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Author Spotlight: Advancements in iPSCs and Genetic Disease Research
Published on: October 20, 2023
The Effects of Gender on Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) Proliferation and Differentiation In Vitro: A Systematic
Antonia Vogt1, Anissa Faher2, Joanna Kucharczak2
1Division of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have the potential for novel treatments of several musculoskeletal conditions due to their ability to differentiate into several cell lineages including chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteocytes. Researchers are exploring whether this could be utilized for novel therapies for joint afflictions. The role of gender in the ability of MSCs to differentiate and proliferate into different cells has not been clearly defined. This systematic review aims to report the current literature on studies, characterized by high quality and in-depth analysis even though quantitatively limited, that have looked at the role of gender in the differentiation and proliferation of MSCs. Sixteen studies were identified during the literature search, reporting 533 patients, of which 202 were male and 331 were female. MSC proliferation, phenotypic analysis and differentiation are reported and contrasted in terms of donor gender. Heterogeneity in methodologies across studies likely contributes to the inconclusive findings presented here, with no discernible statistical disparity observed between genders in differentiation traits. Nevertheless, the proliferation results indicate a notable gender-related impact. Future investigations should aim to ascertain the potential influence of gender on MSC proliferation capacities more conclusively, emphasizing the necessity of standardized protocols for MSC analyses to enhance accuracy and comparability across studies.
Insights
Gender may impact mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) proliferation, but not differentiation, in musculoskeletal therapies. Further research with standardized methods is needed to confirm these findings for MSC treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) show therapeutic potential for musculoskeletal conditions due to their differentiation capacity.
- The influence of donor gender on MSC behavior remains unclear.
- Standardized protocols for MSC analysis are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze existing literature on the role of gender in mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) differentiation and proliferation.
- To identify high-quality studies investigating gender-based differences in MSC behavior.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of 16 studies involving 533 patients (202 male, 331 female).
- Analysis of reported MSC proliferation, phenotypic characteristics, and differentiation capabilities based on donor gender.
- Contrast of findings across studies, acknowledging methodological heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant gender-based differences were observed in MSC differentiation potential.
- A notable impact of gender on MSC proliferation capacity was indicated.
- Methodological heterogeneity across studies contributed to inconclusive differentiation findings.
Conclusions:
- Gender may play a role in MSC proliferation, warranting further investigation.
- Standardized MSC analysis protocols are crucial for accurate and comparable research.
- Future studies should focus on clarifying the gender-related influence on MSC proliferation for potential therapeutic applications.
