title: Supramolecular GAG-like Self-Assembled Glycopeptide Nanofibers Induce Chondrogenesis and Cartilage Regeneration.
abstract: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and glycoproteins are vital components of the extracellular matrix, directing cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration and tissue homeostasis. Here, we demonstrate supramolecular GAG-like glycopeptide nanofibers mimicking bioactive functions of natural hyaluronic acid molecules. Self-assembly of the glycopeptide amphiphile molecules enable organization of glucose residues in close proximity on a nanoscale structure forming a supramolecular GAG-like system. Our in vitro culture results indicated that the glycopeptide nanofibers are recognized through CD44 receptors, and promote chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. We analyzed the bioactivity of GAG-like glycopeptide nanofibers in chondrogenic differentiation and injury models because hyaluronic acid is a major component of articular cartilage. Capacity of glycopeptide nanofibers on in vivo cartilage regeneration was demonstrated in microfracture treated osteochondral defect healing. The glycopeptide nanofibers act as a cell-instructive synthetic counterpart of hyaluronic acid, and they can be used in stem cell-based cartilage regeneration therapies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University , Ankara 06800, Turkey.
authors.forename: Seher
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ustun Yaylaci
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University , Ankara 06800, Turkey.
authors.forename: Melis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sardan Ekiz
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University , Ankara 06800, Turkey.
authors.forename: Elif
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Arslan
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy , Ankara 06010, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nuray
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Can
authors.affiliation: Yuzuncuyil Hospital , Ankara 06530, Turkey.
authors.forename: Erden
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kilic
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy , Ankara 06010, Turkey.
authors.forename: Huseyin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ozkan
authors.affiliation: Department of Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine and Department of Physics Engineering, Hacettepe University , Ankara 06800, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ilghar
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Orujalipoor
authors.affiliation: Department of Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine and Department of Physics Engineering, Hacettepe University , Ankara 06800, Turkey.
authors.forename: Semra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ide
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University , Ankara 06800, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayse B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Tekinay
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University , Ankara 06800, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mustafa O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Guler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020219:Chondrogenesis; D006020:Glycopeptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D018716:Molecular Mimicry; D057139:Nanofibers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011817:Rabbits; D012038:Regeneration; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: C476399:Cd44 protein, mouse; D006020:Glycopeptides; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid