Under normal conditions the mesenchymal stem/stromal cells from the bone marrow of adults develop into cartilage tissue which then remodels into bone tissue. This is similar to what happens after a fracture, for example.
However, the researchers found they could prevent embryonic cartilage from becoming bone tissue by inhibiting the signaling pathway of a specific protein called Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP). By temporarily blocking specific BMP receptors they were able to maintain stable cartilage tissue in the lab and in mice.
“Importantly, we have achieved our insights by mimicking molecular processes occurring during embryonic cartilage formation,” said study leader Ivan Martin.
The findings confirm the importance of the field of “developmental engineering” where natural processes are replicated to control the development of adult stem and progenitor cells. The Basel researchers worked with the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, which produced and supplied the inhibitors. The results were publishedExternal link in the US Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal this Monday.
According to Martin, the “cultivated cartilage” could potentially be used to treat cartilage injuries and degeneration by manufacturing engineered cartilage grafts, combining it with existing procedures, or releasing it directly into joints. Transforming this discovery into clinical use is still a long time away though, he cautions.
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Ex-sect member sentenced in Zurich for sexual abuse
This content was published on
Zurich District Court has sentenced a former member of the globally active sect "Children of God" to a partial prison sentence.
SNB chairman does not rule out slowdown in Swiss growth
This content was published on
Martin Schlegel, chairman of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), does not rule out a weakening of the Swiss economy in light of the tariff dispute.
Swiss NGOs abroad to receive 10% less federal funding
This content was published on
In 2025 and 2026, Swiss NGOs will have 10% less federal funding available for international cooperation than in the previous two-year period.
Swiss parties spent less than CHF1 million on February green vote
This content was published on
Swiss political parties spent CHF 700,000 ($840,000) on campaigns in the run-up to the overwhelmingly defeated vote on February 9, according to the Swiss Federal Audit Office.
This content was published on
Swisswool, the largest Swiss wool processor, is not accepting any wool for the first time this spring. For many sheep farmers, the only option is to get rid of the wool.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss research team cures arthritis in mice
This content was published on
Up to this point, doctors have used various drugs to slow or stop the progression of the disease. But the therapy developed by ETH Zurich researchers takes the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in mice to a new level: after receiving the medication, researchers consider the animals to be fully cured. The drug is a biotechnologically…
This content was published on
This new technique was applied on five patients, aged 76 to 88, with severe defects on their nose after skin cancer surgery. One year after the reconstruction, all five patients were satisfied with their ability to breathe as well as with the cosmetic appearance of their nose. None of them reported any side effects. The…
This content was published on
The largest bird in the Alps, the bearded vulture was exterminated in the 19th century and is a vulnerable species today.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.