title: Characterization of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in aging.
abstract: Adult mesenchymal stem cells are a resource for autologous and allogeneic cell therapies for immune-modulation and regenerative medicine. However, patients most in need of such therapies are often of advanced age. Therefore, the effects of the aged milieu on these cells and their intrinsic aging in vivo are important considerations. Furthermore, these cells may require expansion in vitro before use as well as for future research. Their aging in vitro is thus also an important consideration. Here, we focus on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which are unique compared to other stem cells due to their support of hematopoietic cells in addition to contributing to bone formation. BMSCs may be sensitive to age-related diseases and could perpetuate degenerative diseases in which bone remodeling is a contributory factor. Here, we review (1) the characterization of BMSCs, (2) the characterization of in vivo-aged BMSCs, (3) the characterization of in vitro-aged BMSCs, and (4) potential approaches to optimize the performance of aged BMSCs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Stem Cells and Bone".
authors.affiliation: Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.affiliation: Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Boyette
authors.affiliation: Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Electronic address: rst13@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Rocky S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Tuan
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D016922:Cellular Senescence; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D008954:Models, Biological
keywords: Aging; Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells