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- Talk
- 07/09/2020
- UK
Upregulation of SOX5, SOX6, SOX9 Transcription Factors is Observed in Preconditioned Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Chondrocytes Co-culture in Normoxic and Hypercapnic Conditions
Description
This presentation by Christopher Mak, a medical student from the University of Cambridge, explores his research on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their upregulation of SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9 transcription factors through chondrocyte co-culture under both normoxic and hypercapnic conditions. The study highlights the crucial role of SOX family transcription factors in cell fate commitment and chondrogenesis, which could contribute to advancing cartilage repair therapies for osteoarthritis.
Mak explains that MSCs, obtained from various human body sites like bone marrow and adipose tissue, are multipotent and have shown promise in clinical trials due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, outcomes related to their chondrogenic capabilities are variable, prompting further investigation into improving cartilage repair strategies using these cells. He emphasizes the potential of preconditioning MSCs through chondrocyte co-culture as a more effective approach than traditional therapies which may require repetitive dosages.
The experimental design involved rigorous patient selection, where MSCs and chondrocytes were extracted from the same osteoarthritic knee under controlled conditions, and results were analyzed using multiple laboratory techniques. His preliminary findings suggest significant upregulation of the SOX genes in co-cultured MSCs compared to monocultures, indicating a promising direction for enhancing MSC-based therapies for osteochondral repair.
Lastly, Mak addresses inquiries about the observed variability in expression of SOX genes and the statistical measures used to interpret this data, noting that the upregulation trends are potentially skewed towards higher expression levels.