Several research works use these terms interchangeably or together. Is there a significant difference between both these terms? How does it influence the context while talking about mesenchymal cells?
Dear Priyamvada Arte
The term “mesenchymal stromal cells” would be a proper designation because the experimental proof whether mesenchymal stem cells or even their subsets fulfil the stem cell definition is still lacking on a single cell level. Therefore, the term ‘stem cell’ seems to be inappropriate. Mesenchymal stem cells are a heterogeneous population, containing only a fraction of cells with self-renewal potential and multipotency.
The term ‘stroma cells’ describe connective tissue cells that form the supportive structure in which the functional cells of the tissue reside.
For further details, you may want to refer to the article attached below.
Article Mesenchymal Stem or Stromal Cells: Toward a Better Understan...
Regards,
Malcolm Nobre
Dear Priyamvada Arte
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are closely related but have some key differences. Here are the main points to understand the difference between the two:
1. Heterogeneity and tissue source: MSCs are a heterogeneous population with different subpopulations and high donor-to-donor variability [1].
They can be derived from various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, dental pulp, umbilical cord, and placenta [2,3,4].
On the other hand, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a subset of MSCs that have been characterized based on specific criteria set by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) [5].
2. Immunomodulation and therapeutic potential: Both MSCs and MSCs have excellent therapeutic potential, including immunoregulation, immunomodulation, and tissue regeneration functions [3,4]. They have been extensively studied for their potential in regenerative medicine and tissue repair [6]. However, MSCs have been more widely studied and are considered the most experimentally studied cell-based product worldwide [7].
3. Standardization and nomenclature: The ISCT has issued criteria for MSCs to facilitate standardization and progress in MSC-based therapies [2,5].
The nomenclature for MSCs has been a topic of discussion, with the ISCT recommending the use of the acronym "MSCs" supplemented by tissue-source origin and associated with functional assays to demonstrate MSC properties [5].
In summary, while MSCs and MSCs share some similarities in terms of therapeutic potential, MSCs are a subset of MSCs that have been characterized based on specific criteria. The heterogeneity and tissue source of MSCs contribute to their variability, while MSCs have been more extensively studied and standardized [1-7].
I am also attaching a link to the literature where you can also familiarize yourself with this data:
1. Article Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Heterogeneity and Therapeutical A...
2. Chapter Introduction of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
3. Article Advanced cell-based products generated via automated and man...
4. Article RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells as a valua...
5. Article Mesenchymal stem versus stromal cells: International Society...
6. Article Application of mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medici...
7. Article Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem cells: Historical perspective and o...
I will be glad if my answer is useful to you
Sincerely
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are terms that have been used somewhat interchangeably in the past, but there is a growing consensus to differentiate between them based on their properties and functions. Here's the distinction between the two:
In summary, the main difference between mesenchymal stromal cells and mesenchymal stem cells is their differentiation potential. Mesenchymal stromal cells are a broader category, including various mesenchymal cells with immunomodulatory properties, while mesenchymal stem cells are a more specific subset capable of differentiating into multiple cell types. The distinction is important, especially in the context of therapeutic and regenerative applications.
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