Type II collagen and glycosaminoglycan expression induction in primary human chondrocyte by TGF-β1.

Background: A localized non-surgical delivery of allogeneic human chondrocytes (hChonJ) with irradiated genetically modified chondrocytes (hChonJb#7) expressing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) showed efficacy in regenerating cartilage tissue in our pre-clinical studies and human Phase I and II clinical trials. These previous observations led us to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the cartilage regeneration.

Methods: Genetically modified TGF-β1preprotein was evaluated by monitoring cell proliferation inhibition activity.