Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects exerted over chondrogenic commitment of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) by a very low oxygen tension (<1% pO2).
Materials/methods: Cell morphology, mRNA levels of chondrocyte-specific marker genes and the involvement of p38 MAPK signalling were monitored in human ADSCs under a very low oxygen tension.
Results: Cell morphology was significantly changed after two days of hypoxic preconditioning when they featured as elongated spindle-shaped cells. SRY-box containing gene 9, aggrecan and collagen type II mRNA levels were enhanced under severe hypoxic culture conditions. Moreover, the inhibition of p38 MAPK resulted in a substantial reduction in transcription of the above-mentioned specific genes, proving the pivotal role of this pathway in the transcriptional regulation of chondrogenesis.
Conclusions: Here, we propose a protocol showing the early commitment of stem cells towards the chondrogenic phenotype in only 2 days of culture via a very low hypoxic environment, in the absence of growth factors added in the culture medium.
Keywords: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells; Chondrogenic commitment; Hypoxia; Translational medicine; p38 MAPK.
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