The systemic inflammatory environment created by the arthritis induction leads to decreased metabolic activity and proliferation of CIA-derived MSC, and increased differentiation capacity determined by the expression of osteogenic (runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), and chondrogenic (aggrecan (ACAN)) markers in basal conditions. The gene discussed is RUNX2; the disease is arthritic joint disease.