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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Isolation of CD146+ Resident Lung Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Rat Lungs
Published on: June 17, 2016
Properties of MSC populations enriched in CD146-expressing MSCs - a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro
Christian Behm1, Katharina Schwarz1, Oliwia Miłek1
1Competence Center for Periodontal Research, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Introduction:
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising therapeutic candidates in regenerative medicine and the treatment of inflammatory diseases, yet their therapeutic effectiveness is limited by their heterogeneity. Clinical outcomes may be enhanced by isolating MSC subpopulations based on surface markers, including CD146. Many in vitro studies have investigated various cellular properties of MSC subpopulations that are enriched in CD146-expressing cells (CD146Enr.) compared to those that are depleted in CD146-expressing cells (CD146Depl.) and/or heterogeneous populations. Hence, this review aimed to systematically explore the basic cellular characteristics of MSC populations with different levels of CD146-expressing cells.
Methods:
Two electronic databases were searched until 9 September 2024. Studies were screened using PICO-based eligibility criteria whilst following PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed by evaluating reporting and methodological criteria, modified from Samuel et al. A Meta-analysis was performed on four studies on population doubling time (PDT) and five studies on colony-forming (CF) potential comparing CD146Enr. with CD146Depl. populations.
Results:
A total of 29 in vitro studies were covered by this systematic review. PDT was slightly higher in CD146Enr. MSCs compared to CD146Depl. MSCs, but without statistical significance (2.52 hours, 95% CI -7.69, 12.74, p = 0.63, n = 19 donors). Contrary, CD146Enr. populations displayed significantly higher CF potential (1.29, 95% CI 0.41, 2.16, p = 0.004, n = 25 donors). All four studies assessing migration reported enhanced migratory potential in CD146Enr. populations. Results from tri-lineage differentiation, proliferation, and immunomodulation were highly variable across studies.
Conclusion:
Overall, this systematic review indicates that CD146Enr. MSCs demonstrate only partially enhanced cellular characteristics, depending on the investigated study. The substantial heterogeneity across included studies limits firm conclusions. To enable robust comparisons and to fully evaluate the clinical potential of CD146Enr.MSCs, standardized experimental protocols and outcome measures are needed.
Insights
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) enriched for CD146 show higher colony-forming potential and migration but similar population doubling time compared to depleted cells. Heterogeneity limits definitive conclusions on CD146+ MSC characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are key in regenerative medicine and treating inflammatory diseases.
- MSC therapeutic efficacy is hindered by cellular heterogeneity.
- Subpopulations, like CD146-expressing MSCs, may offer improved therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and explore the basic cellular characteristics of MSC populations with varying CD146 expression levels.
- To compare CD146-enriched (CD146Enr.) and CD146-depleted (CD146Depl.) MSC subpopulations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 29 in vitro studies up to September 2024, following PRISMA guidelines.
- Meta-analysis of population doubling time (PDT) and colony-forming (CF) potential.
- Risk of bias assessment using modified Samuel et al. criteria.
Main Results:
- CD146Enr. MSCs showed significantly higher CF potential (p=0.004) and enhanced migration.
- PDT was slightly higher in CD146Enr. MSCs but not statistically significant (p=0.63).
- Results for differentiation, proliferation, and immunomodulation were highly variable.
Conclusions:
- CD146Enr. MSCs exhibit partially enhanced cellular characteristics.
- Significant heterogeneity across studies limits firm conclusions.
- Standardized protocols are necessary to evaluate the clinical potential of CD146Enr. MSCs.
