Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and cardiac regeneration

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Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are CD34 and CD45 negative, non haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells which are derived from the stromal fraction of bone marrow. As with other stem/progenitor cell subsets, the exact phenotype remains controversial. However they are characterised by adherence to tissue culture plastic without the requirement for a specialist substrate. Furthermore there are multiple surface antigens, such as adhesion molecules or integrins, which have been variously attributed to the MSC fraction and lead to further heterogeneity in their description. An operational definition has emerged that defines the MSC as a pluripotent cell with ...