Autotransplantation of Monkey Ear Perichondrium-Derived Progenitor Cells for Cartilage Reconstruction

Abstract

We recently developed a promising regenerative method based on the xenotransplantation of human cartilage progenitor cells, demonstrating self-renewing elastic cartilage reconstruction with expected long-term tissue restoration. However, it remains unclear whether autotransplantation of cartilage progenitors may work by a similar principle in immunocompetent individuals. We used a nonhuman primate (monkey) model to assess the safety and efficacy of our regenerative approach because the model shares characteristics with humans in terms of biological functions, including anatomical features. First, we identified the expandable and multipotent progenitor population from monkey ear perichondrium and succeeded in inducing chondrocyte differentiation in vitro. Second, in vivo transplanted progenitor cells were capable of reconstructing elastic cartilage by xenotransplantation into an immunodeficient mouse. Finally, the autologous monkey progenitor cells were transplanted into the subcutaneous region of a craniofacial section and developed mature elastic cartilage of their own 3 months after transplantation. Furthermore, we attempted to develop a clinically relevant, noninvasive monitoring method using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Collectively, this report shows that the autologous transplantation of cartilage progenitors is potentially effective for reconstructing elastic cartilage. This principle will be invaluable for repairing craniofacial injuries and abnormalities in the context of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Reconstruction of finger joints using autologous rib perichondrium – an observational study at a single Centre with a median follow-up of 37 years

“…Simultaneously, flanking perichondrium differentiates into periosteum and serves as a source for both trabecular and cortical osteoblasts [15][16][17]. Early clinical observations suggested and experimental studies supported that perichondrium also has chondrogenic potential [18][19][20]. This chondrogenic potential of perichondrium and its potential for regeneration of articular cartilage was further investigated in the 1970s [3,9] and has since then been used at our centre to reconstruct articular surfaces in small joints damaged by infection and/or trauma [21,22].…”

Modeling Normal and Pathological Ear Cartilage in vitro Using Somatic Stem Cells in Three-Dimensional Culture

“…It is well established that, although cartilage lacks intrinsic reparative ability, a unique population of cartilage stem/progenitor cells (CSPCs) is present in the superficial zone (SZ) of mature avascular cartilage and in the tissues immediately surrounding it (inner perichondrium) in both animals and humans ( Engkvist and Wilander, 1979 ; Dowthwaite et al, 2004 ; Shirasawa et al, 2006 ; Togo et al, 2006 ; Kobayashi et al, 2011a , b ; Kagimoto et al, 2016 ; Xue et al, 2016 ). These cells are thought to be involved in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis.…”

Tissue engineering applications in otolaryngology—The state of translation

“…Heatmap representing the proportion of publications by year that utilized specific translational research methodologies from construct characterization to human trial to investigate otologic tissue engineering 15,25‐35,38‐43,45,46,107‐144 …”