Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy - Volume 10, Issue 6, 2015

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and lethal lung disease resulting from multiplex causes. Evidence indicates that stem/progenitor cells might play a key role in IPF pathogenesis and repair, which may provide some novel potential strategies for the future treatment of IPF. In this review, we first summarize the current understanding of the relationship between stem cells and IPF and then review the advancements Read More

Differentiating embryonic stem cells into a specific lineage or cell type is one of the most investigated areas of stem cell research; however it is wrought with hurdles. The differentiation process during embryogenesis is greatly influenced by physiochemical factors. They direct key genes for lineage commitment, which in turn are responsible for patterning into highly organized tissues resulting in organ formation. In this revie Read More

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), an infectious disease which is difficult to be cured, is regularly and effectively treated with anti-retroviral therapy in clinic. When considering about the defects of antiretroviral therapy (ART), patients need a new way to cure AIDS. With the development of genetic engineering technology and humanized mouse models, a new way has been found to achieve a “functional cure Read More

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complicated disease that arises as a consequence of the interaction among environment, genetic factors and autoimmunity. Available therapeutic interventions with pharmacological or biological drugs have a very selective action. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been emerging as a promising cellular therapy for the treatment of IBD due to their multifaceted functions. This articl Read More

The processes of new vessels formation in tissues are supported by two definite mechanisms: de novo development of blood vessels (vasculogenesis) through the accumulation of progenitor cells during early prenatal stage, and extension of a pre-existing microcirculatory network by endothelial cell germination (angiogenesis), the essential mechanism of blood vessel formation in postnatal period. Angiogenesis is as Read More

Tumors grow in privileged microenvironment referred to as the cancer niche. This niche is composed of cancer cells and various components including mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), fibroblasts, network of microvasculature added to innate and primed immune cells. Additionally, it encloses other elements such as the extracellular matrix (ECM), cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Crosstalk between cancer c Read More

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in embryonic development and tissue regeneration in adult life owing to their high competency and self-renewal features. MSCs represent an important stem cell population with multipotent capabilities that may have high utility for translational clinical applications. MSCs can differentiate into a variety of cell types, especially fascia originated cells, and provide soluble Read More

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using tendon grafts is the current gold standard for the treatment of ACL tears in active patients. However, many patients still experience residual knee instability, knee pain and progressive cartilage degeneration following ACL reconstruction. Recent developments in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based approaches for treating musculoskeletal injuries have led t Read More