Intervertebral Disc-Derived Stem/Progenitor Cells as a Promising Cell Source for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a primary cause of low back pain.
• Current treatments for IVDD primarily manage symptoms, not the underlying cause or disc structure.
• Endogenous stem/progenitor cells within the intervertebral disc (IVD) show potential for regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the isolation, characteristics, and classification of IVD-derived stem/progenitor cells (IVDSCs).
• To discuss aging- and degeneration-related changes in IVDSCs and the impact of the IVD microenvironment.
• To evaluate the potential of IVDSCs in promoting the regeneration of degenerated IVD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and systematic analysis of existing research on IVDSCs.
• Discussion of cell isolation techniques and surface marker identification.
• Analysis of factors influencing IVDSC behavior, including aging and microenvironment.

Main Results:

• IVDSCs possess unique biological characteristics relevant to IVD regeneration.
• Aging and the degenerated IVD microenvironment significantly alter IVDSC function.
• IVDSCs hold promise as a cell source for novel regenerative therapies for IVDD.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of IVDSC biology is crucial for developing effective regenerative strategies.
• Further research into IVDSCs offers a novel therapeutic approach for treating low back pain associated with IVDD.
• This review consolidates current knowledge and highlights future directions for IVD regeneration using IVDSCs.