Differentiation of
human mesenchymal stem cells into superficial and deep
zone chondrocytes within a 3D hydrogel matrix
A major hurdle in the repair of articular cartilage defects
is reconstructing the zonal architecture of cartilage. Native cartilage can be
organized into zones, termed superficial, medial and deep, according to depth
within the tissue, chondrocyte phenotype and properties of the extracellular
matrix. Each zone imparts functional characteristics on the cartilage field that
are necessary for joint movement and weight bearing. Current techniques for
creating zonal architecture in articular cartilage are limited. In animal
models, zonal cartilage implants are prepared in vitro using autologous
cell transplantation. Autologous transplantation presents several difficulties
in human medicine, including donor site infection and irritation. The goal of my
work is to develop a 3D system that mimics the zonal architecture of cartilage
by differentiating human mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes with zonal
phenotypes.
|
