Biomarker to Enrich for Inflammation-Resistant Cartilage to Treat Osteoarthritis

Stanford researchers have identified a biomarker on cartilage precursor cells that can predict which cells will develop into inflammation-resistant and functionally appropriate tissue for autologous transplants to treat osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis involves inflammation and damage to articular cartilage. Current cartilage replacement sources often produce weak, non-resembling tissue. However, chondrocyte cells expressing the new biomarker proliferate quickly and consistently form tissue that resists inflammation and closely resembles articular cartilage. This biomarker could provide a new, improved source of regenerative cells to treat osteoarthritis and prevent further tissue damage.

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Stage of Research:
The inventors have further demonstrated that a gain of CD24 function is beneficial in both normal and Osteoarthritic human chondrocytes and are currently testing the performance of CD24 rich cartilage constructs compared to the normal CD24 low cartilage constructs in rat models of cartilage defects.