Target type: biologicalprocess
The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a mesenchymal stem cell. A mesenchymal stem cell is a cell that retains the ability to divide and proliferate throughout life to provide progenitor cells that can differentiate into specialized mesenchymal cells. [CL:0002452, GOC:BHF]
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that reside in various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. These cells possess the remarkable ability to differentiate into a variety of specialized cell types, including osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), adipocytes (fat cells), and myoblasts (muscle cells). This process of MSC differentiation is tightly regulated by a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
**Intrinsic Factors:**
* **Transcription Factors:** MSC differentiation is controlled by a specific set of transcription factors that activate or repress the expression of genes involved in lineage-specific pathways. For instance, the transcription factor Runx2 plays a crucial role in osteoblast differentiation, while PPARĪ³ is essential for adipogenesis.
* **Epigenetic Modifications:** Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, can influence gene expression and contribute to lineage commitment. These modifications can alter chromatin structure and accessibility to transcription factors, thereby regulating gene expression.
**Extrinsic Factors:**
* **Growth Factors and Cytokines:** External stimuli, such as growth factors and cytokines, play a critical role in directing MSC differentiation. For example, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) promote osteoblast differentiation, while insulin-like growth factor (IGF) stimulates chondrogenesis.
* **Extracellular Matrix (ECM):** The ECM provides structural support and signaling cues for MSC differentiation. Specific ECM components, such as collagen and fibronectin, can influence cell adhesion, migration, and lineage commitment.
* **Mechanical Stimuli:** Mechanical forces, such as shear stress and tension, can also impact MSC differentiation. For instance, mechanical loading promotes osteoblast differentiation.
**The Differentiation Process:**
MSC differentiation is a multistep process that involves several key events:
* **Commitment:** MSCs initially undergo a commitment phase where they become biased towards a particular lineage. This commitment is influenced by the interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
* **Proliferation:** Once committed, MSCs proliferate and expand the population of progenitor cells.
* **Maturation:** Progenitor cells undergo maturation, acquiring the morphological and functional characteristics of the target cell type. This process involves the expression of lineage-specific genes and the acquisition of cell-specific functions.
**Clinical Significance:**
MSC differentiation has immense clinical potential in regenerative medicine. These cells can be used to generate functional tissues and organs for transplantation, and they have shown promising results in treating various diseases, including bone defects, cartilage damage, and heart disease.
Understanding the mechanisms of MSC differentiation is crucial for developing effective cell-based therapies and for harnessing the therapeutic potential of these remarkable cells.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Catenin beta-1 | A catenin beta-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P35222] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| salvin | salvin: a biocyclic diterpenoid; from sage and rosemary (Lamiaceae) | abietane diterpenoid; carbotricyclic compound; catechols; monocarboxylic acid | angiogenesis modulating agent; anti-inflammatory agent; antineoplastic agent; antioxidant; apoptosis inducer; food preservative; HIV protease inhibitor; plant metabolite |
| toxoflavin | toxoflavin : A pyrimidotriazine that is 1,6-dimethyl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrimido[5,4-e][1,2,4]triazine with oxo groups at positions 5 and 7. toxoflavin: azapteridine antibiotic; structure | carbonyl compound; pyrimidotriazine | antibacterial agent; antineoplastic agent; apoptosis inducer; bacterial metabolite; toxin; virulence factor; Wnt signalling inhibitor |
| cercosporin | cercosporin : An organic heterohexacyclic compound that is perylo[1,12-def][1,3]dioxepine-6,11-dione substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 5 and 12, by methoxy groups at positions 7 and 10, and by 2-hydroxypropyl groups at positions 8 and 9 (the R,R-stereoisomer). It is a phytotoxin which was first isolated from the pathogenic soybean fungus, Cercospora kikuchii and later found in multiple members of the genus Cercospora. cercosporin: phyytotoxin from Cercospora beticola Sacc; posses photodynamic action on mice, bacteria & plants | ||
| LSM-42773 | aromatic ketone | ||
| etodolac, (-)-isomer | (R)-etodolac : The R-enantiomer of etodolac. It is inactive, in contrast to the enantiomer, (S)-etodolac, which is a preferential inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase 2 and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. The racemate is commonly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and for the alleviation of postoperative pain. | etodolac | |
| ucn 1028 c | calphostin C: structure given in first source; isolated from Cladosporium cladosporioides |