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Transferring Mesenchymal Stem Cells to the Osteoarthritic Cartilage: Translating Science to Medicine

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with loss of the phenotypic stability of affected joints. Due to its avascular
nature, biomechanical properties of the cartilage tissue in a synovial joint are particularly compromised as
the disease progresses. Current therapies for OA merely buy time until arthrodesis or arthroplasty, the ‘end
game’, is ultimately reached. Over the last two decades, promising experimental data has started to emerge
on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as candidate cell types for cell and/ or tissue-based cartilage tissue
repair. The principal attraction of MSCs lies in their consistent chondrogenic differentiation and
proliferative propensities. Practically, they offer ease of isolation and culture-expansion. Targeted gene
therapy can further enhance their delivery into osteoarthritic joints. Henceforth, understanding the biological
activities and mechanisms of action of MSCs is crucial for a rational approach to their clinical application
in osteoarthritic joints.