Transcription regulators differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into chondroprogenitors, and their <i>in vivo</i> implantation regenerated the intervertebral disc degeneration
Shumaila Khalid, Sobia Ekram, Asmat Salim, G. Rasul Chaudhry, Irfan Khan
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the leading cause of lower back pain. Disc degeneration is characterized by reduced cellularity and decreased production of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been envisioned as a promising treatment for degenerative illnesses. Cell-based therapy using ECM-producing chondrogenic derivatives of MSCs has the potential to restore the functionality of the intervertebral disc (IVD). AIM: To investigate the potential of chondrogenic transcription factors to promote differentiation of human umbilical cord MSCs into chondrocytes, and to assess their therapeutic potential in IVD regeneration. METHODS: transcription factors to direct differentiation and were assessed for chondrogenic lineage based on the expression of specific markers. These differentiated MSCs were implanted in the rat model of IVDD. The regenerative potential of transplanted cells was investigated using histochemical and molecular analyses of IVDs. RESULTS: and protein expression of Sox-9 and Six-1. The implanted cells integrated, survived, and homed in the degenerated intervertebral disc. Histological grading showed that the transfected MSCs regenerated the IVD and restored normal architecture. CONCLUSION: Genetically modified MSCs accelerate cartilage regeneration, providing a unique opportunity and impetus for stem cell-based therapeutic approach for degenerative disc diseases.