Bioengineered human tissue regeneration and repair using endogenous stem cells
Jiao Wei, Daniel T. Baptista‐Hon, Zi Wang, Gen Li, Tanja Herrler, Chuanchang Dai, Kai Liu, Bao‐Fu Yu, Xiaoxue Chen, Mei Yang, Dong Han, Yuanxu Gao, Ru‐Lin Huang, Lifei Guo, Kang Zhang, Qingfeng Li
Abstract
We describe a general approach to produce bone and cartilaginous structures utilizing the self-regenerative capacity of the intercostal rib space to treat a deformed metacarpophalangeal joint and microtia. Anatomically precise 3D molds were positioned on the perichondro-periosteal or perichondral flap of the intercostal rib without any other exogenous elements. We find anatomically precise metacarpal head and auricle constructs within the implanted molds after 6 months. The regenerated metacarpal head was used successfully to surgically repair the deformed metacarpophalangeal joint. Auricle reconstructive surgery in five unilateral microtia patients yielded good aesthetic and functional results. Long-term follow-up revealed the auricle constructs were safe and stable. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis reveal early infiltration of a cell population consistent with mesenchymal stem cells, followed by IL-8-stimulated differentiation into chondrocytes. Our results demonstrate the repair and regeneration of tissues using only endogenous factors and a viable treatment strategy for bone and tissue structural defects.