What are Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)? | Understanding MSCs, their Sources, and Clinical Applications

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have garnered significant attention in the scientific community for their potential therapeutic applications, but what are MSCs? As a lab manager, it's essential to understand what MSCs are, where they come from, and how they are being used in various disease treatments. This knowledge can help lab managers make informed decisions about research projects, resource allocation, and adherence to industry standards and safety regulations.

 

What are MSCs?

MSCs are a type of stem cell that can differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and fat cells. The International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT) has established the following criteria for identifying MSCs. To be classified as an MSC, a cell must:

  • Be multipotent
  • Demonstrate tri-lineage differentiation potential into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages
  • Positively express specific cell surface markers
  • Lack expression of other cell surface markers
  • Be capable of adhering to tissue culture plastic

Where do MSCs Come From?

MSCs can be derived from various tissue sources, each with its advantages and limitations. The most common sources include:

  • Bone marrow and adipose tissue: These sources are well-characterized and widely used but require invasive methods, such as biopsies.
  • Birth tissues (umbilical cord and placenta): These sources offer a noninvasive option but may be limited in availability.
  • Baby teeth and breast milk: These methods are noninvasive and readily available but are less established, and the cells are not as well-characterized.

MSCs derived from different sources may retain characteristics associated with their tissue of origin. The age and health status of the donor can also affect the quality of the cells. For example, younger donors typically provide cells with potential for higher proliferation and differentiation.

How MSCs are Used: Traditional and Evolving Applications

Stem cell therapy has traditionally been applied to blood disorders through bone marrow transplants. However, recent advancements have opened up MSC-based therapies for a wide range of other indications.

MSCs were initially used to improve organ transplantation outcomes by targeting graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), because of their immunomodulatory properties. Now, researchers are testing MSCs in clinical trials that focus on diseases affecting various organ systems, from liver and kidneys to neurological disorders, and wound healing. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory features of MSCs have encouraged researchers and clinicians to target diseases believed to have an inflammatory etiology.

Some examples of how MSCs are being applied include:

  • Kidney disease: MSC-derived cell therapy has been shown to improve kidney disease remission by enhancing the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lowering blood creatinine levels after one year of treatment.
  • Liver diseases: MSCs have the potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells, making them suitable for treating liver diseases. Bone marrow and umbilical cord-derived MSCs have shown therapeutic responses in liver cirrhosis and ischemic liver injury.
  • Neurological disorders: Many neuromuscular and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and some autism syndromes, are thought to be associated with inflammation. These conditions are potential targets for MSC-derived therapies due to MSCs' immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cartilage tissue engineering: The ease of isolating and expanding MSCs, along with their multipotential differentiation capacity, particularly chondrogenic differentiation, makes them ideal for articular cartilage tissue engineering. This process aims to replace and regenerate the diseased structure in joint diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Implications for Lab Managers

As MSC-based therapies continue to evolve and show promise in treating various diseases, lab managers must stay informed about the latest developments. This knowledge can help lab managers make strategic decisions about research projects, resource allocation, and adherence to industry standards and safety regulations. When considering MSC-related projects, lab managers should:

  • Evaluate the availability, therapeutic characteristics, and manufacturability of the cells derived from each source.
  • Ensure their teams are well-versed in the proper handling and characterization of MSCs and the relevant safety protocols and equipment.
  • Take into consideration resources and project scale, when selecting relevant products. For example, Corning® CellSTACK® culture chambers and Corning® HYPERStack® cell culture vessels offer benefits such as reduced operator training, but require higher labor. Alternatively, Corning® CellCube® systems enable automation and reduced labor, but require more upfront equipment and training.

MSCs are versatile and promising tools in regenerative medicine. As research continues to uncover new applications for these cells, lab managers play a vital role in facilitating the safe and effective development of MSC-based therapies. By staying informed, lab managers can contribute to advancing this exciting field while ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.