tcsc3369 Kartogenin

Kartogenin is an inducer of differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes.

In Vitro: Kartogenin enhances cell proliferation in both cell types in a concentration-dependent manner and induces chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells, as demonstrated by high expression levels of chondrogenic markers aggrecan, collagen II and Sox-9. Besides, kartogenin induces the formation of cartilage-like tissues in cell cultures, as observed through the staining of abundant proteoglycans, collagen II and osteocalcin^[1]. Kartogenin stimulates type-I collagen synthesis of fibroblasts at the mRNA and protein levels in a time-dependent manner without obvious influence on fibroblasts’ apoptosis and viability. Smad4/smad5 of the TGF-β signaling pathway is activated by kartogenin while MAPK signaling pathway remains unchanged^[2]. Kartogenin treatment enhances chondrocyte pericellular matrix assembly and retention in the presence of IL-1β. Kartogenin partially blocks the IL-1β-induced increased expression of ADAMTS-5. Additionally, kartogenin-treated articular chondrocytes exhibits a decrease in CD44 proteolytic fragmentation^[3].

In Vivo: hen injected into intact rat patellar tendons, kartogenin induces cartilage-like tissue formation in the injected area. When injected into experimentally injured rat Achilles TBJs, wound healing in the TBJs is enhanced, as evidenced by the formation of extensive cartilage-like tissues^[1]. Kartogenin stimulates collagen synthesis in the mouse dermis. Dermis in the kartogenin (100 nM)-treated group exhibits increased dermal thickness and intense blue staining, which represents more collagen composition in the dermis^[2].