Stem cells from the jaw bone may help repair damaged cartilage

NEW YORK, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Researchers from the Columbia College of Dental Medicine have identified a method for using stem cells to regenerate damaged cartilage in joints.

In a study, stem cells were taken from the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which connects the jaw bone to the skull. Researchers then observed a single cell was able to generate cartilage and bone when tested in mice. The study was published in Nature Communications.

"This is very exciting for the field because patients who have problems with their jaws and TMJs are very limited in terms of clinical treatments available," lead author Mildred Embree said in a press release.

Approximately 10 million people in the United States live with TMJ disorders, and their treatment options are limited to either surgery or palliative care. Because TMJ is comprised of fibrocartilage, sustained injuries can result in permanent damage or disabilities. However, the study conducted by Columbia researchers suggests the key to restoring a patient's quality of life is to use stem cells already residing in the joint.

"The implications of these findings are broad," Dr. Jeremy Mao said. "They suggest that molecular signals that govern stem cells may have therapeutic applications for cartilage and bone regeneration. Cartilage and certain bone defects are notoriously difficult to heal."

Stem cells are immature cells with the potential to develop into various types of tissue. Embree went on to explain the cells tested in the study were able to regenerate damaged cartilage without many alterations.

"I didn't have to add any reagents to the cells," she added. "They were programmed to do this."

The research team is now investigating which molecules can be used to promote growth in isolated fibrocartilage stem cells. The goal is to develop a drug with minimal side effects that can be injected directly into the joint.