Aims: The aim of this study was to improve a method that induce cartilage differentiation of human embryoid stem cells (hESCs) in vitro, and test the effect of in vivo environments on the further maturation of hESCs derived cells.
Main methods: Embryoid bodies (EBs) formed from hESCs, with serum-free KSR-based medium and mesodermal specification related factors, CHIR, and Noggin for first 8 days. Then cells were digested and cultured as micropellets in serum-free KSR-based chondrogenic medium that was supplemented with PDGF-BB, TGF beta 3, BMP4 in sequence for 24 days. The morphology, FACS, histological staining as well as the expression of chondrogenic specific genes were detected in each stage, and further in vivo experiments, cell injections and tissue transplantations, further verified the formation of chondrocytes.
Key findings: We were able to obtain chondrocyte/cartilage from hESCs using serum-free KSR-based conditioned medium. qPCR analysis showed that expression of the chondroprogenitor genes and the chondrocyte/cartilage matrix genes. Morphology analysis demonstrated we got PG + COL2 + COL1-particles. It indicated we obtained hyaline cartilage-like particles. 32-Day differential cells were injected subcutaneous. Staining results showed grafts developed further mature in vivo. But when transplanted in subrenal capsule, their effect was not good as in subcutaneous. Microenvironment might affect the cartilage formation.
Significance: The results of this study provide an absolute serum-free and efficient approach for generation of hESC-derived chondrocytes, and cells will become further maturation in vivo. It provides evidence and technology for the hypothesis that hESCs may be a promising therapy for the treatment of cartilage disease. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
[1]Jilin Univ, Basic Med Coll, Expt Ctr Pathogenobiol Immunol Cytobiol & Genet, Changchun, Peoples R China.
[2]Chinese Acad Sci, Guangzhou Inst Biomed & Hlth, Guangdong Prov Key Lab Stem Cell & Regenerat Med, Key Lab Regenerat Biol, 190 Kai Yuan Ave,Sci Pk, Guangzhou 510530, Guangdong, Peoples R China.
[3]Jilin Univ, China Japan Union Hosp, Dept Orthopaed Surg, Changchun, Jilin Province, Peoples R China.
[4]Jilin Univ, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Regenerat Med, Changchun, Peoples R China.
[5]Univ Arizona, Coll Pharm, Dept Pharmacol & Toxicol, 1295 N Martin, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA.
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