Bone, Stem Cells and Regeneration: Tissue Engineering Approaches

Abstract

The potential for regenerating bone and cartilage for cell‐based therapies has increased markedly in the past decades primarily due to advances in the understanding of molecular controls of embryonic skeletal development, in identification of refined stem cell/progenitor populations that are suitable for tissue regeneration, and in the discoveries of novel biomaterials that can mimic tissue architecture. In particular, modelling how the embryo makes the appropriate molecular decisions to fine tune the development of specific bone and cartilage subpopulations that form the complex skeleton has provided a platform upon which regenerative strategies can be translated to the clinic. It is, therefore, imperative to understand the basic biology of bone and skeletal tissues and apply lessons from developmental biology to identify the unique and appropriate cell populations that have potent regenerative potential when combined with optimal biomaterials. Key Concepts Bone/cartilage tissue engineering requires interaction between stem cells and biomaterials. Choosing the appropriate stem cell populations is extremely important and depends on the biological application studies. The use of directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells that mimic developmental processes is an important advance in tissue engineering. Choosing the appropriate biomaterial with specific tunable properties is essential for supporting stem cell differentiation. Three‐dimensional approaches for tissue formation are important for translational studies. Defined preclinical models are necessary for screening stem cell/biomaterials constructs.