Synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells: a new cell source for musculoskeletal regeneration

Ever since synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) were first identified and successfully isolated in 2001, as a brand new member in MSC families, they have been increasingly regarded as a promising therapeutic cell species for musculoskeletal regeneration, particularly for reconstructions of cartilage, bones, tendons, and muscles. Besides the general multipotency in common among the MSC community, SMSCs excel other sourced MSCs in higher ability of proliferation and superiority in chondrogenesis. This review summarizes the latest advances in SMSC-related studies covering their specific isolation methodologies, biological insights, and practical applications in musculoskeletal therapeutics of which an emphasis is cast on engineered chondrogenesis.