Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can contribute to the regeneration of human tissue. This healing power of MSCs is mediated by their mutilineage potential as well as growth factor/cytokine production capacity, and constitutes the basis for their use in regenerative medicine. Cardiovascular therapeutic potentials of MSCs are being investigated by using two different animal models: porcine hibernating myocardium and hamster dilated cardiomyopathy. Genetic engineering is being used to boost the competency and to increase the versatility of MSCs. Cell implantation strategies are being optimized to achieve maximal therapeutic benefits. Immune privileged MSCs may facilitate future therapeutic applications in an allogeneic or xenogeneic fashion.
Lin, H., Shabbir, A., Molnar, M., Yang, J., Marion, S., Canty, J.M. Jr., and Lee, T.C. (2008). Adenoviral expression of vascular endothelial growth factor splice variants differentially regulates bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. J. Cell. Physiol. In press 2008.
Molnar, M., Suzuki, G., Iyer, V.S., Canty, J.M., Jr. and Lee, T.C. Assessment of a nuclear affinity labelling method for tracking implanted mesenchymal stem cells. Cell Implantation, In press 2008.
Lin, H., Shabbir, A., Molnar, M., and Lee, T.C. Stem cell regulatory function mediated by expression of a novel mouse Oct4 pseudogene. Biochem Biophys Res Comm. 355:111-116, 2007.