What Is a Mesenchymal Stem Cell?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells that can transform into multiple types of mesoderm-derived cells. Preclinical research on MSCs has shown promising outcomes for several medical disorders. MSCs can self-renew and show multilineage differentiation, which helps them evade an immune system reaction and increase a person's stem cell numbers through transplantation. Their unique cell biology and wide-ranging clinical potential have led to extensive research on them, especially in inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, and graft versus host disease. 

Keep reading to learn more about mesenchymal stem cells, their structure and various properties.

What does Mesenchymal mean?

The word "mesenchymal" describes the cell’s embryonic origin, particularly those that emerge from the mesoderm germ layer. The mesoderm germ layer is one of the three main germ layers that develop in the early phases of embryonic development. In addition to the cells that create blood vessels, blood cells, and the urogenital system, the mesoderm is the source of many connective tissues, including muscle, bone, cartilage, and fat.

Therefore, stromal cells isolated from various sources that have the proficiency to differentiate into diverse cell types are known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The sources of MSCs are bone marrow, umbilical cord tissue, and fat (adipose tissue). 

What is the Structure of Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

Mesenchymal cells are small, spindly cells with thin chromatin, large nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. These are multipotent stem cells that can develop into fibroblasts, osteoblasts, chondroblasts, and preadipocytes, which are progenitor cells for all forms of connective tissue.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by mesenchymal cells is primarily made up of a simple ground substance that is high in hyaluronic acid. The mesenchymal cells and their ECM make up the mesenchyme, a form of embryonic connective tissue that develops into all other connective tissues in the body throughout early development.

In adults, mesenchymal cells are found in small amounts as loose connective tissue, primarily in adipose tissue, bone marrow, and the umbilical cord. Adult MSCs benefit in the development of new blood vessels and fibroblasts.

What medical conditions can mesenchymal stem cells be used for?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well-known for their immunomodulatory abilities, which include their potential to suppress immunological responses, lower inflammation, and change immune system activity. This property makes them an appropriate choice for MSCs therapy for a number of diseases, including transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease, and autoimmune diseases.

By releasing growth factors and cytokines that help in recruiting more cells to the site of injury, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may also help in tissue repair. The development of new blood vessels, necessary for tissue healing, can also be promoted by these growth factors and cytokines.

Additionally, MSCs uses are primarily being tested in preclinical and clinical trials to treat a variety of diseases, including Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn's disease, osteoarthritis, and osteogenesis imperfecta.

Bottom line

MSCs offer promising opportunities for improving quality of life, healing damaged tissue, and treating disease. They are essential in a variety of medical specialities due to their potential to release bioactive molecules and acquire the properties of various cell types. Their potential continues to be investigated, and their potential uses are being improved by ongoing research. Preserving your stem cells can open up previously unknown healing pathways. With Cryoviva, you get this lifesaving opportunity of storing your umbilical cord blood in cord tissue banking. Get in touch with us to know more about our stem cell banking services!