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Review
. 2009 Jun;1(6):547-59.
doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2009.02.013.

Mesenchymal stem cells: emerging therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Chad D Markert  1 , Anthony Atala, Jennifer K Cann, George Christ, Mark Furth, Fabrisia Ambrosio, Martin K Childers
Affiliations
Review

Mesenchymal stem cells: emerging therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Chad D Markert et al. PM R. 2009 Jun.

Abstract

Multipotent cells that can give rise to bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, and skeletal and cardiac muscle are termed mesenchymal stem cells. These cells were first identified in the bone marrow, distinct from blood-forming stem cells. Based on the embryologic derivation, availability, and various pro-regenerative characteristics, research exploring their use in cell therapy shows great promise for patients with degenerative muscle diseases and a number of other conditions. In this review, the authors explore the potential for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the emerging field of regenerative medicine with a focus on treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Stem cells in skeletal muscle development
A. In the developing embryo, muscle formation is regulated by signaling pathways on either side of the notochord (NC). Within the somite (S) are the sclerotome and dermomyotome (DM). Signals from the notochord, neural tube (NT) and surface ectoderm (SE) begin events that lead to myogenic differentiation. The ventral neural tube and notochord produce Sonic hedgehog (Shh), whereas the dorsal neural tube produces Wnt-1. B. Pax-3, Myf-5 and MRF4 (Myf-6) activate MyoD in mesodermal precursor cells committing them to the myogenic lineage.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Perivascular stem cells home to the site of muscle injury
A. MRI of mouse following intramuscular injection of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or cadiotoxin (CTX) B. Femoral artery injection method in mice. Square indicates catheter insertion site, solid arrow indicates catheter path, dotted arrow indicates path of injected cells. C. Untreated control mouse. D. Mouse injected with iron oxide-labeled perivascular stem cells. E. and F. Mouse injected first with CTX, then with labeled cells. Circled area indicates region of labeled cells. Coronal and axial views shown in E and F, respectively.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Perivascular stem cells home to the site of muscle injury
A. MRI of mouse following intramuscular injection of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or cadiotoxin (CTX) B. Femoral artery injection method in mice. Square indicates catheter insertion site, solid arrow indicates catheter path, dotted arrow indicates path of injected cells. C. Untreated control mouse. D. Mouse injected with iron oxide-labeled perivascular stem cells. E. and F. Mouse injected first with CTX, then with labeled cells. Circled area indicates region of labeled cells. Coronal and axial views shown in E and F, respectively.
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