Patent ID: 6489165
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: A61F,A61K,A61L,C12N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for producing cells with a chondrocyte phenotype, useful for autogenous tissue repair, comprising:obtaining fibroblasts derived from the dermis of an intended patient; and culturing the fibroblasts in a state of hypoxia and in the presence of at least one agent that promotes differentiation along a chondrogenic pathway; wherein said culturing provides for conversion of the fibroblasts to display a chondrocyte phenotype even in the absence of exogenously added growth factor, the chondrocyte phenotype being selected from the group consisting of production of type II collagen with down-regulation of type I collagen, expression of aggrecan and type II collagen mRNA with down-regulation of type I collagen, chrondrocyte cellular morphology, and production of at least one cartilage matrix component.