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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Matrix-assisted Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation for Remodeling and Repair of Chondral Defects in a Rabbit Model
Published on: May 21, 2013
Repair of articular cartilage defects in rabbits using CDMP1 gene-transfected autologous mesenchymal cells derived
R Katayama1, S Wakitani, N Tsumaki
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan. riek@ms.toyama-mpu.ac.jp
Objective:
Cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein 1 (CDMP1), which is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is an essential molecule for the aggregation of mesenchymal cells and acceleration of chondrocyte differentiation. In this study, we investigated whether CDMP1-transfected autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (BMMCs) enhance in vivo cartilage repair in a rabbit model.
Methods:
BMMCs, which had a fibroblastic morphology and pluripotency for differentiation, were isolated from bone marrow of the tibia of rabbits, grown in monolayer culture, and transfected with the CDMP1 gene or a control gene (GFP) by the lipofection method. The autologous cells were then implanted into full-thickness articular cartilage defects in the knee joints of each rabbit.
Results:
During in vivo repair of full-thickness articular cartilage defects, cartilage regeneration was enhanced by the implantation of CDMP1-transfected autologous BMMCs. The defects were filled by hyaline cartilage and the deeper zone showed remodelling to subchondral bone over time. The repair and reconstitution of zones of hyaline articular cartilage was superior to simple BMMC implantation. The histological score of the CDMP1-transfected BMMC group was significantly better than those of the control BMMC group and the empty control group.
Conclusion:
Modulation of BMMCs by factors such as CDMP1 allows enhanced repair and remodelling compatible with hyaline articular cartilage.
