Differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into functional chondrocytes by a small molecule that induces Sox9

Osteoarthritis: Drug-induced stem cell differentiation shows therapeutic promise A novel method of generating healthy cartilage cells from stem cells could repair and regenerate joints and bones damaged by osteoarthritis. The cells that produce and maintain cartilage tissue are known as chondrocytes. Stem cell therapy could potentially re-start cartilage and bone regeneration in patients with osteoarthritis, however scientists have struggled to successfully induce stem cells to differentiate into functioning chondrocytes. A new method developed by Soyeon Lim and Ki-Chul Hwang at the Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, South Korea, and co-workers uses a drug called ellipticine to boost the expression of Sox-9, a key protein involved in cartilage development. The researchers found that the ellipticine-based method induced a mature, healthy chondrocyte population in cell cultures and rat models of osteoarthritis. Rats injected with these cells recovered from cartilage damage, suggesting a potential osteoarthritis therapy.