What are Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also referred to as mesenchymal stromal cells, are non-hematopoietic multipotent stem with the capacity to differentiate into cells of the mesodermal lineage.  MSCs have been reported to differentiate into a variety of cell types, including fat (adipocytes), cartelage (chondrocytes), and bone (osteocytes), with some reported protocol for differentiation to muscular (myocytes), endodermal (hepatocyte), and ectodermal (neurocyte) lineages.  

MSCs are found in low population density in vivo in a variety of tissue types, and are typically isolated from bone marrow and other adult somatic tissues, such as adipose, umbilical cord, Wharton’s jelly, dental pulp, and endometrium.  Ex vivo, the cells can be expanded in vitro to obtain a sufficient cell number for research and translational applications. MSCs are known to enhance tissue regeneration as well as for their immunomodulatory capacity, and because of this, offer a novel approach to regenerative medicine. MSCs are currently used in therapeutic applications using both allogenic and autologous cell sources. 

MSCs are of great clinical interest due to their potential use in autologous transplantation and their broad immunomodulatory properties. Many approaches to MSC therapeutic treatments are currently being developed and explored in a clinical setting, including their paracrine mechanisms and secreted factors that modulate immune response. 

Material and method optimization and standardization around the isolation, culture and expansion, cryopreservation, and other aspects of therapeutic development and manufacture of MSCs are ongoing in order to realize the full potential of these cells in regenerative medicine. The use of standardized, animal component-free media formulations and culture solutions are vital for reducing patient safety risks and concerns around transplanted cells or cultured cell extracts.