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Stem cells in intervertebral disc regeneration–more talk than action?

by PETRA KRAUS^1,*, ANKITA SAMANTA¹, SINA LUFKIN², THOMAS LUFKIN¹

1 Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
2 The Clarkson School, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA

* Corresponding Author: PETRA KRAUS. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Secretome and Biomaterials: Regenerative Medicine Application)

BIOCELL 2022, 46(4), 893-898. https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2022.018432

Received 22 July 2021; Accepted 18 August 2021; Issue published 15 December 2021

Abstract

Pain and lifestyle changes are common consequences of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and affect a large part of the aging population. The stemness of cells is exploited in the field of regenerative medicine as key to treat degenerative diseases. Transplanted cells however often face delivery and survival challenges, especially in tissues with a naturally harsh microniche environment such as the intervertebral disc. Recent interest in the secretome of stem cells, especially cargo protected from microniche-related decay as frequently present in degenerating tissues, provides new means of rejuvenating ailing cells and tissues. Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles with purposeful cargo gained particular interest in conveying stem cell related attributes of rejuvenation, which will be discussed here in the context of IVDD.

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