Mesenchymal Stem Cells
What are Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)
Are a heterogeneous population of cells that can be derived from multiple tissue types in the body. Their ability to modulate the immune response and to enhance tissue regeneration and repair has led to a substantial number of clinical investigations assessing the therapeutic potential of MSCs for a variety of diseases and conditions.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells which can be isolated from human and animal sources. Human MSCs (hMSCs) are the non-haematopoietic, multipotent stem cells with the capacity to differentiate into mesodermal lineage such as osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes as well ectodermal (neurocytes) and endodermal lineages (hepatocytes). MSCs express cell surface markers like cluster of differentiation (CD)29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105 and lack the expression of CD14, CD34, CD45 and HLA (human leucocyte antigen)-DR. Until now they have been isolated from various tissues, including adipose tissue, amniotic fluid, endometrium, dental tissues, umbilical cord and Wharton’s jelly which harbours potential MSCs. hMSCs have been cultured long-term in specific media without any severe abnormalities. Furthermore, MSCs have immunomodulatory features, secrete cytokines and immune-receptors which regulate the microenvironment in the host tissue. Multilineage potential, immunomodulation and secretion of anti-inflammatory molecules makes MSCs an effective tool in the treatment of chronic diseases
In Summary: they are cells with the ability to proliferate and self-renew. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC’s) are able to signal and generate cells that can differentiate at least in one particular lineage. MSC’s are capable or repairing and regenerating Organs, Bones, Tissue, Skin and Hair. They are highly migratory and are attracted to damaged areas. It has been clinically demonstrated that Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is capable of significantly improving quality of life for persons dealing with degenerative conditions, autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, vascular diseases and many other conditions.
Research scientists are now looking at stem cell therapy as a preventative supplementation for general wellness. MSCs are multipotent and therefore capable of cellular specialization into many types cells of the body. Mesenchymal cells can give rise to many different cell types. The most studied are bone, cartilage, muscle, nerves and fat. MSCs differentiate to become numerous cell types. Mesenchymal stem cells also have the ability to:
Fight inflammation (the precursor to many conditions)
Prevent cell death (increase longevity)
Form new blood vessels (restores vital circulatory needs)
Directs immune system, into using other repair cells to aid in healing (the defense system)
Self-regenerate (slow, stop and reverse the degenerative process of aging)
Stem cells are the cells with a specific function with the ability of self-renewal, possess varied potency and differentiate into multilineages. Because of clinical applications and biological importance, stem cells become a prominent subject in modern research era.
In vitro differentiation potential
hMSCs have the capacity to differentiate into all the three lineages, i.e. ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, with various potency by employing suitable media and growth supplements which initiate lineage differentiation.
hMSCs are not only easy to isolate but they also retain their ability to expand for long period of time without losing its characteristics. However, apart from mesodermal lineages, they have the capacity to trans-differentiate into ectodermal and endodermal lineages. Moreover, hMSCs have the immunomodulatory properties as they secrete certain cytokines and immune relevant receptors to modify the host immune environment. All these properties of MSCs make them distinct from other stem cells and can be used in future cell replacement therapy. Many preclinical and clinical studies were performed using hMSCs in treatment of chronic diseases like neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases, but still there are questions that have to be answered before using hMSCs on large clinical scale.