Phenotypic features of rib cartilage cells in funnel-shaped chest deformity

Funnel-shaped deformity of the chest is a serious disease with an unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Pathological changes occurring in the cartilaginous tissue of the ribs are one of the leading mechanisms for the development of chest curvature. Analysis of the phenotypic features of cells isolated from the site of localization of the pathological process will create a more complete picture of the deformation development.Aim of the study was to identify the phenotype of rib cartilage cells in funnel-shaped deformation of the thorax.Material and methods. Rib cartilage cells of children with funnel-shaped chest deformity were cultured up to the 2–3rd passage, then were identified by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods.Results and discussion. The study revealed cells of two different phenotypes. The first type is oval and polygonal chondroblasts expressing a marker of chondrogenic differentiation. The second type is the cells of the neural phenotype with the expression of early neural markers Musashi1 and PAX6 and the neurospecific protein III β-tubulin, as well as the substance Nissl.Conclusions. The analysis of the phenotypic features of rib cartilage cells with funnel-shaped curvature of the chest allowed us to expand the idea of a possible etiological factor in the deformation development.