Irisin enhances chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells via Rap1/PI3K/AKT axis.

Collectively, our study reveals that irisin can enhance chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs via the Rap1/PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting that irisin possesses prospects in cartilage regeneration. Collectively, our study reveals that irisin can enhance chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs via the Rap1/PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting that irisin possesses prospects in cartilage regeneration. Overall design: To further explore the possible mechanisms accounting for the role of irisin on the chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs, RNA sequencing was performed in hMSC-induced cartilage tissue between controls and irisin-treated groups on day 7.