Insight into skin cell-based osteogenesis: a review

Abstract

For decades, researchers have been fascinated by the strategy of using cell therapy for bone defects; some progress in the field has been made. Owing to its ample supply and easy access, skin, the largest organ in the body, has gained attention as a potential source of stem cells. Despite extensive applications in skin and nerve regeneration, an increasing number of reports indicate its potential use in bone tissue engineering and regeneration. Unfortunately, few review articles are available to outline current research efforts in skin-based osteogenesis. This review first summarizes the latest findings on stem cells or progenitors in skin and their niches and then discusses the strategies of skin cell-based osteogenesis. We hope this article elucidates this topic and generates new ideas for future studies.

Keywords: osteogenesis; skin cells; stem cell therapy.

Figure 1.. Skin cells for osteogenesis.

(A–G) Stem cells and niches found in skin. (A) Hair follicle bulge-derived stem cells ^{, ,} . (B) Hair follicle papilla-derived stem cells ^{, –} . (C) Hair sheath-derived stem cells ^, . (D) Pericytes ^, . (E) Sweat gland-derived stem cells ^, . (F) Interfollicle epidermis-derived stem cells ^, . (G) Stem cells from dermal niches that are not fully characterized ^{– , , ,} . (H–K) Strategies for using skin cells. (H) Total skin fibroblasts ^, . (I) Genetic modification ^– . (J) Cell sorting ^{, –} . (K) Cell reprogramming ^{– ,} . (L–O) Skin cells’ osteogenesis. (L) Limb bone defect regeneration ^{, ,} . (M) Cranial bone defect regeneration ^{, , ,} . (N) Mandibular bone defect regeneration ^, . (O) Rib bone defect regeneration .