[Potential seeding cells for cartilage tissue engineering--bone marrow stromal stem cells].
OBJECTIVE
To review the recent research progress of bone-marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) in the conditions of culture in vitro, chondrogenic differentiation, and the application in cartilage tissue engineering.


METHODS
Recent original articles related to such aspects of BMSCs were reviewed extensively.


RESULTS
BMSCs are easy to be isolated and cultivated. In the process of chondrogenesis of BMSCs, the special factors and interaction between cells are investigated extensively. BMSCs have been identified to form cartilage in vivo. One theory is the committed chondrocyte from BMSCs is only a transient stage.


CONCLUSIONS
BMSCs are the alternative seeding cells for cartilage tissue engineering. The conditions promoting mature chondrocyte should be further investigated.
Kong
Qing-quan
QQ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China 610041.
Xiang
Zhou
Z
Yang
Zhi-ming
ZM
D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D023822:Tissue Engineering