Derivation of Chondrogenic Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into any cell lineage of the three germ layers, therefore holding great promise for regenerative applications in dentistry and medicine. We previously described a micromass culture system as a model system to induce and study the chondrogenic commitment of hESCs. Using this system, chondrogenic cells can be further isolated and expanded under specific growth factor conditions. When encapsulated in hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels and cultured under appropriate growth factor and medium conditions, these chondrogenic cells synthesized and deposited extracellular matrix (ECM) characteristic of neocartilage. Here, we describe the micromass culture of hESCs, the isolation and expansion of hESC-derived chondrogenic cells, and the three-dimensional (3-D) culture of the chondrogenic cells in hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering. We will also describe the various tools and techniques used for characterizing the tissue-engineered cartilage.