Glycosaminoglycans mimetics potentiate the clonogenicity, proliferation, migration and differentiation properties of rat mesenchymal stem cells

► Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) mimetics induce bone regenerative process in vivo. ► They stimulate migration and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) in vitro. ► These effects are dependant on FGF-2 interactions. ► Studies on GAG chemical signature underline the role of sulfate and acetyl groups. ► GAG mimetics are an alternative to exogenous growth factor to optimize therapeutic properties of MSC for bone repair.