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A Historical Overview and Concepts of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

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Essentials of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Biology and Its Clinical Translation

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells have generated great interest among researchers and physicians due to their unique biological characteristics and potential clinical applications. Here, we first give a brief introduction to mesenchymal stem cells, from their discovery to their definition, sources and types. During embryonic development, MSCs arise from two major sources: neural crest and mesoderm. We discuss these two developmental origins. Additionally, we propose for the first time the concept of a hierarchical system of MSCs and draw the conclusion that post-embryonic subtotipotent stem cells are cells that are leftover from embryonic development and are at the top of the hierarchy, serving as a source of MSCs. Then, we describe various concepts related to MSCs, such as their plasticity, immunomodulatory functions, homing and secretion of bioactive molecules. These concepts constitute an important part of the biological properties of MSCs, and a thorough understanding of these concepts can help researchers gain better insight into MSCs. Finally, we provide an overview of the recent clinical findings related to MSC therapeutic effects. MSC-based clinical trials have been conducted for at least 12 types of pathological conditions, with many completed trials demonstrating their safety and efficacy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5# Dongdansantiao, 100005, Beijing, China, People’s Republic

    Shihua Wang & Robert Chunhua Zhao

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  1. Shihua Wang
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  2. Robert Chunhua Zhao
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Correspondence to Robert Chunhua Zhao .

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  1. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, 100005, China, People's Republic

    Robert Chunhua Zhao

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Wang, S., Zhao, R.C. (2013). A Historical Overview and Concepts of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. In: Zhao, R. (eds) Essentials of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Biology and Its Clinical Translation. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6716-4_1

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