Apoptosis and Metabolism of Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Chondrogenic Differentiation In Vitro

Abstract

Abstract : Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is often used to treat cartilage defects, due to the lack of intrinsic self-healing capacity of this non-vascularized tissue. Nevertheless, it is extremely challenging to fully differentiate MSCs to chondrocytes, in particular the articular chondrocyte lineage, as well as maintain stable chondrogenic phenotype during ex vivo expansion. Cellular apoptosis and metabolism are important factors that influence the process of chondrogenesis, which have largely been overlooked. For example, lowered metabolism as a result of hypoxia enhances chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, whilst inhibiting osteogenesis. It is also known that the regulation of apoptosis has a profound influence on chondrocyte hypertrophy during chondrogenesis. The focus of this review is therefore to critically examine the influence of apoptosis and cellular metabolism on chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs