Evidence for transdifferentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells: recent progress and controversies

Adult bone marrow-derived stem cells have traditionally been known as tissue-specific stem cells capable of producing blood cells. This concept is being challenged by a series of recent discoveries. It has been demonstrated that there are heterogeneous stem cell populations in adult bone marrow compartment. Under appropriate experimental conditions, a certain type of bone marrow stem cells appears to differentiate (or transdifferentiate) into a variety of non-haemopoietic cells of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origins (such as myocytes, neural cells and hepatocytes). The plasticity, that is, the ability to regenerate cells belonging to different organs and tissues of adult (postnatal) stem cells, has raised the therapeutic possibility of using these stem cells for tissue repair and regeneration. Presently, definitive evidence for plasticity or transdifferentiation of bone marrow stem cells is lacking. Despite controversies concerning the plasticity of bone marrow-derived stem cells, early clinical trials are being conducted in patients suffering from myocardial infarct, arthritic and neurological diseases using autologous bone marrow stem cells. This review summarises recent progresses and controversies in transdifferentiation of adult bone marrow-derived stem cells to non-haemopoietic tissues.