Mesenchymal stem cells for pre-vascularization of engineered tissues

Abstract

Engineered tissues with a thickness larger than 150μm require an embedded functional vascular network to support cell survival and integration with host vasculature after in vivo implantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can secrete trophic factors to promote angiogenesis and function as pericytes to stabilize endothelial cell engineered neo-capillary structures. Recently, studies have shown that co-culturing MSCs with endothelial cells (ECs) could develop a pre-capillary network in tissue scaffolds. To realize such an outcome, several factors need to be considered, including MSC source, cell seeding order, oxygen concentration, and extra cellular matrix features. The present mini review summarizes these crucial considerations and will provide beneficial references for successful development of functional pre-vascularized tissues.

Insight in Hypoxia-Mimetic Agents as Potential Tools for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Priming in Regenerative Medicine

“…MSCs can be found in the niches close to blood capillaries throughout the body [ 46 ]. The oxygen concentration in the tissues where MSCs reside is low despite their efficient vascularization [ 47 , 48 ]. The oxygen concentration is much lower in human tissues than in inhaled air (21%).…”