Design of a mutant protein with enhanced type ii collagen gelatin binding capacity for use in directing stem cells to engraft into articular cartilage lesions

Abstract

Purpose: Injection of undifferentiated mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) into osteoarthritic (OA) joints can lead to a reduction in symptoms, but this approach could be improved by targeting injected cells to the lesion sites in the articular cartilage. Degradation of Type II collagen in OA occurs at the surface of the articular cartilage, leading to an accumulation of Type II collagen gelatin, a prime candidate for therapeutic targeting. We therefore propose to target MSCs through attachment to Type II collagen gelatin.