Hypoxia activates the PTHrP-MEF2C pathway to attenuate hypertrophy in mesenchymal stem cell derived cartilage

Browe, David C., Coleman, Cynthia M., Barry, Frank P., & Elliman, Stephen J. (2019). Hypoxia Activates the PTHrP –MEF2C Pathway to Attenuate Hypertrophy in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Cartilage. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 13274. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-49499-x

Abstract

Articular cartilage lacks an intrinsic repair capacity and due to the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into chondrocytes, MSCs have been touted as a cellular source to regenerate damaged cartilage. However, a number of prevailing concerns for such a treatment remain. Generally, administration of MSCs into a cartilage defect results in poor regeneration of the damaged cartilage with the repaired cartilage consisting primarily of fibro-cartilage rather than hyaline cartilage. Methods that improve the chondrogenic potential of transplanted MSCs in vivo may be advantageous. In addition, the proclivity of MSC-derived cartilage to undergo hypertrophic differentiation or form bone in vivo also remains a clinical concern. If MSC-derived cartilage was to undergo hypertrophic differentiation in vivo, this would be deleterious in a clinical setting. This study focuses on establishing a mechanism of action by which hypoxia or low oxygen tension can be used to both enhance chondrogenesis and attenuate hypertrophic differentiation of both MSC and ATDC5 derived chondrocytes. Having elucidated a novel mechanism of action, the subsequent goals of this study were to develop an in vitro culture regime to mimic the beneficial effects of physiological low oxygen tension in a normoxic environment.

Funder

Science Foundation Ireland
Seventh Framework Programme

Publisher

Nature Research

Rights

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Ireland

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Collections

Medicine (Scholarly Articles)