Control of differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and construction of transplantation tissue for knee joint regeneration

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K05690
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 37010:Bio-related chemistry
• Research Institution: Yokohama National University
• Principal Investigator: Iijima Kazutoshi 横浜国立大学, 大学院工学研究院, 准教授 (30468508)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 細胞足場 / 間葉系幹細胞 / 変形性膝関節症 / ハイドロゲル / マイクロ流体技術

Outline of Final Research Achievements

By combining functionalizations and engineering techniques of cell scaffold hydrogels, methods to control differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and construct various tissues such as cartilage-subchondral bone continuous tissue and oriented tissue such as ligaments and tendons were developed. The effect of gel elastic modulus on the osteogenic and cartilage differentiation behavior of mesenchymal stem cells were investigated. We found that functionalization of hydrogels with hydroxyapatite promoted osteogenic differentiation. In addition, a cartilage-subchondral bone continuous tissue was prepared using the concentration gradient of bioactive molecules. Gel fibers could be produced by combining covalent bond formation and polyion complex formation in a microfluidic device, and the cells were aligned in the flow direction.

Free Research Field

生体関連化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ハイドロゲルの物性制御や機能化により間葉系幹細胞の分化を制御可能であることを実証した点、および分化状態の異なる複数成分からなる組織を構築する手法を提案した点において、本研究成果は学術的意義を有する。また、高齢化者の多くが罹患する変形性膝関節症などの根本的治療として再生医療に期待が寄せられており、本研究成果はその実現に不可欠な軟骨および軟骨下骨の連続組織の構築に貢献しうるものである。