Osteogenic Cells and Microenvironment of Early Bone Development and Clinical Implication

Abstract

This chapter will discuss various factors involved in spinal bone regeneration, such as stem and progenitor cells and their osteoinductive and osteoconductive microenvironments (signals, scaffolding matrices), that are clinically relevant. Specifically, we will discuss the timing and roles of these factors in the development of the bone during various embryonic and fetal stages, which will provide invaluable lessons for developing new bone regeneration technologies. This chapter will highlight recent research findings and technological advances that recapitulate the early bone development process for clinical applications in pediatric and adult patients. We will also discuss the similarities and differences in bone biology between young, adult, and aging individuals and how the embryonic and fetal paradigms can benefit patients in different age groups.