Inhibition versus activation of canonical Wnt-signaling, to promote chondrogenic differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. A review.
Nikitas Schizas, Christos Zafeiris, Anna-Aikaterini Neri, Panagiotis P. Anastasopoulos, Νικόλαος Παπαϊωάννου, Ismene Dontas
Abstract
Canonical Wnt signaling regulation is essential for controlling stemness and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the mechanism through which canonical Wnt-dependent MSC lineage commitment leads to chondrogenesis is controversial. Some studies hypothesize that inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling induces MSC chondrogenic differentiation, while others support that the pathway should be activated to achieve MSC chondrogenesis. The purpose of the present review is to analyze data from recent studies to elucidate parameters regarding the role of canonical Wnt signaling in MSC chondrogenic differentiation.