Molecular characteristics of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, source of regenerative medicine

Bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells capable to differentiate into a variety of lineages. MSCs have emerged as reservoirs for tissue regeneration and wound healing. Through stress signals, MSCs show great tropism for the injured site to manage regenerative process via direct or indirect interactions. MSCs avoid the immune rejection, a high quality factor for treatment of degenerative diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying dynamic regulation of various signals, plays an important role for future treatment of heart disorders. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.