Cytokine-Activated Mesenchymal-Stem-Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix Facilitates Cartilage Repair by Enhancing Chondrocyte Homeostasis and Chondrogenesis of Recruited Stem Cells.

ABSTRACT: Current strategies for cartilage repair, including decellularized cartilage matrices and synthetic bioactive materials, often encounter challenges such as immune responses and donor morbidity. In this study, we optimized an extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from mesenchymal stem cells through preconditioning with disease-associated inflammatory factors, specifically interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that the cytokine-preconditioned stem-cell-derived ECM, especially IFN-γ-ECM, supports chondrocyte homeostasis by restoring mitochondrial energy metabolism. Furthermore, bioactive molecules secreted from this preconditioned ECM boost the recruitment of endogenous stem cells and facilitate their differentiation into c

SUBMITTER: Pang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12494090 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature