IMMORTALIZED HUMAN CHONDROCYTES

摘要

In the field of chondrocyte culture and biology related to using chondrocytes for screening and treatment of cartilaginous diseases, a problem has existed in obtaining immortalized chondrocytes that retain their differentiated characteristics. A method of immortalizing chondrocytes so that they retain their differentiated characteristics and the cells so immortalized are disclosed. Methods of using the cells in gene therapy approaches to cartilaginous disease and methods of using the cells to screen for agents that affect chondrocyte function are disclosed. The use of chondrocytes to produce agents that inhibit vascularization is also disclosed.