Bani Daniele, Nistri Silvia
Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy & Histology, Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
J Cell Mol Med. 2014 Mar;18(3):363-70. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.12247. Epub 2014 Feb 18.
The term stromal cells is referred to cells of direct or indirect (hematopoietic) mesenchymal origin, and encompasses different cell populations residing in the connective tissue, which share the ability to produce the macromolecular components of the extracellular matrix and to organize them in the correct spatial assembly. In physiological conditions, stromal cells are provided with the unique ability to shape a proper three-dimensional scaffold and stimulate the growth and differentiation of parenchymal precursors to give rise to tissues and organs. Thus, stromal cells have an essential function in the regulation of organ morphogenesis and regeneration. In pathological conditions, under the influence of local pro-inflammatory mediators, stromal cells can be prompted to differentiate into myofibroblasts, which rather express a fibrogenic phenotype required for prompt deposition of reparatory scar tissue. Indeed, scarring may be interpreted as an emergency healing response to injury typical of evolved animals, like mammals, conceivably directed to preserve survival at the expense of function. However, under appropriate conditions, the original ability of stromal cells to orchestrate organ regeneration, which is typical of some lower vertebrates and mammalian embryos, can be resumed. These concepts underline the importance of expanding the knowledge on the biological properties of stromal cells and their role as key regulators of the three-dimensional architecture of the organs in view of the refinement of the therapeutic protocols of regenerative medicine.
基质细胞一词指的是直接或间接（造血）间充质起源的细胞，包括存在于结缔组织中的不同细胞群体，这些细胞具有产生细胞外基质大分子成分并将它们组织成正确空间组合的能力。在生理条件下，基质细胞具有塑造合适三维支架并刺激实质前体细胞生长和分化以形成组织和器官的独特能力。因此，基质细胞在器官形态发生和再生的调节中具有重要功能。在病理条件下，在局部促炎介质的影响下，基质细胞可被促使分化为肌成纤维细胞，后者转而表达修复性瘢痕组织快速沉积所需的促纤维化表型。事实上，瘢痕形成可被解释为进化动物（如哺乳动物）典型的对损伤的紧急愈合反应，可想象这是以功能为代价来维持生存。然而，在适当条件下，基质细胞协调器官再生的原始能力（这是一些低等脊椎动物和哺乳动物胚胎所特有的）可以恢复。鉴于再生医学治疗方案的完善，这些概念强调了扩展对基质细胞生物学特性及其作为器官三维结构关键调节因子作用的认识的重要性。
