Differentiation of Osteoblasts and Osteocytes from Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that arise from the mesenchyme during development. They reside in the bone marrow close to hematopoietic stem cell niches allowing them to maintain bone marrow homeostasis and to regulate the maturation of both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. MSCs possess an extensive potential to proliferate and differentiate e.g. into osteoblasts, osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes. Nevertheless, there still are some open questions about the complex process of MSC differentiation involving different transcription factors and signaling pathways, which will be discussed in this review. We also shortly introduce the characteristics and function of bone-forming osteoblasts and their role in angiogenesis. MSCs are of interest in clinical applications, since they can be easily isolated from bone marrow aspirates and expanded in vitro. When the source of osteoprogenitors is compromised, cell-based therapies could provide a novel way to repair bone defects. Indeed, there is an increasing interest in the use of MSCs and more differentiated cells in clinical applications for bone repair, which will be introduced in this review. A major section of the review is dedicated to the functions of osteocytes in the regulation of bone remodeling. Finally, we present an original hypothesis about the possible role of osteocytes in future bone tissue engineering.

Therapeutic effects of human mesenchymal stem cells for traumatic brain injury in rats: secretion of neurotrophic factors and inhibition of apoptosis.

“…In addition to their ability to support hematopoiesis, MSCs have been shown to have the capacity to differentiate into osteocytes, chondrocytes, tenocytes, adipocytes, smooth muscle cells, and neuronal cells (Choong et al, 2007;Heino and Hentunen, 2008). MSCs can also secrete an array of growth factors and may have potential for central nervous system (CNS) repair Li et al, 2002).…”

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Bone Tissue Regeneration and Application to Bone Healing

“…after fracture), under normal circumstances MSCs play an important role in its healing. MSCs are multipotent cells of mesodermal origin capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, tenocytes and myoblasts (Heino and Hentunen 2008;Jaswal et al 1997;Krampera et al 2006;Marie and Fromigue 2006;Pittenger et al 1999;Smith 2006). These cells are identified as marrow stromal cells (supporting the cells of bone marrow), because they are relatively abundant in the bone marrow which is their suitable source.…”

MicroRNA profiles of BMSCs induced into osteoblasts with osteoinductive medium

“…At present, there have been great advances in the research of BMSCs osteogenic differentiation (4)(5)(6), and mainly have the following several methods: i) Chemical drug induction (adding proper concentration of dexamethasone, β-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid in the culture system), which are typically used to induce BMSCs osteogenic differentiation; ii) inducted by cytokines and growth factors (such as bone morphogenetic protein-2, transforming growth factor-β); and iii) stimulated differentiation under physical methods (such as mechanical strain, extracorporeal shockwaves, electromagnetic fields) (7,8). However, the molecular mechanism of BMSCs which were induced into osteoblasts with osteoinductive medium remains to be fully elucidated.…”