressed in the "alginate bead" system than in the "pellet" culture system, in addition, specific gene for hypertrophic cartilage, collagen type X, was more rapidly expressed in the "pellet" system than in "alginate bead" culture system. Therefore, the "alginate bead" culture system is a more phenotypical, practical and appropriate system to differentiate human mesenchymal stem cells into articular chondrocytes than the "pellet" culture system.     

Critical Steps toward a tissue-engineered cartilage implant using embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are a potential source for cartilage tissue engineering because they provide an unlimited supply of cells that can be differentiated into chondrocytes. So far, chondrogenic differentiation of both mouse and human ES cells has only been demonstrated in two-dimensional cultures, in pellet cultures, in a hydrogel, or on thin biomaterials. The next challenge will be to form cartilage on a load-bearing, clinically relevant-sized scaffold in vitro and in vivo, to regenerate defects in patients suffering from articular cartilage disorders. For a successful implant, cells have to be seeded efficiently and homogenously throughout the scaffold. Parameters investigated were the scaffold architecture, seeding method, and cellular condition. Seeding in a three-dimensional fiber-deposited (3DF) scaffold was more homogenous than in a compression-molded scaffold. The seeding efficiency on bare scaffolds was compromised by the absence of serum in the chondrogenic medium, but could be improved by combining the cells with a gel and subsequent injection into the 3DF scaffolds. However, the viability of the cells was unsatisfactory in the interior of the graft. Cell aggregates, the so-called embryoid bodies (EBs), were seeded with increased survival rate. Mouse ES cells readily underwent chondrogenic differentiation in vitro in pellets, on bare scaffolds, in Matrigel, and in agarose, both as single cells and in EBs. The differentiation protocol requires further improvement to achieve homogenous differentiation and abolish teratoma formation in vivo. We conclude that ES cells can be used as a cell source for cartilage tissue engineering, pending further optimization of the strategy.     

Tissue-specific gene expression in chondrocytes grown on three-dimensional hyaluronic acid scaffolds

The re-differentiation capacities of human articular and chick embryo sternal chondrocytes were evaluated by culture on HYAFF-11 and its sulphate derivative, HYAFF-11-S, polymers derived from the benzyl esterification of hyaluronate. Initial results showed that the HYAFF-11-S material promoted the highest rate of chondrocyte proliferation. RNA isolated from human and chick embryo chondrocytes cultured in Petri dishes, HYAFF-11 or HYAFF-11-S were subjected to semi-quantitative RT-PCR analyses. Human collagen types I, II, X, human Sox9 and aggrecan, chick collagen types I, II, IX and X were analysed. Results showed that human collagen type II mRNA expression was upregulated on HYAFF-11 biomaterials. In particular, a high level of collagen type IIB expression was associated with three-dimensional culture conditions, and the HYAFF-11 material was the most supportive for human collagen type X mRNA expression. Human Sox9 mRNA levels were constantly maintained in monolayer cell culture conditions over a period of 21 days, while these were upregulated when chondrocytes were cultured on HYAFF-11 and HYAFF-11S. Furthermore, chick collagen type IIA and IIB mRNA expression was detected after only 7 days of HYAFF-11 culture. Chick collagen type IX mRNA expression decreased in scaffold cultures over time. Histochemical staining performed in engineered cartilage revealed the presence of a de novo synthesized glycosaminoglycan-rich extracellular matrix; immunohistochemistry confirmed the deposition of collagen type II. This study showed that the three-dimensional HYAFF-11 culture system is both an effective chondrocyte delivery system for the treatment of articular cartilage defects, and an excellent in vitro model for studying cartilage differentiation.     

Transduction of passaged human articular chondrocytes with adenoviral, retroviral, and lentiviral vectors and the effects of enhanced expression of SOX9

Chondrocytes form and maintain the extracellular matrix of cartilage. The cells can be isolated from cartilage for applications such as tissue engineering, but their expansion in monolayer culture causes a progressive loss of chondrogenic phenotype. In this work, we have investigated the isolation of human articular chondrocytes from osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage at joint replacement, their expansion in monolayer culture, and their transduction with adenoviral, retroviral, and lentiviral vectors, using the gene encoding green fluorescent protein as a marker gene. The addition of growth factors (transforming growth factor beta(1), fibroblast growth factor 2, and platelet-derived growth factor BB) during cell culture was found to greatly increase cell proliferation and thereby to selectively enhance the efficiency of transduction with retrovirus. With adenoviral and lentiviral vectors the transduction efficiency achieved was 95 and 85%, respectively. Using growth factor-supplemented medium with a retroviral vector, efficiency in excess of 80% was achieved. The expression was stable for several months with both retrovirus and lentivirus when analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell-sorting flow analysis and immunoblotting. Transduction with SOX9 was investigated as a method to reinitiate cartilage matrix gene expression in passaged human OA chondrocytes. Endogenous collagen II expression (both mRNA and protein) was increased in monolayer culture using both adenoviral and retroviral vectors. Furthermore, collagen II gene expression in chondrocytes retrovirally transduced with SOX9 was stimulated by alginate bead culture, whereas in control chondrocytes it was not. These results demonstrated methods for rapid expansion and highly efficient transduction of human OA chondrocytes and the potential for the recovery of key features of chondrocyte phenotype by transduction with SOX9.     

Three-dimensional tissue engineering of hyaline cartilage: comparison of adult nasal and articular chondrocytes

Adult chondrocytes are less chondrogenic than immature cells, yet it is likely that autologous cells from adult patients will be used clinically for cartilage engineering. The aim of this study was to compare the postexpansion chondrogenic potential of adult nasal and articular chondrocytes. Bovine or human chondrocytes were expanded in monolayer culture, seeded onto polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds, and cultured for 40 days. Engineered cartilage constructs were processed for histological and quantitative analysis of the extracellular matrix and mRNA. Some engineered constructs were implanted in athymic mice for up to six additional weeks before analysis. Using adult bovine tissues as a cell source, nasal chondrocytes generated a matrix with significantly higher fractions of collagen type II and glycosaminoglycans as compared with articular chondrocytes. Human adult nasal chondrocytes proliferated approximately four times faster than human articular chondrocytes in monolayer culture, and had a markedly higher chondrogenic capacity, as assessed by the mRNA and protein analysis of in vitro-engineered constructs. Cartilage engineered from human nasal cells survived and grew during 6 weeks of implantation in vivo whereas articular cartilage constructs failed to survive. In conclusion, for adult patients nasal septum chondrocytes are a better cell source than articular chondrocytes for the in vitro engineering of autologous cartilage grafts. It remains to be established whether cartilage engineered from nasal cells can function effectively when implanted at an articular site.     

成纤维细胞生长因子2不同作用时长对软骨细胞的影响

目的 比较成纤维细胞生长因子2(FGF2)体外不同作用时长对兔关节软骨细胞增殖及基因表达变化的影响.方法 分离、培养兔膝关节软骨细胞.取第3代软骨细胞分为3组进行研究:短时间(1 d)作用组细胞经FGF2处理1d后转移至无FGF2的培养基中继续培养7d;长时间(7 d)作用组细胞用含FGF2的培养基连续培养7d;对照组细胞用无FGF2的培养基连续培养7d.分别于培养过程中的第1、3、7天,收集软骨细胞进行细胞增殖情况检测;提取软骨细胞mRNA,并通过实时荧光定量PCR检测骨形态发生蛋白2(BMP2)、骨形态发生蛋白4(BMP4)、Ⅱ型胶原α1(COL2A1)和性别决定区Y框蛋白9(SOX9)的表达情况;采用免疫荧光染色测定软骨细胞Ⅱ型胶原的含量.结果 与对照组相比,不同时长的FGF2处理均能促进软骨细胞的增殖,且短时间作用组和长时间作用组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).实时荧光定量结果显示,不同的处理方式引起了不同的基因表达变化,在连续培养7d后,与对照组和长时间作用组比较,短时间作用组的BMP2、BMP4、COL2A1和SOX9基因表达均上调,差异均具有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).免疫荧光染色结果表明,连续培养7d后,短时间作用组的Ⅱ型胶原含量明显高于对照组和长时间作用组.结论 FGF2短时间作用于软骨细胞较长时间作用更有利于软骨细胞表型的维持和细胞外基质的合成.     

Inner meniscus cells maintain higher chondrogenic phenotype compared with outer meniscus cells

Meniscus cells have several distinct properties in cellular morphology and extracellular matrix production. Inner meniscus cells are considered to have more chondrocytic phenotype compared with outer meniscus cells. However, the chondrogenic property of each meniscus cell has not been elucidated in detail. In this study, we investigated the difference between human inner and outer meniscus-derived cells in extracellular matrix deposition and chondrogenic potential. Monolayer-cultured inner meniscus cells showed small and ovoid shapes though slender and fibroblastic cells were obtained from outer half of human meniscus. The syntheses of type II collagen and safranin O-stained proteoglycans were increased in chondrogenic pellets derived from inner meniscus cells, rather than in outer meniscus cell-derived pellets. On the other hand, adipogenic lipid vacuoles were equally accumulated in both inner and outer meniscus cells after adipogenic treatment. Chondrogenic treatments also enhanced the expression of chondrogenic marker genes, such as Sry-type HMG box (SOX) 9, Scleraxis, and alpha1(II) collagen, in inner meniscus cells. However, SOX9 expression was not increased in outer meniscus cells even after chondrogenic treatment. This study demonstrated that inner meniscus cells maintained higher chondrogenic potential compared with outer meniscus cells. Our results suggest that the difference between inner and outer meniscus cells in chondrogenic property might have an essential role in preserving a zone-specific meniscal feature.     

Multi-membrane chitosan hydrogels as chondrocytic cell bioreactors

We investigated the bioactivity of new chitosan-based multi-membrane hydrogel (MMH) architectures towards chondrocyte-like cells. The microstructure of the hydrogels constituting the membranes precludes any living cell penetration, whereas their lower scale architecture allows the protein diffusion. The biological behavior of chondrocytes implanted within the MMH inter-membrane spaces was studied for 45?days in culture. Chondrocytes formed cell aggregates and proliferated without loosing their chondrogenic phenotype as illustrated by collagen II and aggrecan expressions at the mRNA and protein levels. Cells produced neo-formed alcyan blue matrix proteins filling MMH interspaces. The HiF-2α/SOX9?pattern of expression suggested that the elevated chondrocytic phenotype in MMH could be related to a better hypoxic local environment than in classical culture conditions. Pro-inflammatory markers were not expressed during the period of culture. The low level of nitric oxide accumulation within the inter-membrane spaces and in the incubation medium implied that chitosan consumed nitrites produced by entrapped chondrocytes, in relation with the decrease of its molecular weight of 50%. Our data suggest that MMH structures may be considered as complex chondrocytic cell bioreactors; "active decoys of biological media", potentially promising for various biomedical applications like the inter-vertebral disk replacement.     

Bone morphogenetic protein rescues the lack of secondary cartilage in Runx2-deficient mice

Secondary cartilages including mandibular condylar cartilage have unique characteristics. They originate from alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive progenitor cells of the periosteum, and exhibit characteristic modes of differentiation. They also have a unique extracellular matrix, and coexpress type I, II and X collagens. We have previously shown that there is a total absence of secondary cartilages in Runx2-deficient (Runx2-/-) mice. To clarify whether Runx2 is essential for chondrocytic differentiation of secondary cartilages, we performed an organ culture system using mandibular explants derived from Runx2-/- mice at embryonic day 18.0. Since mRNA for bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) was strongly expressed in osteoblasts of condylar anlagen in wild-type mice, and was down-regulated in those of Runx2-/- mice, we chose to investigate BMP2 effects on secondary cartilage formation. Condensed mesenchymal cells of mandibular condylar anlagen in precultured explants were ALP-positive and expressed type I collagen and Sox9. After culture with recombinant human (rh) BMP2, chondrocytic cells showing ALP activity and expressing Sox5, Sox9, and type I and II collagens, appeared from mesenchymal condensation. This expression profile was comparable with the reported pattern of chondrocytes in mouse secondary cartilages. However, chondrocyte hypertrophy was not observed in the explants. These findings indicate that BMP2 partially rescued chondrocyte differentiation but not chondrocyte hypertrophy in secondary cartilage formation in Runx2-/- mice. Runx2 is required for chondrocyte hypertrophy in secondary cartilage formation, and it is likely that BMP2, which is abundantly secreted by osteoblasts in condylar anlagen, contributes to the early process of secondary cartilage formation.     

Human platelet supernatant promotes proliferation but not differentiation of articular chondrocytes

The objective of the study was to evaluate the growth-promoting activity of human platelet supernanant on primary chondrocytes in comparison with fetal calf serum (FCS) supplemented cell culture medium. Furthermore, the differentiation potential of platelet supernatant was determined in three-dimensional artificial cartilage tissues of bovine articular chondrocytes. Proliferation of articular and nasal septal chondrocytes was assayed by incorporation of BrdU upon stimulation with ten different batches of human platelet supernatant. On bovine articular chondrocytes, all these batches were at least as growth-promoting as FCS. On nasal septal chondrocytes, nine out of ten batches revealed increased or equivalent mitogenic stimulation compared with medium supplemented with FCS. Three-dimensional culture and subsequent histological analysis of matrix formation were used to determine the differentiation properties of platelet supernatant on articular chondrocytes. Human platelet supernatant failed to induce the deposition of typical cartilage matrix components, whereas differentiation and matrix formation were apparent upon cultivation of articular chondrocytes with FCS. Proliferation assays demonstrated that human platelet supernatant stimulates growth of articular and nasal septal chondrocytes; however, platelet supernatant failed to stimulate articular chondrocytes to redifferentiate in three-dimensional chondrocyte cultures. Therefore platelet lysate may be suitable for chondrocyte expansion, but not for maturation of tissue-engineered cartilage.