Directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into chondrogenic lineages for articular cartilage treatment.
In recent years, increases in the number of articular cartilage injuries caused by environmental factors or pathological conditions have led to a notable rise in the incidence of premature osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, considered a disease of civilization, is the leading cause of disability. At present, standard methods for treating damaged articular cartilage, including autologous chondrocyte implantation or microfracture, are short-term solutions with important side effects. Emerging treatments include the use of induced pluripotent stem cells, a technique that could provide a new tool for treatment of joint damage. However, research in this area is still early, and no optimal protocol for transforming induced pluripotent stem cells into chondrocytes has yet been established. Developments in our understanding of cartilage developmental biology, together with the use of modern technologies in the field of tissue engineering, provide an opportunity to create a complete functional model of articular cartilage.
Radiobiology Laboratory, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland.
Michał
M
Lach
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Tomasz
T
Trzeciak
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Magdalena
M
Richter
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Jarosław
J
Pawlicz
Radiobiology Laboratory, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland.
Wiktoria M
WM
Suchorska
Cartilage; osteoarthritis; regenerative medicine; stem cells