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Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Isolation of Chondrocytes and Chondroprogenitors Using Fibronectin Adhesion and Migratory Assay
Published on: October 4, 2024
Resident mesenchymal progenitors of articular cartilage
Maria Elena Candela1, Rika Yasuhara2, Masahiro Iwamoto3
1Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Articular cartilage has poor capacity of self-renewal and repair. Insufficient number and activity of resident mesenchymal (connective tissue) progenitors is likely one of the underlying reasons. Chondroprogenitors reside not only in the superficial zone of articular cartilage but also in other zones of articular cartilage and in the neighboring tissues, including perichondrium (groove of Ranvier), synovium and fat pad. These cells may respond to injury and contribute to articular cartilage healing. In addition, marrow stromal cells can migrate through subchondral bone when articular cartilage is damaged. We should develop drugs and methods that correctly stimulate resident progenitors for improvement of repair and inhibition of degenerative changes in articular cartilage.
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