Markers for Identification of Postnatal Skeletal Stem Cells In Vivo

The adult skeleton contains stem cells involved in growth, homeostasis, and healing. Mesenchymal or skeletal stem cells are proposed to provide precursors to osteoblasts, chondrocytes, marrow adipocytes, and stromal cells. We review the evidence for existence and functionality of different skeletal stem cell pools, and the tools available for identifying or targeting these populations in mouse and human tissues.

Lineage tracing and single cell-based techniques in mouse models indicate that multiple pools of stem cells exist in postnatal bone. These include growth plate stem cells, stem and progenitor cells in the diaphysis, reticular cells that only form bone in response to injury, and injury-responsive periosteal stem cells. New staining protocols have also been described for prospective isolation of human skeletal stem cells. Several populations of postnatal skeletal stem and progenitor cells have been identified in mice, and we have an increasing array of tools to target these cells. Most Cre models lack a high degree of specificity to define single populations. Human studies are less advanced and require further efforts to refine methods for identifying stem and progenitor cells in adult bone.