The meaning, the sense and the significance: translating the science of mesenchymal stem cells into medicine

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the focus of intensive efforts worldwide directed not only at elucidating their nature and unique properties but also developing cell-based therapies for a diverse range of diseases. More than three decades have passed since the original formulation of the concept, revolutionary at the time, that multiple connective tissues could emanate from a common progenitor or stem cell retained in the postnatal bone marrow. Despite the many important advances made since that time, substantial ambiguities still plague the field regarding the nature, identity, function, mode of isolation and experimental handling of MSCs. These uncertainties have a major impact on their envisioned therapeutic use.
Narrowing the focus on the stem cell Unbeknown to most readers of the copious literature dealing with both fundamental and clinical aspects of MSC biology, the current, widespread general concept [...]