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Published on: December 8, 2016
Should publications on mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells include in-process data on the preparation of the cells?
Roxanne L Reger1, Darwin J Prockop
1Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
There has been great interest in research and clinical trials with the adult stem/progenitor cells referred to as mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). However, there are no definitive markers for the cells and no assays that would reflect the therapeutic efficacy of the cells in vivo. There are in effect no adequate release criteria that define the quality or efficacy of the cells. The problems are compounded by the fact that a variety of different protocols has been used to isolate the cells and expand them in culture. The result is that many publications have used MSCs with different properties, frequently without the investigators being aware of the differences. As a partial solution to these problems, we have devised a simple table to record in-process data on the preparation of MSCs. We suggest that comparisons of data generated by different laboratories would be facilitated if similar in-process data, probably as supplemental materials, were included in publications using MSCs.
Insights
Standardizing mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) preparation is crucial due to inconsistent protocols. A proposed data recording table aids in comparing MSC properties across studies for better research reproducibility.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) show therapeutic promise but lack definitive markers and efficacy assays.
- Inconsistent isolation and expansion protocols lead to MSCs with variable properties, hindering research comparability.
- Current release criteria are inadequate for defining MSC quality and therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the lack of standardization in MSC research.
- To propose a method for improving the comparability of MSC data across different laboratories.
- To facilitate better understanding of MSC properties and their impact on therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Devised a simple table for recording in-process data during MSC preparation.
- Suggested including this data as supplemental material in publications.
- Advocated for standardized data collection across research groups.
Main Results:
- The proposed table offers a practical solution for documenting MSC preparation.
- Standardized data recording can significantly improve inter-laboratory comparisons.
- This approach can help identify and account for variations in MSC properties.
Conclusions:
- Standardized in-process data collection is essential for advancing MSC research.
- Implementing a common data recording format will enhance the reproducibility and reliability of MSC studies.
- This initiative aims to establish clearer quality and efficacy benchmarks for MSCs.
