title: Spatial and temporal structure of the clinical research based on mesenchymal stromal cells: A network analysis.
abstract: Using innovative tools derived from social network analysis, the aims of this study were (i) to decipher the spatial and temporal structure of the research centers network dedicated to the therapeutic uses of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and (ii) to measure the influence of fields of applications, cellular sources and industry funding on network topography.
  
  
  
  From each trial using MSCs reported on ClinicalTrials.gov, all research centers were extracted. Networks were generated using Cytoscape 3.2.2, where each center was assimilated to a node, and one trial to an edge connecting two nodes.
  
  
  
  The analysis included 563 studies. An independent segregation was obvious between continents. Asian, South American and African centers were significantly more isolated than other centers. Isolated centers had fewer advanced phases (P <0.001), completed studies (P = 0.01) and industry-supported studies (P <0.001). Various thematic priorities among continents were identified: the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous system diseases were strongly studied by North America, Europe and Asia, respectively. The choice of cellular sources also affected the network topography; North America was primarily involved in bone-marrow-derived MSC research, whereas Europe and Asia dominated the use of adipose-derived MSCs. Industrial funding was the highest for North American centers (90.5%).
  
  
  
  Strengthening of international standards and statements with institutional, federal and industrial partners is necessary. More connections would facilitate the transfer of knowledge, sharing of resources, mobility of researchers and advancement of trials. Developing partnerships between industry and academic centers seems beneficial to the advancement of trials across different phases and would facilitate the translation of research discoveries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Sciences and Radiology, Dental Faculty, Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France; STROMALab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS ERL 5311, EFS, INP-ENVT, Inserm U1031, UPS, Toulouse, France. Electronic address: paul.monsarrat@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Monsarrat
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Dental Faculty, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kemoun
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Dental Faculty, Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France; Division of Oral Health and Society, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Jean-Noel
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Vergnes
authors.affiliation: STROMALab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS ERL 5311, EFS, INP-ENVT, Inserm U1031, UPS, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sensebe
authors.affiliation: STROMALab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS ERL 5311, EFS, INP-ENVT, Inserm U1031, UPS, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Casteilla
authors.affiliation: STROMALab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS ERL 5311, EFS, INP-ENVT, Inserm U1031, UPS, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Planat-Benard
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology; D001208:Asia; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D009656:North America; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods; D012944:Social Support; D062211:Spatio-Temporal Analysis
keywords: clinical trials as topic; mesenchymal stromal cells; regenerative medicine; social network analysis; stem cells