Regulatory networks in mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a potential therapeutic use in regenerative medicine (RM). The use of growth factors and other trophic factors are useful in expansion and apoptosis of the MSCs. Adherent cultures for MSC phenotype are easy to perform. 2-D cell expansion systems decrease stemness of MSCs and induce cellular senescence. MSCs cultured in spheroid show enhanced differentiation. Also, it shows increased release of cytokines and growth factors, anti-inflammatory and tissue reparative/regenerative effects, which improves the chances of cell survival after transplantation. Furthermore, spheroid formation causes changes in the gene expression profile of MSCs in microarray analysis. In spite of these significant changes, underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that trigger and sustain these are largely unknown. © 2017 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.