Small molecule promoting robust chondrocyte differentiation from primary human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs; EC50 value 100 nM). Kartogenin (KGN) treatment of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) induced the expresion of both Col. II and aggrecan in a dose-dependent manner, and upregulates Sox-9 gene expression. KGN does not alter either MMP-3, MMP-13, or aggrecanase expression in primary chondrocytes and MSCs.
KGN may be used to enhance tendon/bone interface healing through the direct, local delivery of KGN injections into the gap between the tendon graft and the bone surface during ACL reconstruction.