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Published on: August 14, 2015
Investigation of orofacial stem cell niches and their innervation through microfluidic devices
P Pagella1, E Neto, M Lamghari
1Orofacial Development & Regeneration Division, Institute of Oral Biology, Centre for Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Plattenstrasse 11, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.thimios.mitsiadis@zzm.uzh.ch.
Abstract:
Stem cell-based mediated therapies represent very promising approaches for tissue regeneration and are already applied with success in clinics. These therapeutic approaches consist of the in vitro manipulation of stem cells and their consequent administration to patients as living and dynamic biological agents. Nevertheless, the deregulation of stem cells function might result in the generation of pathologies such as tumours or accelerated senescence. Moreover, different stem cells sources are needed for regeneration of specific tissues. It is thus fundamental to understand the mechanisms regulating the physiology of stem cells. Microfluidic technology can be used to mimic in vivo scenarios and allow the study of stem cell physiology at both single cell and whole stem cell niche levels.This review focuses on the potential sources of stem and progenitor cells for orofacial regeneration and the use of microfluidic technologies for the study of stem cells behaviour and stem cell niches, in the light of regenerative medicine.
Insights
Stem cell therapies offer promising tissue regeneration but require understanding stem cell regulation. Microfluidics aids studying stem cell behavior and niches for safer, effective regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Stem cell therapies show promise for tissue regeneration but carry risks like tumor formation or senescence due to uncontrolled function.
- Diverse stem cell sources are necessary for regenerating specific tissues, highlighting the need to understand their physiological regulation.
- Understanding stem cell physiology is crucial for advancing regenerative medicine and ensuring therapeutic safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential stem and progenitor cell sources for orofacial regeneration.
- To explore the application of microfluidic technologies in studying stem cell behavior and stem cell niches.
- To integrate these aspects within the context of regenerative medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on stem cell sources for orofacial regeneration.
- Analysis of microfluidic technologies for in vitro stem cell studies.
- Synthesis of findings related to stem cell behavior, niches, and regenerative medicine.
Main Results:
- Identified various stem and progenitor cell sources applicable to orofacial regeneration.
- Highlighted microfluidics' capability to mimic in vivo conditions for studying stem cells at single-cell and niche levels.
- Emphasized the importance of understanding stem cell physiology for therapeutic development.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic technology offers a powerful tool to investigate stem cell behavior and niches, crucial for optimizing regenerative therapies.
- Further research into stem cell sources and microfluidic applications will advance orofacial regeneration and other tissue engineering fields.
- A comprehensive understanding of stem cell physiology is essential for the safe and effective clinical translation of stem cell-based therapies.
