1
|
Selig M, Azizi S, Walz K, Lauer JC, Rolauffs B, Hart ML. Cell morphology as a biological fingerprint of chondrocyte phenotype in control and inflammatory conditions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1102912. [PMID: 36860844 PMCID: PMC9968733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1102912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Little is known how inflammatory processes quantitatively affect chondrocyte morphology and how single cell morphometric data could be used as a biological fingerprint of phenotype. Methods We investigated whether trainable high-throughput quantitative single cell morphology profiling combined with population-based gene expression analysis can be used to identify biological fingerprints that are discriminatory of control vs. inflammatory phenotypes. The shape of a large number of chondrocytes isolated from bovine healthy and human osteoarthritic (OA) cartilages was quantified under control and inflammatory (IL-1β) conditions using a trainable image analysis technique measuring a panel of cell shape descriptors (area, length, width, circularity, aspect ratio, roundness, solidity). The expression profiles of phenotypically relevant markers were quantified by ddPCR. Statistical analysis, multivariate data exploration, and projection-based modelling were used for identifying specific morphological fingerprints indicative of phenotype. Results Cell morphology was sensitive to both cell density and IL-1β. In both cell types, all shape descriptors correlated with expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)- and inflammatory-regulating genes. A hierarchical clustered image map revealed that individual samples sometimes responded differently in control or IL-1β conditions than the overall population. Despite these variances, discriminative projection-based modeling revealed distinct morphological fingerprints that discriminated between control and inflammatory chondrocyte phenotypes: the most essential morphological characteristics attributable to non-treated control cells was a higher cell aspect ratio in healthy bovine chondrocytes and roundness in OA human chondrocytes. In contrast, a higher circularity and width in healthy bovine chondrocytes and length and area in OA human chondrocytes indicated an inflammatory (IL-1β) phenotype. When comparing the two species/health conditions, bovine healthy and human OA chondrocytes exhibited comparable IL-1β-induced morphologies in roundness, a widely recognized marker of chondrocyte phenotype, and aspect ratio. Discussion Overall, cell morphology can be used as a biological fingerprint for describing chondrocyte phenotype. Quantitative single cell morphometry in conjunction with advanced methods for multivariate data analysis allows identifying morphological fingerprints that can discriminate between control and inflammatory chondrocyte phenotypes. This approach could be used to assess how culture conditions, inflammatory mediators, and therapeutic modulators regulate cell phenotype and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mischa Selig
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Saman Azizi
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Kathrin Walz
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jasmin C Lauer
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Bernd Rolauffs
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Melanie L Hart
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Minced Cartilage Is a One-Step Cartilage Repair Procedure for Small Defects in the Knee-A Systematic-Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111923. [PMID: 36422099 PMCID: PMC9697450 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Approximately 60% of patients undergoing arthroscopy of the knee present with chondral defects. If left untreated, osteochondral lesions can trigger an early onset of osteoarthritis. Many cartilage repair techniques are mainly differentiated in techniques aiming for bone marrow stimulation, or cell-based methods. Cartilage repair can also be categorized in one- and two-stage procedures. Some two-stage procedures come with a high cost for scaffolds, extensive cell-processing, strict regulatory requirements, and limited logistical availability. Minced cartilage, however, is a one-stage procedure delivering promising results in short term follow-up, as noted in recent investigations. However, there is no available literature summarizing or synthesizing clinical data. The purpose of this study was to analyze and synthesize data from the latest literature in a meta-analysis of outcomes after the minced cartilage procedure and to compare its effectiveness to standard repair techniques. Methods: We conducted a systematic review searching the Cochrane, PubMed, and Ovid databases. Inclusion criteria were the modified Coleman methodology Score (mCMS) >60, cartilaginous knee-joint defects, and adult patients. Patient age < 18 years, biomechanical and animal studies were excluded. Relevant articles were reviewed independently by referring to title and abstract. In a systematic review, we compared three studies and 52 patients with a total of 63 lesions. Results: Analysis of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) sub scores at 12 and 24 months showed a significant score increase in every sub score. Highest mean difference was seen in KOOS sport, lowest in KOOS symptoms (12 month: KOOS sport (Mean difference: 35.35 [28.16, 42.53]; p < 0.0001), lowest in KOOS symptoms (Mean difference: 20.12 [15.43, 24.80]; p < 0.0001)). A comparison of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC ) scores visualized a significant score increase for both time points too ((12 month: pooled total mean: 73.00 ± 14.65; Mean difference: 34.33 [26.84, 41.82]; p < 0.00001) (24 month: pooled total mean: 77.64 ± 14.46; mean difference: 35.20 [39.49, 40.92]; p < 0.00001)). Conclusion: Due to no need for separate cell-processing, and thanks to being a one-step procedure, minced cartilage is a promising method for cartilage repair in small defect sizes (mean 2.77 cm2, range 1.3−4.7 cm2). However, the most recent evidence is scarce, and takes only results two years post-surgery into account. Summarized, minced cartilage presents nearly equal short-term improvement of clinical scores (IKDC, KOOS) compared to standard cartilage repair techniques.
Collapse
|
3
|
Characterization and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Safety Screening of Fractionated Organosolv Lignin on Diverse Primary Human Cell Types Commonly Used in Tissue Engineering. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050696. [PMID: 35625424 PMCID: PMC9139013 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary As global efforts to use eco-friendly and reusable materials increase, the use of lignin from waste biomass will continue to intensify. Lignin is an underutilized biowaste macromolecule that is gaining considerable interest in biomedical research. However, the source of lignin and the extraction process heavily influence its chemistry, which can influence a cell’s reaction to lignin. Organosolv lignin is extracted via an eco-friendly process from leftover waste material. Few studies have tested the biocompatibility of organosolv lignins with human cells. We extensively characterized fractionated organosolv lignin and performed in vitro cytotoxicity safety screening on diverse primary human cell types commonly used in tissue engineering. This is the first study to show that, at a balanced concentration, fractionated low MW beechwood-derived organosolv lignin is non-cytotoxic to highly relevant human cell types used in tissue engineering including human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), chondrocytes, osteoblasts, periodontal ligament fibroblasts, gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Additionally, we show that organosolv lignin can be used to fabricate cell scaffolds and that addition of lignin increased the stiffness and viscosity of the scaffolds as well as cell attachment. This suggests that organosolv lignin may be used in the generation of tissue-like biomaterial-based constructs for tissue repair. Abstract There is limited data assessing the cytotoxic effects of organosolv lignin with cells commonly used in tissue engineering. Structural and physico-chemical characterization of fractionated organosolv lignin showed that a decrease of the molecular weight (MW) is accompanied by a less branched conformation of the phenolic biopolymer (higher S/G ratio) and an increased number of aliphatic hydroxyl functionalities. Enabling stronger polymer−solvent interactions, as proven by the Hansen solubility parameter analysis, low MW organosolv lignin (2543 g/mol) is considered to be compatible with common biomaterials. Using low MW lignin, high cell viability (70–100%) was achieved after 2 h, 24 h and 7 days using the following lignin concentrations: MSCs and osteoblasts (0.02 mg/mL), gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes (0.02 to 0.04 mg/mL), periodontal ligament fibroblasts and chondrocytes (0.02 to 0.08 mg/mL). Cell viability was reduced at higher concentrations, indicating that high concentrations are cytotoxic. Higher cell viability was attained using 30/70 (w/v) NaOH vs. 40/60 (w/v) EtOH as the initial lignin solvent. Hydrogels containing low MW lignin (0.02 to 0.3 mg/mL) in agarose dose-dependently increased chondrocyte attachment (cell viability 84–100%) and hydrogel viscosity and stiffness to 3–11 kPa, similar to the pericellular matrix of chondrocytes. This suggests that low MW organosolv lignin may be used in many tissue engineering fields.
Collapse
|
4
|
Dieterle MP, Husari A, Rolauffs B, Steinberg T, Tomakidi P. Integrins, cadherins and channels in cartilage mechanotransduction: perspectives for future regeneration strategies. Expert Rev Mol Med 2021; 23:e14. [PMID: 34702419 PMCID: PMC8724267 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Articular cartilage consists of hyaline cartilage, is a major constituent of the human musculoskeletal system and has critical functions in frictionless joint movement and articular homoeostasis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease of articular cartilage, which promotes joint degeneration. Although it affects millions of people, there are no satisfying therapies that address this disease at the molecular level. Therefore, tissue regeneration approaches aim at modifying chondrocyte biology to mitigate the consequences of OA. This requires appropriate biochemical and biophysical stimulation of cells. Regarding the latter, mechanotransduction of chondrocytes and their precursor cells has become increasingly important over the last few decades. Mechanotransduction is the transformation of external biophysical stimuli into intracellular biochemical signals, involving sensor molecules at the cell surface and intracellular signalling molecules, so-called mechano-sensors and -transducers. These signalling events determine cell behaviour. Mechanotransducing ion channels and gap junctions additionally govern chondrocyte physiology. It is of great scientific and medical interest to induce a specific cell behaviour by controlling these mechanotransduction pathways and to translate this knowledge into regenerative clinical therapies. This review therefore focuses on the mechanotransduction properties of integrins, cadherins and ion channels in cartilaginous tissues to provide perspectives for cartilage regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Philipp Dieterle
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ayman Husari
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Orthodontics, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Rolauffs
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Medical Center – Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thorsten Steinberg
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pascal Tomakidi
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Selig M, Lauer JC, Hart ML, Rolauffs B. Mechanotransduction and Stiffness-Sensing: Mechanisms and Opportunities to Control Multiple Molecular Aspects of Cell Phenotype as a Design Cornerstone of Cell-Instructive Biomaterials for Articular Cartilage Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5399. [PMID: 32751354 PMCID: PMC7432012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since material stiffness controls many cell functions, we reviewed the currently available knowledge on stiffness sensing and elucidated what is known in the context of clinical and experimental articular cartilage (AC) repair. Remarkably, no stiffness information on the various biomaterials for clinical AC repair was accessible. Using mRNA expression profiles and morphology as surrogate markers of stiffness-related effects, we deduced that the various clinically available biomaterials control chondrocyte (CH) phenotype well, but not to equal extents, and only in non-degenerative settings. Ample evidence demonstrates that multiple molecular aspects of CH and mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) phenotype are susceptible to material stiffness, because proliferation, migration, lineage determination, shape, cytoskeletal properties, expression profiles, cell surface receptor composition, integrin subunit expression, and nuclear shape and composition of CHs and/or MSCs are stiffness-regulated. Moreover, material stiffness modulates MSC immuno-modulatory and angiogenic properties, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced lineage determination, and CH re-differentiation/de-differentiation, collagen type II fragment production, and TGF-β1- and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)-induced changes in cell stiffness and traction force. We then integrated the available molecular signaling data into a stiffness-regulated CH phenotype model. Overall, we recommend using material stiffness for controlling cell phenotype, as this would be a promising design cornerstone for novel future-oriented, cell-instructive biomaterials for clinical high-quality AC repair tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mischa Selig
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (M.S.); (J.C.L.); (M.L.H.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin C. Lauer
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (M.S.); (J.C.L.); (M.L.H.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie L. Hart
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (M.S.); (J.C.L.); (M.L.H.)
| | - Bernd Rolauffs
- G.E.R.N. Research Center for Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (M.S.); (J.C.L.); (M.L.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhan X, Cai P, Lei D, Yang Y, Wang Z, Lu Z, Zheng L, Zhao J. Comparative profiling of chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) driven by two different growth factors. Cell Biochem Funct 2019; 37:359-367. [PMID: 31066473 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of nerve growth factor (NGF) from cobra venom and human transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on the chondrogenic induction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). NGF and TGF-β1 were used to induce chondrogenesis of MSCs from rabbits for 7 days. Total RNA was extracted for mRNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene ontology (GO), KEGG pathway enrichment, and PPI network analysis were conducted to screen the specific signalling pathways and target genes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to further confirm the relative target genes. The results showed that NGF could significantly promote the expression of hyaline cartilage specific genes (collagen type II alpha 1 chain, COL2A1) compared with TGF-β1. PI3K-AKT signalling pathway is commonly involved in the chondrogenesis of MSCs induced by NGF and TGF-β1. However, the expression levels of the genes in the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway were significantly higher in NGF group than that in the TGF-β1 group. In the process of chondrogenesis of MSCs induced by NGF and TGF-β1, integrin (ITGAs) were the targeted hub genes to activate the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. NGF could activate more proliferation and differentiation genes in the process of chondrogenesis of MSCs than TGF-β1. TGF-β1 promoted angiogenesis by targeting the thrombospondin (THBS1) and THBS2 which might contribute to the osteophyte formation. PI3K-AKT was the crucial signalling pathway for chondrogenic differentiation. NGF could activate the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway to a higher level, and NGF had more specificity for promoting expression of specific genes of chondrocyte compared with TGF-β1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: In our study, we compared two different growth factors in promoting cartilage differentiation of MSCs and found some similarities and differences. We revealed that both NGF and TGF-β1 could activate the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway (the expression of it in NGF was higher) by targeting the ITGAs in the process of chondrogenesis from MSCs. However, NGF could activate more proliferation and differentiation genes in the process of chondrogenesis of MSCs, whereas TGF-β1 caused osteophyte formation by activating THBS1 and THBS2. These might be the reason why NGF could promote cartilage differentiation more specifically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xintang Zhan
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Peian Cai
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Danqing Lei
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yifeng Yang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zetao Wang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Pharmaceutical college, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenhui Lu
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Li Zheng
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinmin Zhao
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aurich M, Hofmann GO, Gras F, Rolauffs B. Human osteochondritis dissecans fragment-derived chondrocyte characteristics ex vivo, after monolayer expansion-induced de-differentiation, and after re-differentiation in alginate bead culture. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2018; 19:168. [PMID: 29793458 PMCID: PMC5968539 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a therapy for articular cartilage and osteochondral lesions that relies on notch- or trochlea-derived primary chondrocytes. An alternative cell source for ACI could be osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) fragment-derived chondrocytes. Assessing the potential of these cells, we investigated their characteristics ex vivo and after monolayer expansion, as monolayer expansion is an integral step of ACI. However, as monolayer expansion can induce de-differentiation, we asked whether monolayer-induced de-differentiation can be reverted through successive alginate bead culture. METHODS Chondrocytes were isolated from the OCD fragments of 15 patient knees with ICRS grades 3-4 lesions for ex vivo analyses, primary alginate bead culture, monolayer expansion, and alginate bead culture following monolayer expansion for attempting re-differentiation. We determined yield, viability, and the mRNA expression of aggrecan and type I, II, and X collagen. RESULTS OCD fragment-derived chondrocyte isolation yielded high numbers of viable cells with a low type I:II collagen expression ratio (< 1) and a relatively high aggrecan and type II and X collagen mRNA expression, indicating chondrogenic and hypertrophic characteristics. As expected, monolayer expansion induced de-differentiation. Alginate bead culture of monolayer-expanded cells significantly improved the expression profile of all genes investigated, being most successful in decreasing the hypertrophy marker type X collagen to 1.5% of its ex vivo value. However, the chondrogenic phenotype was not fully restored, as the collagen type I:II expression ratio decreased significantly but remained > 1. CONCLUSION OCD fragment derived human chondrocytes may hold not yet utilized clinical potential for cartilage repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Aurich
- Center for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Mittleres Erzgebirge, Alte Marienberger, Str. 52, 09405, Zschopau, Germany
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747, Jena, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Rush Medical College, 1735 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Gunther O Hofmann
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Florian Gras
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernd Rolauffs
- G.E.R.N. Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center - Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Center for Biomedical Engineering, 500 Technology Sq, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|