Methods for Tissue Engineering

摘要

The invention relates to the use of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in the prevention of hypertrophy in chondrogenic cells for cartilage replacement. A method for engineering three dimensional cartilage constructs from chondrogenic cells is provided, said method comprising a step of treating the chondrogenic cells or immature constructs with PTHrP to regulate hypertrophy. Also provided are: three dimensional cartilage produced by the method of the invention, and an engineered cartilage construct comprising chondrogenic cells and a bioactive scaffold capable of controlled release of PTHrP. In addition, the invention provides a method for the treatment of osteoarthritis.