The Effects of Mechanical and Chemical Stimuli on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Vascular Trans-Differentiation and Paracrine Signaling

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) show great promise for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by tissue engineering and cell therapy. MSCs are particularly useful for vascular therapies as they are easily obtainable, allogenic, trans-differentiate into specific vascular cells, and assist in regenerating vascular tissue through paracrine signaling. [1] However, the mechanisms which direct MSC trans-differentiation and paracrine signaling are not well defined. [2] Incorrect differentiation of MSC can lead to catastrophic side effects such as the development of a dysfunctional endothelium. [3] To safely utilize these cells for the treatment of vascular diseases it is critical to understand the underlying mechanisms that direct MSC differentiation and paracrine signaling.