Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
11:57
Synergetic Use of Neural Precursor Cells and Self-assembling Peptides in Experimental Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 23, 2015
9.4K
Cell sources proposed for nucleus pulposus regeneration.
Rebecca J Williams1, Marianna A Tryfonidou2, Joseph Wiliam Snuggs1
1Biomedical Research Centre, Biosciences Sheffield Hallam University Sheffield UK.
JOR Spine
|January 10, 2022
Summary
Chronic lower back pain (LBP) is a major disability, often linked to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This review explores cell therapies, finding induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) most promising for nucleus pulposus regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Lower back pain (LBP) affects 80% of adults, with chronic LBP linked to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.
- Current treatments for chronic LBP offer only symptomatic relief and do not address IVD regeneration.
- Nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration is a critical factor in IVD degeneration, making NP regeneration a key therapeutic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess various cell types for their potential in nucleus pulposus (NP) regeneration.
- To quantitatively evaluate cell sources based on accessibility, in vitro expansion, survival, regenerative capacity, and safety.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify and analyze studies on cell-based therapies for NP regeneration.
- Key cell sources, including NP cells, annulus fibrosus cells, notochordal cells, chondrocytes, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells, adipose-derived stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The review analyzed the regenerative potential of multiple cell sources for NP regeneration.
- Factors such as cell accessibility, in vitro expansion capabilities, survival within the IVD environment, regenerative potential, and safety were assessed for each cell type.
Conclusions:
- Several cell types show potential for NP regeneration, but each has limitations.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) emerge as the most promising cell source for nucleus pulposus regeneration due to their significant regenerative potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
1.2K
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
1.2K
01:21Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
4.2K
Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
4.2K
01:24Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming
1.9K
Nuclear reprogramming is a process of transforming one cell type into an unrelated cell type by epigenetic changes that alter the cell’s original gene expression pattern. Such epigenetic changes force cells to express a different set of genes, which play a significant role in inducing transformation into other cell types. Nuclear reprogramming offers applications in reproductive cloning for livestock propagation and regenerative medicine — developing patient-specific cells for...
1.9K
01:33Whole Body Regeneration
3.6K
Regeneration is the process of restoring injured or lost tissues, organs, or body parts. While simpler organisms generally show greater ability to regenerate their whole body, few complex animals show similarly exceptional regeneration. For example, planarian flatworms have a unique regenerative potential making them a popular study organism among biologists to understand the mechanisms of whole body regeneration. Other organisms, such as hydra, also show extreme regeneration potential;...
3.6K
01:26Stem Cell Niche
5.4K
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
5.4K