Characterization and therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent, genomic stable, self-renewable, and culturally expandable adult stem cells. MSCs facilitate tissue development, maintenance and repair, and produce secretory factors that support engraftment and trophic functions, marking them an attractive option in cell therapy, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Method: In this review, we summarize the recent researches regarding the isolation and characterization of MSCs, therapeutic applications and advanced engineering techniques. We also discuss the advantages and limitations that remain to be overcome for MSCs based therapy. Results: It has been demonstrated that MSCs are able to modulate endogenous tissue and immune cells. Preclinical studies and early phase clinical trials have shown their great potential for tissue engineering of bone, cartilage, marrow stroma, muscle, fat, and other connective tissues. Conclusions: MSC-based therapy show considerable promise to rebuild damaged or diseased tissues, which could be a promising therapeutic method for regeneration medicine.