The role of growth factors in stem cell-directed chondrogenesis: a real hope for damaged cartilage regeneration

Abstract

Purpose The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine offers hope to treat numerous orthopaedic disorders, including articular cartilage defects. Although much research has been carried out on chondrogenesis, this complicated process is still not well understood and much more research is needed. The present review provides an overview of the stages of chondrogenesis and describes the effects of various growth factors, which act during the multiple steps involved in stem celldirected differentiation towards chondrocytes. Methods The current literature on stem cell-directed chondrogenesis, in particular the role of members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily-TGF-βs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs)-is reviewed and discussed. Results Numerous studies have reported the chondrogenic potential of both adult-and embryonic-like stem cells and the role of growth factors in programming differentiation of these cells towards chondrocytes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent stem cells, whereas induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are reprogrammed pluripotent cells. Although better understanding of the processes involved in the development of cartilage tissues is necessary, both cell types may be of value in the clinical treatment of cartilage injuries or osteoarthritic cartilage lesions. Conclusions MSCs and iPSCs both present unique characteristics. However, at present, it is still unclear which cell type is most suitable in the treatment of cartilage injuries.

Chemically defined serum-free conditions for cartilage regeneration from human embryonic stem cells

“…2). understandings for specification and induction processes of chondrogenesis from hESCs [25,36]. Through this, we can further improve the differentiation method and efficiency.…”

The importance of stem cell engineering in head and neck oncology

“…The current treatments are based on transplantation of autologous chondrocytes and osteochondral allografts (Bartlett et al 2005; Sheyn et al 2010; Augustyniak et al 2015). In this regard, pluripotent stem cells have arisen as an attractive cell source for repairing large cartilage defects after the primary surgery of the laryngeal cancer.…”

Application of cell and biomaterial-based tissue engineering methods in the treatment of cartilage, menisci and ligament injuries

“…The principal growth factors directing chondrogenesis and fibrogenesis are members of the TGF-β family [56]. Cell expansion and differentiation are also affected by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and the following growth factors: insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs) [53,57].…”