Mesenchymal stem cells: emerging therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Multipotent cells that can give rise to bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, and skeletal and cardiac muscle are termed mesenchymal stem cells. These cells were first identified in the bone marrow, distinct from blood-forming stem cells. Based on the embryologic derivation, availability, and various pro-regenerative characteristics, research exploring their use in cell therapy shows great promise for patients with degenerative muscle diseases and a number of other conditions. In this review, the authors explore the potential for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the emerging field of regenerative medicine with a focus on treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Markert
Chad D
CD
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, and Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Atala
Anthony
A
Cann
Jennifer K
JK
Christ
George
G
Furth
Mark
M
Ambrosio
Fabrisia
F
Childers
Martin K
MK
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D051379:Mice; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*