Directed differentiation of hPSCs through lateral plate mesoderm for generation of articular cartilage progenitors

Abstract

Developmentally the articular joints are derived from lateral plate (LP) mesoderm. However, no study has produced LP derived prechondrocytes or preosteoblasts from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) in a chemically defined manner. Differentiation of hPSCs through the authentic route, via an LP-osteochondral progenitor (OCP), may aid understanding of human cartilage development and the generation of effective cell therapies for osteoarthritis. We refined our existing chondrogenic protocol, incorporating knowledge from development and other studies to produce a LP-OCP from which prechondrocytes- and preosteoblast-like cells can be produced. Results show the formation of an OCP, which can be further driven to prechondrocytes and preosteoblasts. Prechondrocytes cultured in pellets produced cartilage like matrix with lacunae and superficial flattened cells expressing lubricin. Additionally, preosteoblasts were able to generate a mineralised structure. This protocol can therefore be used to further investigate cartilage development and in the development of joint cartilage for potential treatments.