title: Molecular analysis of expansion, differentiation, and growth factor treatment of human chondrocytes identifies differentiation markers and growth-related genes.
abstract: This study is intended to optimise expansion and differentiation of cultured human chondrocytes by growth factor application and to identify molecular markers to monitor their differentiation state. We dissected the molecular consequences of matrix release, monolayer, and 3D-alginate culture, growth factor optimised expansion, and re-differentiation protocols by gene expression analysis. Among 19 common cartilage molecules assessed by cDNA array, six proved best to monitor differentiation. Instant down-regulation at release of cells from the matrix was strongest for COL 2A1, fibromodulin, and PRELP while LUM, CHI3L1, and CHI3L2 were expansion-related. Both gene sets reflected the physiologic effects of the most potent growth-inducing (PDGF-BB) and proteoglycan-inducing (BMP-4) factors. Only CRTAC1 expression correlated with 2D/3D switches while the molecular phenotype of native chondrocytes was not restored. The markers and optimised protocols we suggest can help to improve cell therapy of cartilage defects and chondrocyte differentiation from stem cell sources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Benz
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Breit
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lukoschek
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mau
authors.forename: Wiltrud
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Richter
mesh_terms: D000077214:Becaplermin; D015415:Biomarkers; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000494:pharmacology; D007700:Kinetics; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D006133:Growth Substances; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D011506:Proteins; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D000077214:Becaplermin; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I