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Pluripotent nontumorigenic multilineage differentiating stress enduring cells (Muse cells): a seven-year
Samantha C Fisch1, María L Gimeno2, Julia D Phan1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, The University of California, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Box 951740, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1740, USA.
Abstract:
Multilineage differentiating stress enduring (Muse) cells, discovered in the spring of 2010 at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, were quickly recognized by scientists as a possible source of pluripotent cells naturally present within mesenchymal tissues. Muse cells normally exist in a quiescent state, singularly activated by severe cellular stress in vitro and in vivo. Muse cells have the capacity for self-renewal while maintaining pluripotent cell characteristics indicated by the expression of pluripotent stem cell markers. Muse cells differentiate into cells representative of all three germ cell layers both spontaneously and under media-specific induction. In contrast to embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cells, Muse cells exhibit low telomerase activity, a normal karyotype, and do not undergo tumorigenesis once implanted in SCID mice. Muse cells efficiently home into damaged tissues and differentiate into specific cells leading to tissue regeneration and functional recovery as described in different animal disease models (i.e., fulminant hepatitis, muscle degeneration, skin ulcers, liver cirrhosis, cerebral stroke, vitiligo, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). Circulating Muse cells have been detected in peripheral blood, with higher levels present in stroke patients during the acute phase. Furthermore, Muse cells have inherent immunomodulatory properties, which could contribute to tissue generation and functional repair in vivo. Genetic studies in Muse cells indicate a highly conserved cellular mechanism as seen in more primitive organisms (yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, chlamydomonas, Torpedo californica, drosophila, etc.) in response to cellular stress and acute injury. This review details the molecular and cellular properties of Muse cells as well as their capacity for tissue repair and functional recovery, highlighting their potential for clinical application in regenerative medicine.
Insights
Multilineage differentiating stress enduring (Muse) cells are a unique type of pluripotent stem cell found in mesenchymal tissues. Activated by stress, they regenerate damaged tissues with low tumorigenesis risk, offering significant regenerative medicine potential.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Cellular stress response
Background:
- Multilineage differentiating stress enduring (Muse) cells are naturally occurring pluripotent stem cells within mesenchymal tissues.
- These cells are typically quiescent and activated by severe cellular stress.
- Muse cells possess self-renewal capacity and express pluripotent stem cell markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular and cellular properties of Muse cells.
- To highlight their capacity for tissue repair and functional recovery.
- To discuss their potential for clinical applications in regenerative medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Muse cell discovery, characteristics, and applications.
- Analysis of Muse cell behavior under stress conditions.
- Examination of Muse cell differentiation and tissue regeneration capabilities in various animal models.
Main Results:
- Muse cells exhibit pluripotency, self-renewal, and differentiation into all three germ layers.
- They show low telomerase activity, a normal karyotype, and lack tumorigenesis in vivo.
- Muse cells efficiently home to damaged tissues, promoting regeneration and functional recovery across diverse disease models.
- Circulating Muse cells are detectable in peripheral blood, with elevated levels in acute stroke patients.
- Muse cells possess immunomodulatory properties beneficial for in vivo repair.
Conclusions:
- Muse cells represent a promising source for regenerative medicine due to their unique properties and therapeutic potential.
- Their ability to regenerate damaged tissues with minimal risk makes them attractive for clinical translation.
- Further research into Muse cells could unlock novel treatments for a wide range of diseases and injuries.