BACKGROUND: α10β1 integrin (CD11c/CD29) receptor plays a critical role in anchoring chondrocytes to the extracellular matrix and mediating essential collagen type II interactions being its primary receptor, thereby influencing cartilage integrity, matrix synthesis, and organization. Given the challenges with hyaline cartilage regeneration, particularly the tendency of chondrocytes to adopt a fibrocartilaginous phenotype due to donor variability and extensive passage, this study sought to discern differences in chondrogenic potential between high and low donor groups based on CD11c expression and assess its potential as a tool for selecting high-potential donors to streamline the evaluation process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enzymatically isolated chondrocytes from six donors underwent FACS analysis to determine CD11c expression levels, and based on the median levels, the chondrocytes were categorized into low and high expression groups, and their chondrogenic potential was compared using FACS for putative markers of chondrogenesis, gene expression patterns, differentiation studies and biochemical analysis of total glycosaminoglycan/DNA ratios and total Collagen type II levels.

RESULT: High donor group displayed higher variability with CD29 and CD146 but comparability with the low donor group. Although the high donor group exhibited lower expression of hypertrophic markers (COL1A1 and RUNX2), suggesting potential phenotypic advantages, no significant differences were observed in chondrogenic potential or ECM properties between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: The novel data demonstrate that moderate CD11c percentage expression with fresh chondrocytes is not a reliable marker for distinguishing donors with superior chondrogenic potential. Reanalysis using higher percentage expressions and exploring alternative combinations of markers would help identify optimal donors.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-025-01577-1.