Perinatal stem cells: A promising cell resource for tissue engineering of craniofacial bone

Abstract

In facing the mounting clinical challenge and suboptimal techniques of craniofacial bone defects resulting from various conditions, such as congenital malformations, osteomyelitis, trauma and tumor resection, the ongoing research of regenerative medicine using stem cells and concurrent advancement in biotechnology have shifted the focus from surgical reconstruction to a novel stem cell-based tissue engineering strategy for customized and functional craniofacial bone regeneration. Given the unique ontogenetical and cell biological properties of perinatal stem cells, emerging evidence has suggested these extraembryonic tissue-derived stem cells to be a promising cell source for extensive use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In this review, we summarize the current achievements and obstacles in stem cell-based craniofacial bone regeneration and subsequently we address the characteristics of various types of perinatal stem cells and their novel application in tissue engineering of craniofacial bone. We propose the promising feasibility and scope of perinatal stem cell-based craniofacial bone tissue engineering for future clinical application.

Keywords: Bone tissue engineering; Craniofacial bone regeneration; Extraembryonic tissue; Perinatal stem cells.

Figure 1

Schematic illustration of the perinatal stem cell-based craniofacial bone tissue engineering. Generally, perinatal stem cells are easily harvested with no harm to the baby or mother and hold a most promising perspective for extensive application in tissue engineering. In the most visionary view, through sophisticated control of perinatal stem cells, biocompatible scaffolds and a signaling system, we will finally be able to bring the perinatal stem cell-based bone tissue engineering strategy to the customized and functional clinical reconstruction of craniofacial bone defects resulting from congenital malformations, osteomyelitis, trauma and tumor resection.