Biological differences between native and cultured mesenchymal stem cells: implications for therapies

Area of Science:

• Stem Cell Biology
• Hematology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) reside in the bone marrow niche.
• Their interactions with the niche influence their function.
• In vitro culture conditions can alter MSC phenotype and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the surface marker phenotype of native human and mouse bone marrow MSCs.
• To discuss MSC interactions within their native bone marrow microenvironment.
• To explore phenotypic and functional changes in cultured MSCs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on bone marrow MSCs.
• Comparison of MSC marker signatures between humans and mice.
• Analysis of MSC interactions with hematopoietic stem cells, blood vessels, and nerves.

Main Results:

• Similarities exist in the MSC marker signature between humans and mice.
• Native MSCs interact with hematopoietic stem cells, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
• In vitro proliferation leads to phenotypic and functional "drifts" in MSCs.

Conclusions:

• Understanding native MSC biology can advance treatments for hematological diseases like multiple myeloma.
• Knowledge of MSC niches can lead to improved in vitro culture conditions.
• Optimizing MSC culture preserves functionality for enhanced transplantation therapies.