Cell-Matrix Interactions Modulate Mesenchymal Stem Cell Response to Dynamic Compression

Unconfined cyclic compressive loading has been shown to promote the chondrogenic differentiation of agarose encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the absence of chondrogenic growth factors [1, 2]. However, in general robust chondrogenesis has not been reported as a result of mechanical stimulation alone; with biochemical stimulation through TGF-β supplementation yielding a more potent pro-chondrogenic effect [2, 3].