Stem Cells for Cartilage Repair: Preclinical Studies and Insights in Translational Animal Models and Outcome Measures

Figure 1

Mechanisms of action of stem cell-based therapies in cartilage regeneration. First, stem cells could be applied as cell replacement therapy because of their chondrogenic differentiation potential. Differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) secrete proteoglycans and collagen II. Secondly, it is suggested that the tissue is regenerated by endogenous cells under the influence of paracrine factors secreted by stem cells. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to stem cell-mediated cartilage regeneration by promoting the formation of new cartilage and the deposition of collagen II and GAGs. Finally, immunomodulatory effects are also observed. This image was created using Servier Medical Art.