The role of multipotent marrow stromal cells (MSCs) in tissue regeneration

An extensive body of preclinical and clinical data has shown that administration of adult multipotent marrow stromal cells (MSCs) effectively ameliorates experimental and clinical conditions of many different organ systems. Differentiation into organ parenchymal cells, however, is very rare, and the main mechanism for organ protection and regeneration from different types of injury is the exertion of paracrine effects and stimulation of tissue repair. A large number of clinical trials have been conducted and are ongoing to investigate the safety and efficacy of MSCs in different organs after various types of organ injury. This article intends to give a brief overview about current applications of MSCs and mechanisms involved in organ protection and regeneration.