MSC Characteristic & Homing

At Dr. StemCells Thailand’s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center, we are committed to advancing the field of regenerative medicine through the innovative use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These remarkable cells possess unique characteristics that make them ideal candidates for a variety of therapeutic applications, including tissue regeneration and therapy of both blood cancer and solid organ tumor. MSCs are non-hematopoietic stromal cells that can differentiate into various mesenchymal tissues, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and adipose tissue. Their ability to home to sites (stem cell homing) of injury or disease further enhances their therapeutic potential.

Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

MSCs are primarily identified by their distinctive surface markers, including CD105 and CD73, while being negative for hematopoietic markers such as CD34 and CD45 [1][2]. They are relatively rare in bone marrow, constituting about 1 in 10,000 nucleated cells, yet they can expand significantly in culture while retaining their multilineage differentiation potential [3]. MSCs have been shown to possess immunomodulatory properties, allowing them to suppress immune responses and promote tissue repair. This low immunogenicity makes them suitable for both autologous and allogeneic transplantation, reducing the risk of rejection.

The multilineage potential of MSCs was first established in 1999, and since then, they have gained considerable attention for their therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. In addition to their capacity to differentiate into various cell types, MSCs also produce important growth factors and cytokines that can aid in tissue repair and modulate immune responses.

Homing Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Stem Cell Homing Capacity)

One of the most compelling features of MSCs is their ability to migrate to sites of injury or tumors, a phenomenon known as tumor tropism. This capacity has been demonstrated in numerous preclinical studies, where MSCs have been shown to home to primary and metastatic tumor locations. The mechanisms underlying this migration involve the production of chemokines and other signaling molecules by tumor cells, which attract MSCs through specific receptors.

The homing ability of MSCs is not only limited to cancer therapy; it also plays a crucial role in tissue repair following injury. MSCs can migrate toward damaged tissues, where they can differentiate and contribute to regeneration. This dual capacity for homing makes MSCs valuable not only in cancer treatment but also in the broader context of regenerative medicine.

At Dr. StemCells Thailand, we recognize the immense potential of mesenchymal stem cells in both regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. The unique characteristics of MSCs, including their multilineage differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory properties, and low immunogenicity, position them as ideal candidates for a wide range of therapeutic applications. Their remarkable ability to home to tumor sites (stem cell homing) and areas of injury further enhances their therapeutic value.

By harnessing the power of MSCs, we aim to develop innovative therapies that selectively target cancer cells while minimizing the adverse effects associated with conventional treatments. Our center is dedicated to translating the latest research findings into meaningful clinical applications, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient. With ongoing clinical trials and development, we strive to redefine the standard of care in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy, providing hope and improved quality of life for those affected by these devastating diseases.

References:

1. Sun XY, Nong J, Qin K, Warnock GL, Dai LJ. Mesenchymal stem cell-mediated cancer therapy: A dual-targeted strategy of personalized medicine. World Journal of Stem Cells. 2011; 3(11): 96-103. https://doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v3.i11.96

2. Pittenger MF, Mackay AM, Beck SC, et al. Multilineage potential of adult human mesenchymal stem cells. Science. 1999; 284(5411): 143-147. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.284.5411.143

3. Dominici M, Le Blanc K, Mueller I, et al. Minimal criteria for defining multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. Cytotherapy. 2006; 8(4): 315-317. https://doi.org/10.1080/14653240600855905

4. Uccelli A, Moretta L, Pistoia V. Mesenchymal stem cells in health and disease. Nature Reviews Immunology. 2008; 8(9): 726-736. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri2395

5. Nauta AJ, Fibbe WE. Immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal cells. Blood. 2007; 110(10): 3499-3506. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2007-02-069716

6. Fiorina P, Jurewicz M, Augello A, et al. Immunomodulatory function of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in experimental autoimmune type 1 diabetes. The Journal of Immunology. 2009; 183(2): 993-1004. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.0900185

7. Zhou Y, Zhang J. The role of chemokines in the migration of mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cells International. 2016. Article ID 1459302. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/1459302

8. Kidd S, Caldwell L, Dietrich M, et al. Direct evidence of mesenchymal stem cell tropism for tumor and wounding microenvironments using in vivo bioluminescent imaging. Stem Cells. 2009; 27(11): 2614-2623. https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.187

9. Maestroni GJ, Hertens E, Galli P. Factor(s) from nonmacrophage bone marrow stromal cells inhibit Lewis lung carcinoma and B16 melanoma growth in mice. Cell Molecular Life Sciences. 1999; 55: 663-667. https://doi.org/10.1007/s000180050373

10. Dvorak HF. Tumors: wounds that do not heal. Similarities between tumor stroma generation and wound healing. New England Journal of Medicine. 1986; 315: 1650-1659. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM198612043152604