Molecular basis of immortalization of human mesenchymal stem cells by combination of p53 knockdown and human telomerase reverse transcriptase overexpression.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent one of the most promising stem cells for a number of degenerative conditions due to their multipotency, immunoprivileged properties, and easy expansion in vitro. However, the limited life span of primary MSCs during in vitro expansion greatly hampers their use in clinical applications and basic research. Immortalization of MSCs will overcome this problem and may provide a very useful tool with which to study MSC biology.

Genipin-cross-linked collagen/chitosan biomimetic scaffolds for articular cartilage tissue engineering applications.

In this study, genipin-cross-linked collagen/chitosan biodegradable porous scaffolds were prepared for articular cartilage regeneration. The influence of chitosan amount and genipin concentration on the scaffolds physicochemical properties was evaluated. The morphologies of the scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and cross-linking degree was investigated by ninhydrin assay.