Growth Factors and Signaling Pathways in the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells that can differentiate into the several lineages. MSC has drawn an enormous attention because of the potential for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Several growth factors and signaling mechanisms strongly influence chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. In this review, we summarized the roles of these growth factors and signaling mechanisms involved in chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs.