Chondrogenic Potential of Dedifferentiated Rat Chondrocytes Reevaluated in Two- and Three-Dimensional Culture Conditions

Abstract

For the cartilage repair, the cell sources currently adopted are primarily chondrocytes or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Due to the fact that chondrocytes dedifferentiate during 2-dimensional (2D) expansion, MSCs are generally more studied and considered to have higher potential for cartilage repair purposes. Here we question if the dedifferentiated chondrocytes can regain the chondrogenic potential, to find potential applications in cartilage repair. For this we chose chondrocytes at passage 12 (considered to have sufficiently dedifferentiated) and the expression of chondrogenic phenotypes and matrix syntheses were examined over 14 days. In particular, the chondrogenic potential of MSCs was also compared. Results showed that the dedifferentiated chondrocytes proliferated actively over 14 days with almost 2.5-fold increase relative to MSCs. Moreover, the chondrogenic ability of chondrocytes was significantly higher than that of MSCs, as confirmed by the expression of a series of mRNA levels and the production of cartilage extracellular matrix molecules in 2D-monolayer and 3-dimensional (3D)-spheroid cultures. Of note, the significance was higher in 3D-culture than in 2Dculture. Although more studies are needed such as the use of different cell passages and human cell source, and the chondrogenic confirmation under in vivo conditions, this study showing that the dedifferentiated chondrocytes can also be a suitable cell source for the cell-based cartilage repair, as a counterpart of MSCs, will encourage further studies regarding this issue.

Biological Activities of Deer Antler-Derived Peptides on Human Chondrocyte and Bone Metabolism

“…In a 3D culture of chondrocytes, the environment encourages the formation of organized tissue structures, including the production of essential extracellular matrix components such as collagen and proteoglycans [ 21 ]. Cell encapsulation of chondrocytes is a three-dimensional culture method designed to mimic articular cartilage.…”

Evaluation of a Cell-Free Collagen Type I-Based Scaffold for Articular Cartilage Regeneration in an Orthotopic Rat Model

“…It probably happened because the recruited host cells were not supported by any 3D structure, like that given by the collagen I-based scaffold (ACL-S group, Figure 4Ae-g). Indeed, it has been widely shown that the 3D architectural support enhances and improves the cartilaginous matrix formation and stability [31][32][33]. SOX9 is a transcription factor that plays a key role in chondrogenesis, both by driving the collagen type II and aggrecan expression and by supporting the survival of chondrocyte [29,34].…”

SETD7 regulates chondrocyte differentiation and glycolysis via the Hippo signaling pathway and HIF‑1α

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