MESDC2
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Description
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that reside within various tissues, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. They possess the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, including osteoblasts (bone cells), chondroblasts (cartilage cells), and adipocytes (fat cells). This remarkable plasticity makes them promising candidates for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Key Characteristics of MSCs:
- Self-renewal: Ability to divide and replenish themselves indefinitely.
- Multipotency: Capacity to differentiate into a broad range of cell types.
- Paracrine effects: Release of growth factors and cytokines that promote tissue healing and repair.
Associated Diseases
MSCs have shown promise in the treatment of a wide range of diseases due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Some of the associated diseases include:
- Bone-related disorders: Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, bone fractures
- Cartilage-related disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cartilage defects
- Neurological disorders: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries
- Cardiovascular diseases: Myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias
- Immunological diseases: Graft-versus-host disease, autoimmune disorders
Did you Know ?
Studies have demonstrated that the number and function of MSCs decline with age, which may contribute to the development of age-related diseases. For instance, a 2018 study published in the journal "Aging" reported that the frequency of MSCs in bone marrow decreases by approximately 50% from young adulthood to old age.
