Stem cell-based therapies for musculoskeletal regeneration: role of the microenvironment in augmenting regenerative medicine therapies by elucidating stem cell physiology

Abstract

All the information required to define a multicellular organism resides in a
single cell, the zygote or the single-cell embryo. And therein lies the
origins of the concept of a “stem cell” as a highly specialised cell
containing all the information required to generate a complex multicellular
organism. Stem cells are a key component of the multidisciplinary tissue
engineering paradigm used for the generation of living tissues and organs
ex vivo (outside the body). The bioengineered tissues and organs are
implanted in vivo to improve or restore normal biological function in
regenerative medicine therapies for disorders of complex organ systems
such as the musculoskeletal system. A wide array of regenerative
medicine strategies, ranging from stem cell-based therapies to the
application of tissue-engineered products, have been applied for the
treatment of bone defects, articular cartilage lesions, disorders of the
spine and tendon/ligament injuries. Further advances in the development
of improved musculoskeletal regenerative medicine therapies will be
guided by a detailed understanding of underlying mechanisms governing
the homeostasis between stem cell renewal and differentiation.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Rahul Tare: orcid.org/0000-0001-8274-8837

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