BMP-2 Induces Fat Stem Cells to Become Cartilage

Xian, China –

Fat derived stem cells offer numerous therapeutic possibilities since they are available large amounts from autologous starting material.

In a recent paper (Wei et al. Regulation of adipose-derived adult stem cells differentiating into chondrocytes with the use of rhBMP-2. Cytotherapy. 2006;8(6):570-9.) it was demonstrated that culturing of fat derived stem cells with the clinically used cytokine, Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP)-2 induced their differentiation into chondrocytes.

In vitro assessment of differentiation was confirmed by glycosaminoglycan production, and in vivo functionality was seen when administered into nude mice and formation of cartilage lacuma was observed.

The ability to generate chondrocytes from fat stem cells is important not only for cartilage repair, but also for treatment of a wide variety of diseases such as degenerative disc disease.