Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent cells capable to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic directions, possessing immunomodulatory activity and a capability to stimulate angiogenesis. A scope of these features and capabilities makes MSC a significant factor of tissue homeostasis and repair. Among factors determining the fate of MSC, a prominent place belongs to autophagy, which is activated under different conditions including cell starvation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and some others. In addition to supporting cell homeostasis by elimination of protein aggregates, and non-functional and damaged proteins, autophagy is a necessary factor of change in cell phenotype on the process of cell differentiation. In present review, some mechanisms providing participation of autophagy in cell differentiation are discussed
Highlights
The problem of damaged tissue repair is always an issue of great actuality
This approach has two general possibilities of therapeutic action induced by transplanted cells: the cell differentiation [3], and a paracrine action in damaged area
Almost all the basic functions of the cell are somehow associated with autophagy
Summary
The problem of damaged tissue repair is always an issue of great actuality. To date, extensive experience has been accumulated in the use of progenitor cells to restore the function of damaged tissues. It is revealed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) represent a promising direction for regenerative medicine, having a potential for repair of damaged or pathologically modified tissues [1,2]. This approach has two general possibilities of therapeutic action induced by transplanted cells: the cell differentiation (to substitute a part of damaged tissue) [3], and a paracrine action (trophic effect) in damaged area. A clinical use of MSC is conditioned by several beneficial properties of these cells, including a possibility to migrate into damaged area, to secrete biologically active substances, and in cases to differentiate. The most intriguing and actively developed branch of biological science is autophagy, which plays an active role in almost all aspects of cell life (among other intracellular processes)
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