title: The roles of integrin β1 in phenotypic maintenance and dedifferentiation in chondroid cells differentiated from human adipose-derived stem cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to probe the intrinsic mechanism of chondroid cell dedifferentiation in order to provide a feasible solution for this in cell culture.
  
  
  METHODS
  Morphological and biomechanical properties of cells undergoing chondrogenic differentiation from human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were measured at the nanometer scale using atomic force microscopy and laser confocal scanning microscopy. Gene expression was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The expression of COL II, SOX9, and Aggrecan mRNA began to increase gradually at the beginning of differentiation and reach a peak similar to that of normal chondrocytes on the 12th day, then dropped to the level of the 6th day at 18th day. Cell topography and mechanics trended resembled those of the genes' expression. Integrin β1 was expressed in ADSCs and rapidly upregulated during differentiation but downregulated after reaching maturity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The amount and distribution of integrin β1 may play a critical role in mediating both chondroid cell maturity and dedifferentiation. Integrin β1 is a possible new marker and target for phenotypic maintenance in chondroid cells.
authors.affiliation: The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China. zhzgg@vip.163.com.
authors.forename: Simin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Qiping
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Zhengang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zha
authors.forename: Ping
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Hongsheng
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Jiye
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.forename: Shangyun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sun