Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects exerted over chondrogenic commitment of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) by a very low oxygen tension (<1% pO2).
MATERIALS/METHODS: Cell morphology, mRNA levels of chondrocyte-specific marker genes and the involvement of p38 MAPK signalling were monitored in human ADSCs under a very low oxygen tension.
RESULTS: Cell morphology was significantly changed after two days of hypoxic preconditioning when they featured as elongated spindle-shaped cells. SRY-box containing gene 9, aggrecan and collagen type II mRNA levels were enhanced under severe hypoxic culture conditions. Moreover, the inhibition of p38 MAPK resulted in a substantial reduction in transcription of the above-mentioned specific genes, proving the pivotal role of this pathway in the transcriptional regulation of chondrogenesis.
CONCLUSIONS: Here, we propose a protocol showing the early commitment of stem cells towards the chondrogenic phenotype in only 2 days of culture via a very low hypoxic environment, in the absence of growth factors added in the culture medium.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 98-104 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Advances in Medical Sciences |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | Jan 15 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2021 |
Keywords
- Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
- Chondrogenic commitment
- Hypoxia
- Translational medicine
- p38 MAPK