Chondrogenic Differentiation Could Be Induced by Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds Without Exogenous Growth Factor

Tissue Eng Part A. 2016 Feb;22(3-4):222-32. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEA.2014.0491. Epub 2016 Jan 27.

Abstract

We previously found that the combination of an autologous bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular matrix (aBMSC-dECM) scaffold with bone marrow stimulation could enhance hyaline cartilage regeneration. We suspected that chondrogenic differentiation could be induced by the aBMSC-dECM scaffold. This study aimed to investigate whether aBMSC-dECM scaffolds could promote chondrogenic differentiation without exogenous growth factors. BMSCs were seeded on aBMSC-dECM scaffolds and cultured in vitro with or without transforming growth factor-β3 (E(+) or E(-) group). Atelocollagen scaffolds were used as controls (C(+) or C(-) group). The chondrogenic differentiation was evaluated by histological, biochemical, and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. After 3 weeks, cartilage-like tissue with a homogeneous structure, a high cartilaginous matrix content (proteoglycan and type II collagen), and high expression levels of cartilage-associated genes (COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX9) were observed in the E(+), E(-), and C(+) groups. In addition, BMSCs in each scaffold (E group or C group) were preconditioned with chondrogenic media in vitro for 1 week, and then implanted in the backs of nude mice for 3 weeks. Three weeks later, cartilage matrix formation (proteoglycan and type II collagen) was achieved only in the E group, confirmed by safranin O staining and immunohistochemical staining for type II collagen. Taken together, these results indicate that aBMSC-dECM scaffolds could induce chondrogenic differentiation. Thus, they could be successful candidate scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Differentiation / biosynthesis
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Chondrogenesis*
  • Extracellular Matrix / chemistry*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Rabbits
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antigens, Differentiation