Abstract: Methods and compositions for directing adipose-derived stromal cells cultivated in vitro to differentiate into cells of the chondrocyte lineage are disclosed. The invention further provides a variety of chondroinductive agents which can be used singly or in combination with other nutrient components to induce chondrogenesis in adipose-derived stromal cells either in cultivating monolayers or in a biocompatible lattice or matrix in a three-dimensional configuration. Use of the differentiated chondrocytes for the therapeutic treatment of a number of human conditions and diseases including repair of cartilage in vivo is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition of an isolated human adipose tissue-derived stromal cell that has been differentiated to exhibit at least one characteristic of a non-adipocyte cell lineage wherein the non-adipocyte cell lineage is osteoblastic. The adipose-derived cell possessing an osteoblastic characteristic can be genetically modified or combined with a matrix. The compositions of the invention can be used in vivo to repair bone and treat bone diseases.