METHODS FOR INDUCING CHONDROGENESIS AND PRODUCING <i>DE NOVO</i> CARTILAGE <i>IN VITRO</i>

摘要

Methods of producing cartilage in vitro are described. Also described are methods of promoting chondrocytic differentiation, methods of enhancing chondrogenesis, as well as methods of producing implantable cartilaginous cultures. The methods feature, in particular, the culturing of pleuripotent mesenchymal stem cells. The methods are particularly useful in the repair of cartilage as well as augmentation of cartilage in vivo, for example, in a patient in need of cartilage repair and/or cartilage augmentation. Also featured are implantable cartilaginous cultures.