Under normal conditions the mesenchymal stem/stromal cells from the bone marrow of adults develop into cartilage tissue which then remodels into bone tissue. This is similar to what happens after a fracture, for example.
However, the researchers found they could prevent embryonic cartilage from becoming bone tissue by inhibiting the signaling pathway of a specific protein called Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP). By temporarily blocking specific BMP receptors they were able to maintain stable cartilage tissue in the lab and in mice.
“Importantly, we have achieved our insights by mimicking molecular processes occurring during embryonic cartilage formation,” said study leader Ivan Martin.
The findings confirm the importance of the field of “developmental engineering” where natural processes are replicated to control the development of adult stem and progenitor cells. The Basel researchers worked with the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, which produced and supplied the inhibitors. The results were publishedExternal link in the US Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal this Monday.
According to Martin, the “cultivated cartilage” could potentially be used to treat cartilage injuries and degeneration by manufacturing engineered cartilage grafts, combining it with existing procedures, or releasing it directly into joints. Transforming this discovery into clinical use is still a long time away though, he cautions.
Swiss national science foundation funded over 5,000 projects in 2023
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In 2023, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) provided a total of CHF961 million worth of funding towards research projects.
Switzerland invites 160 delegations to June Ukraine peace talks
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Russia is currently not among the delegations invited to talks aimed at helping bring about peace in the conflict between Moscow and Ukraine.
Survey: air travel most popular way to go on holidays for Swiss
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Despite the climate crisis, flying is the most popular mode of transport for private travel – particularly among young, urban and high-income travellers.
Swiss government to use phone data to identify asylum seekers
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From April 2025, authorities plan to be able to analyse data from mobile phones, computers and other data carriers to identify asylum seekers.
Young undocumented migrants gain easier access to vocational training
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Rejected asylum-seekers and young undocumented migrants in Switzerland will have easier access to basic vocational training from June 1.
Migration: Swiss government wants to shorten reunification period for families
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Family members of people temporarily admitted to Switzerland should in future be able to join them after two years instead of three.
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2023 was a record year for the Rhaetian Railway in several respects. Never before has the narrow-gauge railway in Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, transported so many passengers and cars.
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Swiss research team cures arthritis in mice
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Up to this point, doctors have used various drugs to slow or stop the progression of the disease. But the therapy developed by ETH Zurich researchers takes the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in mice to a new level: after receiving the medication, researchers consider the animals to be fully cured. The drug is a biotechnologically…
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This new technique was applied on five patients, aged 76 to 88, with severe defects on their nose after skin cancer surgery. One year after the reconstruction, all five patients were satisfied with their ability to breathe as well as with the cosmetic appearance of their nose. None of them reported any side effects. The…
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The largest bird in the Alps, the bearded vulture was exterminated in the 19th century and is a vulnerable species today.
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