Abstract
This Perspective discusses some activities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the context of angiogenesis, focusing on contrasting effects that could call into question the extent to which MSCs can be used clinically in the future. We report on the antiangiogenic/antiproliferative effects of specific MSC populations (including bone marrow MSCs), their paracrine activity, tissue heterogeneity, and endothelial cell interactions. Also discussed are what could lead to contrasting effects of the influence of MSCs in regulating angiogenesis, pointing to some negative effects of these cells. In conclusion, this article highlights important aspects of MSC behavior within the perspective of translational medicine applications. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:3–6
Highlights
Past research efforts describing the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) clinically originally focused upon their multipotency and capacity for self-renewal
The initial idea of MSC transplantation was by the potential transdifferentiation of MSCs into glial cells and neurons, but the beneficial effects appear to be a result of MSC-mediated enhancement of endogenous angiogenesis [6]
In an in vivo melanoma model, the rat bone marrow (BM)-MSCs inhibited tumor growth by abrogating growth of the tumor vasculature, and these results demonstrate a novel property of MSCs, namely, as cytotoxic agents that can inhibit the formation of capillary networks [16]
Summary
This perspective discusses some activities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the context of angiogenesis, focusing on contrasting effects that could call into question the extent to which MSCs can be used clinically in the future. We report on the antiangiogenic/ antiproliferative effects of specific MSC populations (including bone marrow MSCs), their paracrine activity, tissue heterogeneity, and endothelial cell interactions. SIGNIFICANCE Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be extracted from virtually every organ and tissue in the body. They have previously been shown to be an important source of blood vessel-attracting factors, useful for tissue repair and regenerative medicine, recent studies have found that specific MSC populations can produce factors that inhibit blood vessel growth. Abnormal vascularization is associated with the progression of many diseases, and identification of these unique blood vessel-inhibiting MSCs has highlighted a potential source of cytotoxic factors that could be used to control pathological angiogenesis, for example, tumors
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