Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes regeneration of the cartilage and meniscus via synovial mesenchymal stem cells

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09410
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Hirao Makoto 大阪大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 招へい教員 (10527708)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 蛯名 耕介 大阪大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 特任准教授(常勤) (70612076)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: bFGF / cartilage / meniscus / regeneration / synovial MSC

Outline of Final Research Achievements

When a cellular aggregate of human synovial membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was filled in the osteochondral defect of the mouse knee joint, a significant promotion of production and regeneration of cartilage matrix in the defect area was observed in the bFGF-treated group. The regenerated area was confirmed to be composed of tissue derived from the transplanted/filled human synovial MSCs. Additionally, it was revealed that the supplementation of bFGF during the culture of human synovial MSCs could facilitate the repair of the rat medial meniscus injury and production of matrix. The mechanism through which bFGF promotes meniscus regeneration via synovial cells has been elucidated to mainly involve the chemokine CXCL6-CXCR2 pathway that acts through the ERK and Akt signaling systems.

Free Research Field

関節外科　軟骨再生

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

bFGFはすでに臨床現場で広く使用されているもので、安全性も担保されており、bFGF添加下にてのヒト滑膜由来幹細胞塊を移植することは、軟骨や半月組織再生を促進する一つの有用な方法と考えられた。半月板の再生が実現できれば、軟骨の保護作用も向上し、変形性関節症の予防や進行の抑制に寄与することが期待される。