New Insights into Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Potential Clinical Applications for Bone Regeneration in Pediatric Orthopaedics

• Published in: Stem Cells International Vol. 2013; no. 2013; pp. 137 - 147
• Main Authors: Lisignoli, Gina, Giuliani, Nicola, Magnani, Marina, Racano, Costantina, Bolzoni, Marina, Dalla Palma, Benedetta, Spolzino, Angelica, Manferdini, Cristina, Abati, Caterina, Toscani, Denise, Facchini, Andrea, Aversa, Franco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 01-01-2013; Hindawi Puplishing Corporation; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Bone regeneration; Cell differentiation; Methods; Properties; Review; Stem cell research; Stem cells
• ISSN: 1687-966X; 1687-9678; 1687-9678
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/312501

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are pluripotent adult stem cells capable of being differentiated into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. The osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs is regulated either by systemic hormones or by local growth factors able to induce specific intracellular signal pathways that modify the expression and activity of several transcription factors. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and Wnt signaling-related molecules are the major factors critically involved in the osteogenic differentiation process by hMSCs, and SRY-related high-mobility-group (HMG) box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) is involved in the chondrogenic one. hMSCs have generated a great interest in the field of regenerative medicine, particularly in bone regeneration. In this paper, we focused our attention on the molecular mechanisms involved in osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of hMSC, and the potential clinical use of hMSCs in osteoarticular pediatric disease characterized by fracture nonunion and pseudarthrosis.