Basic Science of Resident Stem Cells

Abstract

A natural reservoir of stem/progenitor cells exists in most tissues of the musculoskeletal system including cartilage, meniscus, ligament, tendon, bone, muscle, and the synovial membrane. These resident stem cells are important during development, but also for replacement of tissue cells during aging and in injury. Most stem cells exist in a resting, quiescent state and in a tissue –specific specialized microenvironment known as a stem cell niche. Resident stem cells are activated during injury to facilitate endogenous repair but the natural response is often insufficient for functional tissue repair. Autologous approaches that leverage resident stem cells in regenerative medicine could enhance the facilitated recruitment of stem cells to the site of injury or the retention of stem cells in their native niche during autologous transplantation. Evolving knowledge about resident stem cells and the stem cell niche will lead to a better understanding about musculoskeletal injury and regenerative medicine approaches to tissue repair.