Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) (MSC)

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent progenitor cells found in bone marrow, adipose tissue, and other tissues, distinguished by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and, under some conditions, myogenic lineages. This differentiation contributes to tissue regeneration and repair, making MSCs a key focus in regenerative medicine. Differentiation is regulated by signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β, along with transcription factors like RUNX2 for osteogenesis, SOX9 for chondrogenesis, and PPARγ for adipogenesis. MSCs can be identified by specific cell surface and lineage markers. While clinically promising, applications require careful consideration of differentiation potential, biomarker status, and safety concerns, as MSC therapies operate via complex biological processes rather than the action of individual molecular targets.

Other names

Mesenchymal stromal cellMultipotent stromal cell