Mesenchymal stem cell-associated surface targets (MSC surface marker)

Mesenchymal stem cell-associated surface targets is not a single molecular entity but a collective term for the cell-surface proteins used to identify and characterize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a type of adult stem cell found in bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and other tissues. These cells are defined by their ability to adhere to plastic, their multipotent differentiation potential (particularly into osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes), and a characteristic surface marker profile. According to the International Society for Cellular Therapy, MSCs must be ≥95% positive for CD105, CD73, and CD90, and ≤2% positive for hematopoietic markers such as CD45, CD34, CD14, CD19, and HLA-DR[1][5][8]. Additional markers (e.g., CD44, CD29, CD166, CD13) are variably expressed depending on tissue source and species[2][3][4]. The primary biological roles of these surface molecules include cell adhesion, signaling, and participation in the processes of tissue repair and immune modulation. MSCs are widely investigated for their therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine, but their surface markers are not themselves direct drug targets—rather, they serve as identifiers for the cells used in therapy. There is significant variability and overlap in marker expression across different MSC isolates, which poses challenges for standardization and clinical translation[2][4].

Other names

Mesenchymal stem cell markerMSC markermesenchymal stromal cell markermesenchymal progenitor cell marker