Mechanisms of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell function

The past decade has seen an explosion of research directed toward better understanding of the mechanisms of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) function during rescue and repair of injured organs and tissues. In addition to delineating cell-cell signaling and molecular controls for MSC differentiation, the field has made particular progress in defining several other mechanisms through which administered MSCs can promote tissue rescue/repair. These include: 1) paracrine activity that involves secretion of proteins/peptides and hormones; 2) transfer of mitochondria by way of tunneling nanotubes or microvesicles; and 3) transfer of exosomes or microvesicles containing RNA and other molecules. Improved…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: 1264832
• NA
  North American Spine Society
• CF
  Center for the Advancement of Science in Space
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: R01 HL132264, AR066033, NS073815, R01 NS073815, HL132264, NHLBI R01
• NH
  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

  Award: HL132264
• NI
  National Institute of General Medical Sciences
• NI
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  Award: NS073815
• NI
  National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

  Award: R01 AR066033
• DO
  Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems