This results in a restricted ability of self-healing in these tissues [1]. The demand for chondrocyte grafting has increased in recent years, but there are limitations as it cannot selleck products be used for vast cartilage injuries. Access to other cellular resources for the production of cartilage tissues and grafting is thus crucial in the treatment of cartilage injuries [2]. Stem cells can be an alternative resource for the purpose of cartilage injury healing. The main focus for regenerative research is to explore the potential resource for cellular therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells can be found in the bone marrow [3], muscle tissues [4], cartilages [5], tendons [6], umbilical cord [7], and umbilical cord blood [8]. Among stem cells with mesenchymal origin, those from the bone marrow have received more attention [9].

A bone marrow stromal cell is a type of mesenchymal stem cell found in the bone marrow. They are able to give rise to bones and cartilages [10]. One point that should be noted in the definition of these cells is that their attachment to the bottom of culture dishes could be used as a way of recognizing them [11]. Cells which attach to the bottom of culture dishes are heterogenic, consisting of progenitor and stem cells [12] and their fate changes depending on the differentiation environment. For example, ascorbic acid, nonorganic phosphates and dexamethasone can influence the differentiation of these cells into osteoblasts [13], while transforming growth factor B can impose chondrogenic markers in these cells [14].

Teeth are rich, unique and accessible sources of mesenchymal stem cells that are suitable for applied research and tissue engineering applications [15]. Following ectomesenchymal interactions (confrontation) occurring between the dental ridges and its underlying mesenchyme, dental layers are formed. Dental layers are further differentiated into dental organs; dental papilla and dental follicles. Finally, major dental structures and periodontal tissues are developed. Meanwhile, dental pulp is formed from mesenchymal neural crests with multipotent abilities [16]. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chondrogenic capacity of mouse dental pulp cells and identify DPSC differentiation into chondrocytes through morphological, molecular, and biochemical analyses. 2. Materials and Methods2.1. Isolation of DPSCIn this experimental study, teeth were obtained from mouse aged 6�C8 weeks. Surfaces of teeth were cleaned with phosphate-buffered AV-951 saline (PBS) and kept in sterile PBS solution containing 1% (v/v) penicillin-streptomycin at 4��C.