At ReCELLebrate, regenerative medicine is not about chasing trends or quick fixes. It is about understanding how the body heals, how cells communicate, and how different types of stem cells behave over time. This perspective is especially important when looking at emerging research on cartilage repair, where long-term outcomes matter just as much as early success.
The study at the center of this article closely examines how cartilage formed from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, and sometimes referred to as medicinal signalling cells) compares to cartilage formed from more powerful pluripotent stem cells when observed over an extended period. Rather than focusing on short-term improvements, the researchers asked a more meaningful question: which type of stem cell produces cartilage that remains healthy, stable, and supportive of joint function over time?
This article breaks down that research in clear, accessible language. While the science behind MSCs and pluripotent stem cells can feel complex, the core message is straightforward: not all stem cells behave the same once they are placed inside the body, and those differences can shape long-term joint health.
As with all regenerative medicine, context matters. At ReCELLebrate, Dr. Jeff Gross, a stem cell expert who believes in listening first, works with patients to understand their needs, goals, and concerns before ever suggesting a treatment path. And as always, this is rooted in real science.
Table of Contents
Why Cartilage Damage Is So Hard to Heal
Cartilage is the smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions joints like the knees, hips, and shoulders, among others. Unlike muscle or skin, cartilage has very little blood supply. That means when it is damaged, whether from injury, inflammatory burden, overuse, or aging, it struggles to repair itself, particularly as one ages
Traditional treatments for cartilage damage have often reactively focused on managing pain rather than restoring tissue. Surgery, injections (often steroids), or physical therapy can help those symptoms, but they do not always address the root problem: lost or deteriorating cartilage cells as part of an inflammatory degeneration of the joint fabrication and repair biology
This challenge has led clinicians and other scientists to explore cell therapy: using living cells (and their biological signals) to repair or replace damaged tissue. Among the most studied options are MSCs, which are already widely discussed and applied in regenerative medicine.
Stem Cell Is What? A Simple Explanation
A common question patients ask is: Stem cell is what, exactly?
Stem cells, generally speaking, are special cells with two key abilities:
- They can make copies of themselves
- They can change into other types of cells
There are many different types of stem cells.
Mesenchymal stem cells are a specific type of stem cell commonly found in adult tissues. They are best known for their role in supporting repair, reducing inflammation, and signaling healing responses. They work by delivering signals to our tissues. These signals are one of restoration and repair, in a setting of switching cells to their anti-inflammatory (optimal functioning) modes.
Pluripotent stem cells, on the other hand, are more flexible and powerful They can become almost any cell type in the body. We can create pluripotent stem cells in the lab by reprogramming adult cells, or MSCs which allows us to guide them into very specific tissues: like cartilage, with more efficiency than more general stem cells, like MSCs.
Understanding where different types of stem cells come from and how they behave is critical to understanding the study discussed below.
Where Do Stem Cells Come From?
One of the most common questions in regenerative medicine is: Where do stem cells come from?
Mesenchymal stem cells are typically sourced from adult tissues such as:
- Bone marrow
- Fat tissue
And from perinatal tissues (donated from left over tissues after a healthy birth).
- Umbilical cord–derived tissues
Pluripotent stem cells used in research are created by reprogramming adult cells or umbilical cord derived MSCs back along their embryonic lineage into a more flexible, earlier, more powerful state. These are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). They can be guided into becoming cartilage cells under carefully controlled lab conditions.
This distinction matters because cell origin strongly influences how cells behave long-term, something this study explored in depth.
The Study: Comparing Two Paths to Cartilage Repair
The research at the center of this discussion compared cartilage grown from MSCs with cartilage grown from iPSCs.
First, both cell types were used to grow cartilage in the lab over an extended period.
Here is what was studied::
- How well the cartilage tissue formed
- Whether the cartilage cells stayed healthy
- Whether the cartilage tissue resembled true joint cartilage
Later, this lab-grown cartilage was implanted into joint injuries in animal models and observed for nearly a year—a very long time in scientific research.
What Happened in the Lab
When grown in the laboratory, cartilage made from MSCs initially showed promising results. However, over time, many of these cells began to change in unwanted ways.
Specifically, MSC–derived cartilage eventually showed signs of:
- Becoming stiff or fibrous instead of smooth
- Turning toward bone-like tissue
- Increased cell stress and cell death
In contrast, cartilage made from iPSC–derived cells remained more stable over time. It continued producing proteins associated with healthy joint cartilage and showed fewer signs of breakdown.
This finding alone suggested that long-term outcomes might differ significantly between the two stem cell approaches. These findings highlight why understanding how mesenchymal stem cells behave over time is essential when evaluating regenerative medicine strategies for cartilage repair.
Long-Term Results Inside the Joint
The most important part of the study came next: long-term observation after implantation.
Over many months, the implanted tissue was monitored as to how each type of stem cell behaved inside the joint. The differences became clearer with time.
Joints treated with MSC–derived cartilage often showed:
- Breakdown of the implanted tissue over time
- Damage spreading into nearby healthy cartilage over time
- Increased signs of discomfort and joint stress over time
Meanwhile, joints treated with cartilage derived from iPSCs generally maintained better structure. In some cases, the surrounding native cartilage was actually protected rather than harmed.
This raised an important point: regenerative treatments must not only help initially—they must continue helping without causing new problems.
Why This Matters for Regenerative Medicine
Mesenchymal stem cells remain a valuable tool in regenerative medicine, especially for their ability to support healing signals and reduce inflammation. However, this study highlights that mesenchymal stem cells may behave differently when used for long-term structural repair, such as cartilage regeneration.
For structural tissues like cartilage, where durability and long-term performance matter, cell behavior over time becomes critical. A therapy that looks effective at three months may behave very differently at three years.
This is why responsible regenerative medicine focuses on evidence, safety, and individualized care rather than hype.
What This Could Mean for Humans
While this study was conducted in an animal model, its implications are important for future human treatments. While mesenchymal stem cells continue to play an important role in regenerative medicine, this research suggests that pluripotent stem cell-derived cartilage may offer advantages for long-term joint structure and durability.
It suggests that cartilage engineered from induced pluripotent stem cells may:
- Maintain healthy structure longer
- Reduce risk of surrounding tissue damage
- Offer more durable joint repair
Human biology is complex, and regenerative treatments must always be evaluated dutifully.
This is where expert guidance matters.
The Role of Expertise and Personalization
Dr. Jeff Gross is a stem cell expert who believes that regenerative medicine begins with listening. Every patient brings a unique history, lifestyle, and set of goals.
Rather than pushing a single solution, Dr. Jeff takes the time to understand:
- What you want to improve
- How your body has responded to past treatments
- Whether regenerative medicine fits into your long-term longevity plan
Regenerative cell therapy is powerful. Its true value emerges when it is guided by evidence, intention, and care
Exploring Regenerative Medicine with ReCELLebrate
At ReCELLebrate, regenerative medicine is about helping people live beautifully longer. Research like this study informs how we think improving our regenerative approaches—always guided by good science, clinical judgement, and experience.
If you are curious about stem cells and regenerative medicine, including how mesenchymal stem cells compare with newer pluripotent approaches, or simply wondering where stem cells come from, we encourage you to continue learning.
Explore our blog, learn about our services, and most importantly, reach out to ReCELLebrate to start a conversation. A discussion with Dr. Jeff Gross can help clarify regenerative medicine’s role in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is cell therapy?
Cell therapy is a medical approach that uses living cells to help repair, regenerate, or support damaged tissues in the body. In regenerative medicine, cell therapy often involves stem cells because of their ability to influence healing, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair. We at ReCELLebrate continue to explore how different types of stem cells behave over time to ensure treatments meet broad goals while maintaining compliance with marketing claim limitations.
Stem cell is what, exactly?
A stem cell is a special type of cell that can both copy itself and develop into other types of cells. This unique ability allows stem cells to play a key role in growth, healing, and regeneration. There are multiple types of stem cells,, and their behavior depends on where they come from and how they are used
Where do stem cells come from?
Stem cells can come from several sources. Mesenchymal stem cells are typically obtained from adult tissues such as bone marrow, fat tissue, or from ethically sourced donated perinatal umbilical cord–derived tissues. Pluripotent stem cells are created by reprogramming adult or perinatal cells in a laboratory, allowing us to guide them into specific cell types, such as cartilage cells.
What are mesenchymal stem cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells known for their role in supporting repair and reducing inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells are among the most widely studied cell types in regenerative medicine and cell therapy because of their signalling functions and safety profile. They may be more aptly called medicinal signalling cells. They are commonly discussed in cell therapy and regenerative medicine because they can influence healing and inflammation-suppressive environments within the body. We continue to examine how mesenchymal stem cells behave over time in different therapeutic settings. Because mesenchymal stem cells function primarily through signaling rather than replacement, their role in regenerative medicine is often supportive rather than structural.
What are pluripotent stem cells?
Pluripotent stem cells are stem cells that have the ability to differentiate into almost any cell type in the body. In research settings, pluripotent stem cells are carefully guided to become specific tissues, such as cartilage. These cells may offer advantages in certain regenerative applications due to their flexibility and stability when properly differentiated according to published studies.
Are stem cell therapies the same for everyone?
No. Regenerative medicine and cell therapy are highly individualized. Factors such as health history, goals, and the type of tissue being treated all matter. This is why working with an experienced stem cell professional is essential when exploring stem cell–based options.
How can I learn if regenerative medicine is right for me?
The best first step is a conversation with a qualified expert. At ReCELLebrate, Dr. Jeff Gross takes a listening-first approach, helping patients understand their options and whether regenerative medicine may support their long-term health and longevity goals.
References
- Lu Y, Kats ER, Hines SE, et al. Long-term evaluation of human iPSC-derived cartilage for repairing chondral defects. npj Regenerative Medicine. 2025. doi:10.1038/s41536-025-00447-6
- Mamachan M, et al. Mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage regeneration: Insights into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Tissue and Cell. 2024;88:102380. doi:10.1016/j.tice.2024.102380
- Owaidah AY. Induced pluripotent stem cells in cartilage tissue engineering: A literature review. Bioscience Reports. 2024;44. doi:10.1042/BSR20232102
- Ali EAM, et al. iPSCs chondrogenic differentiation for personalized regenerative medicine: A literature review. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2024;15:185. doi:10.1186/s13287-024-03794-1