Glucosamine increases the expression of YKL-40 and osteogenic marker genes in hMSC during osteogenic differentiation

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) can be expanded in vitro and differentiated towards osteogenic, chondrogenic or adipogenic lineages, making them an attractive source for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Chitinase-like-proteins (CLPs) belong to the family 18 glycosyl hydrolases and are believed to play a role in inflammation and tissue remodelling. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the aminosugar glucosamine on the expression of the CLP YKL-40 during osteogenic differentiation of hMSC. Glucosamine did not affect multipotency of hMSC nor proliferation rate of undifferentiated hMSC. YKL-40 was expressed during both expansion of undifferentiated hMSC and during osteogenic differentiation. A slight but nonsignificant increase in YKL-40 expression was observed with glucosamine, accompanied by a pH-dependent delay in mineralization. However, glucosamine induced higher expression of osteogenic marker genes.