Introduction

Embryonic cartilage development involves the recruitment, commitment, differentiation, and maturation of mesenchymal cells into those in the chondrocytic lineage. The exquisite control of cartilage development is regulated at the level of gene transcription, cellular signaling, cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, as well as systemic modulation. Mediators include transcription factors, growth factors, cytokines, metabolites, hormones, and environmentally derived influences.

Content

Understanding the mechanisms underlying developmental cartilage morphogenesis is crucial to harnessing the inherent regenerative potential of skeletal stem cells for wound healing and repair, as well as for functional skeletal tissue engineering. Specifically, these principles must be adopted for engineered cartilage formation, both for regenerative/reparative applications as well as for the establishment of “tissue chip” models of cartilage and skeletal tissues. In particular, the latter involves the incorporation of tissue interactions at both biological and structural levels and requires combined technologies in bioengineering and biomedicine. Understanding and application of the fundamental mechanisms governing developmental and regenerative cartilage development is essential for elucidating the process of pathogenesis and the assessment of potential therapeutics for cartilage diseases.

References

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Acknowledgments

Support: Lee Quo Wei and Lee Yick Hoi Lun Professorship in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)