[In vitro induction of directional differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells towards chondrocytes].
OBJECTIVE
To induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or bone marrow stroma cells (MSCs) to differentiate directionally towards chondrocytes in vitro and then identify the differentiated cells.


METHODS
MSCs were isolated from bone marrows of healthy adult human donors and then the cultured. MSCs at the 3rd passage were induced by TGF-beta1, dexamethasone(Dex) and Vitamin C(Vit C). 14 days later, micro-cell aggregates formed by the induced MSCs were embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with HE, toluidine blue or anti-type II collagen mAb (Col II). The expression of Col II in the induced MSCs also were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR.


RESULTS
The induced cells exhibited a chondrocyte-like morphology.The staining of toluidine blue and Col II on extracellular matrix in the micro-cell aggregates was positive. Western blot and RT-PCR showed that Col II was only expressed in the induced cells.


CONCLUSIONS
MSCs can differentiate into chondrocytes under the induction of TGF-beta1, Dex and Vit C.
Zheng
Zhao-Hui
ZH
Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
Zhu
Ping
P
Wang
Yan-Hong
YH
Fan
Chun-Mei
CM
Ding
Jin
J
Shang
Peng
P
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000235:genetics; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000494:pharmacology
D015415:Biomarkers; D024043:Collagen Type II; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D003907:Dexamethasone; D001205:Ascorbic Acid