Mesenchymal cells for skeletal tissue engineering

Abstract

Background: Skeletal defects represent a significant socioeconomic burden to the US healthcare system. Current options for reconstructing osseous deficits have shortcomings. Objective: To review the use of mesenchymal stem cells for skeletal tissue engineering. Methods: We focused on the application of mesenchymal cells in skeletal regeneration, optimization of this technique, tropic effects of multipotent mesenchymal cells, and future directions. Results/conclusion: A number of cell-based modalities have been investigated. We have been interested in the role of adipose-derived stromal cells in bone regeneration and understanding the mechanisms behind osteogenic differentiation of progenitor cells and acceleration of this process. Future clinical applications of multipotent mesenchymal cells will depend on better understanding of the molecular signaling involved in osteogenic differentiation and maintaining pluripotency.

Keywords::

• adipose-derived stromal cells
• bone marrow-derived stromal cells
• bone morphogenic protein
• induced pluripotent stem cells
• mesenchymal stem cells
• periosteum-derived osteoprogenitor cells
• skeletal tissue engineering