Mesenchymal stem cells are recognised based upon the plastic adherence, fibroblastic morphology, expression of certain surface markers, non-expression of haematopoetic markers and their ability to differentiate into atleast three lineages viz., adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic. The rabbit Mesenchymal Stem Cells (rMSCs) though used extensively in research but have not been thoroughly studied and are not compared to other species. The present study was therefore conducted to determine the morphology, surface markers and trilineage differentiation potential of New Zealand white rabbit MSCs. Isolation of rMSCs was done by an established method of density gradient method using Ficoll-hapaque. The cells were characterised by Phase Contrast Microscopy, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Alkaline Phosphatase (AP) staining. The cells isolated were plastic adherent and had fibroblastic spindle shape with eccentric irregular nuclei. The cells expressed surface markers viz., CD 105 and CD 106 besides expressing genes of collagen type II and I. Haematopoetic markers (CD 34 and CD 45) and aggrecan gene however, were not expressed. The rMSCs showed a moderate alkaline phosphates activity. Trilineage differentiation was conducted utilizing prepared differentiation media and rMSCs were differentiated into corresponding cell lineages based upon the medium used. It was concluded that rMSCs possess morphology similar to other species with good proliferation rate and exhibit the characteristics laid down by International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT). The present study provided basic protocols for characterization of rabbit MSCs that should be used before application of these cells for any research or therapy.

The cancer stem cell concept is currently seen as an important breakthrough in cancer research and relies upon the availability of the cancer stem cells. The cells have capability to produce whole tumor mass through self-renewal and differentiation besides, the ability to metastasize possibly through homing. Since such properties are also expressed by the normal stem cells, more research is needed in this field, especially in isolation and characterization. As the conventional therapies are effective only against the bulk of the tumor without any effect on cancer stem cells, it normally relapses. It seems logical to target the cancer stem cells through direct or indirect means along with the conventional therapies, in order to devise effectual therapeutics for cancer. The current review briefly throws light upon the development of the cancer stem cell theory and its concepts besides the possible therapeutic implications.