title: Mesenchymal stem cells: characteristics, sources, and mechanisms of action.
abstract: This article provides an overview of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) biology. In the first section, the characteristics that are routinely used to define MSCs-adherence, proliferation, multi-lineage potential, and "cluster of differentiation" marker profiles-are discussed. In the second section, the major tissues and body fluids that are used as sources for equine MSCs are presented, along with the comparative biologic activities of MSCs from specific locations. Finally, the current understanding of the mechanisms by which MSCs influence repair and regeneration are discussed, with an emphasis on the clinical importance of MSC trophic activities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA. matt1@illinois.edu
authors.forename: Matthew C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Allison A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*