In 1991, Arnold Caplan coined the term “MSC“ as mesenchymal stem cells. Since then, a plethora of publications have emerged dealing with MSCs from different cell sources in the human body. Residing in several tissue niches, these cells are believed to be able to differentiate into different mesenchymal cell types, such as cartilage, bone or fat tissue.
In recent years, the fundamental knowledge of MSC biology has increased, with several discussions arising regarding the actual molecular mechanism of action of MSCs. As a consequence, Arnold Caplan has recently proposed to re-name MSCs as “medicinal signaling cells“, since MSCs comprise a mixed population of stromal and stem cells, and potentially execute a signaling (rather than a differentiating) function during regeneration. MSCs secrete a variety of factors relevant for different tissue types and thus hold great promise in tissue regeneration and engineering strategies, particularly through their supportive signaling.
This Research Topic aims to highlight the molecular mechanisms of MSCs during regeneration. It should bring together specialists in the fields of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell biology and regenerative medicine in order to present an open discussion forum for current research advances. Topics include, but are not limited to, the basic molecular biology of these cells, including cell differentiation, the secretome (including the role of extracellular vesicles derived thereof) and immunomodulatory mode(s) of action, with particular emphasis on their therapeutic implications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Photocredit: Sandra Hofmann
In 1991, Arnold Caplan coined the term “MSC“ as mesenchymal stem cells. Since then, a plethora of publications have emerged dealing with MSCs from different cell sources in the human body. Residing in several tissue niches, these cells are believed to be able to differentiate into different mesenchymal cell types, such as cartilage, bone or fat tissue.
In recent years, the fundamental knowledge of MSC biology has increased, with several discussions arising regarding the actual molecular mechanism of action of MSCs. As a consequence, Arnold Caplan has recently proposed to re-name MSCs as “medicinal signaling cells“, since MSCs comprise a mixed population of stromal and stem cells, and potentially execute a signaling (rather than a differentiating) function during regeneration. MSCs secrete a variety of factors relevant for different tissue types and thus hold great promise in tissue regeneration and engineering strategies, particularly through their supportive signaling.
This Research Topic aims to highlight the molecular mechanisms of MSCs during regeneration. It should bring together specialists in the fields of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell biology and regenerative medicine in order to present an open discussion forum for current research advances. Topics include, but are not limited to, the basic molecular biology of these cells, including cell differentiation, the secretome (including the role of extracellular vesicles derived thereof) and immunomodulatory mode(s) of action, with particular emphasis on their therapeutic implications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Photocredit: Sandra Hofmann
