Use of Chondroitin Sulphate to Aid In Vitro Stem Cell Differentiation

Abstract

Chondroitin sulphate (CS) has essential roles to play in the stem cell niche with regard to stem cell differentiation and the attainment of pluripotency. The sulphation status of CS is an important determinant of its functional properties, and this parameter has been used in innovative bioscaffold design to direct the differentiation of stem cells in culture. The intrinsic charge properties of CS determine its interactive properties with extracellular matrix (ECM) components, growth factors, cytokines, and morphogens regulating the growth and differentiation of the resident stem cell populations. Stem cells express cell surface proteoglycans decorated with CS sulphation motifs identified by ..