Mesenchymal stem cells: From stem cells to sarcomas

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered vast interests in clinical settings, especially in regenerative medicine due to their unique properties-they are reliably isolated and expanded from various tissue sources; they are able to differentiate into mesodermal tissues such as bones, cartilages, adipose tissues, and muscles; and they have unique immunosuppressive properties. However, there are some concerns pertaining to the role of MSCs in the human body. On one hand, they are crucial component in the regeneration and repair of the human body. On the contrary, they are shown to transform into sarcomas. Although the exact mechanisms are still unknown, many new leads have pointed to the belief that MSCs do play a role in sarcomagenesis. This review focuses on the current updates and findings of the role of MSCs in their transformation process into sarcomas.

Epigenetic alterations in mesenchymal stem cells by osteosarcoma-derived extracellular vesicles

“…The cells of origin for OS also remain unknown. Recent data have suggested a hypothesis that under the influence of certain environmental and epigenetic signals, an MSC-derived osteogenic progenitor or an undifferentiated MSC may be the cell of origin for OS [7][8][9][10]. Thus, understanding the cellular origin of OS will have direct implications on improving treatment approaches through identification of new therapeutic targets.…”

CDKN2B upregulation prevents teratoma formation in multipotent fibromodulin-reprogrammed cells

“…Unfortunately, despite decades of investigation, isolation and/or generation of safe and readily available regenerative cell sources remain major challenges. In particular, the tumorigenicity risks are not only posed by teratomas formed by embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), but also include the tumor-supporting and/or formation potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (2,3), the main cell source for regenerative medicine used in the last few decades (4).…”

An Urgent Demand for Novel, Safe Cell Sources for Musculoskeletal Regeneration

“…These results demonstrate that instead of directly differentiating into the target tissues, adult MSCs seem to offer regenerative benefits by producing and secreting a diverse array of bioactive soluble factors [10] . Unfortunately, these bioactive factors can also enhance the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of tumor cells [12] . In addition, the immunosuppressive potential of MSCs may reduce T-cell proliferation, which, in turn, suppresses the antineoplastic response [12] .…”

“…Unfortunately, these bioactive factors can also enhance the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of tumor cells [12] . In addition, the immunosuppressive potential of MSCs may reduce T-cell proliferation, which, in turn, suppresses the antineoplastic response [12] . Recent studies show that human adult MSCs not only can develop chromosomal aberrations during cultivation, but also can undergo spontaneous tumorigenic transformation [13] , promote the growth of co-cultured glioblastoma multiforme cells in vitro, and support glioblastoma development in vivo [14] .…”