Advances in Adult Stem Cell Differentiation and Cellular Reprogramming to Enhance Chondrogenesis

Purpose of Review Cell-based therapies to treat articular cartilage and osteochondral defects as a result of osteoarthritis or traumatic injury are a promising approach. Traditional sources of cells have been autologous chondrocytes which are culture expanded and implanted; however, dedifferentiation of these cells results in a type of fibrocartilage which has reduced therapeutic benefit. Advances in cellular reprogramming technology are either through generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and subsequent chondrogenic or through direct reprogramming of adult cells to chondrocytes. These approaches have the potential to provide an unlimited source of cartilage for therapeutic applications; however, challenges remain in terms of efficient cellular differentiation and ability to integrate and repair tissues.