Mesenchymal stem cell
| Mesenchymal stem cell | |
|---|---|
Transmission electron micrograph of a mesenchymal stem cell displaying typical ultrastructural characteristics | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | cellula mesenchymatica praecursoria |
| MeSH | D059630 |
| TH | H2.00.01.0.00008 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also known as mesenchymal stromal cells or medicinal signaling cells, are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), myocytes (muscle cells) and adipocytes (fat cells which give rise to marrow adipose tissue).
The primary function of MSCs is to respond to injury and infection by secreting and recruiting a range of biological factors, as well as modulating inflammatory processes to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. Extensive research interest has led to more than 80,000 peer-reviewed papers on MSCs.