Project description:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease resulting in irreversible, progressive destruction of articular cartilage1. The etiology of OA is complex and involves a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, acute injury and chronic inflammation2-4. Here we investigate the ability of resident skeletal stem-cell (SSC) populations to regenerate cartilage in relation to age, a possible contributor to the development of osteoarthritis. We demonstrate that aging is associated with progressive loss of SSCs and diminished chondrogenesis in the joints of both mice and humans. However, a local expansion of SSCs could still be triggered in the chondral surface of adult limb joints in mice by stimulating a regenerative response using microfracture (MF) surgery. Although MF-activated SSCs tended to form fibrous tissues, localized co-delivery of BMP2 and soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1), a VEGF receptor antagonist, in a hydrogel skewed differentiation of MF-activated SSCs toward articular cartilage. These data indicate that following MF, a resident stem-cell population can be induced to generate cartilage for treatment of localized chondral disease in OA.
Project description:The aim of the current study was to identify molecular markers for articular cartilage that can be used for the quality control of tissue engineered cartilage. Therefore a genom-wide expression analysis was performed using RNA isolated from articular and growth plate cartilage, both extracted from the knee joints of minipigs. Keywords: Native material or primary cells isolated from articular cartilage and growth plate cartilage Articular and growth plate cartilage were taken for RNA extraction and hybridization on Affymetrix microarrays. Furthermore chondrocytes from each type of cartilage were isolated and cell culture was started and terminated at day 10 or day 20. Total RNA from cultivated cells was extracted, and hybridization on Affymetrix microarrays was performed.
Project description:The aim of the current study was to identify molecular markers for articular cartilage that can be used for the quality control of tissue engineered cartilage. Therefore a genom-wide expression analysis was performed using RNA isolated from articular and growth plate cartilage, both extracted from the knee joints of minipigs. Keywords: Native material or primary cells isolated from articular cartilage and growth plate cartilage
Project description:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease resulting in irreversible, progressive destruction of articular cartilage1. The etiology of OA is complex and involves a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, acute injury and chronic inflammation2-4. Here we investigate the ability of resident skeletal stem-cell (SSC) populations to regenerate cartilage in relation to age, a possible contributor to the development of osteoarthritis5-7. We demonstrate that aging is associated with progressive loss of SSCs and diminished chondrogenesis in the joints of both mice and humans. However, a local expansion of SSCs could still be triggered in the chondral surface of adult limb joints in mice by stimulating a regenerative response using microfracture (MF) surgery. Although MF-activated SSCs tended to form fibrous tissues, localized co-delivery of BMP2 and soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1), a VEGF receptor antagonist, in a hydrogel skewed differentiation of MF-activated SSCs toward articular cartilage. These data indicate that following MF, a resident stem-cell population can be induced to generate cartilage for treatment of localized chondral disease in OA.
Project description:Chondrocyte gene expression was analyzed to study mechanisms involved in the structural and functional adaptation of articular cartilage during postnatal maturation. Transcriptional profiling was used to compare articular chondrocytes between four neonatal and four adult horses. Expressional differences featured matrix proteins and matrix-modifying enzymes reflecting the transition from cartilage growth to cartilage homeostasis. Keywords: articular cartilage, maturation, horse, cDNA microarray
Project description:Articular cartilage is deprived of blood vessels and nerves, and the only cells residing in this tissue are chondrocytes. The molecular properties of the articular cartilage and the architecture of the extracellular matrix demonstrate a complex structure that differentiates on the depth of tissue. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, affecting the whole joint. It is associated with ageing and affects the joints that have been continually stressed throughout life including the knees, hips, fingers, and lower spine region. OA is a multifactorial condition of joint characterised by articular cartilage loss, subchondral bone sclerosis, and inflammation leading to progressive joint degradation, structural alterations, loss of mobility and pain. Articular cartilage biology is well studied with a focus on musculoskeletal diseases and cartilage development. However, there are relatively few studies focusing on zonal changes in the cartilage during osteoarthritis.