Mesenchymal cells for skeletal tissue engineering.

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.