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Skeletal Stem Cells for Bone Development and Repair: Diversity Matters

  • Skeletal Development (R Marcucio and J Feng, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Osteoporosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Skeletal stem cells (SSCs) are considered to play important roles in bone development and repair. These cells have been historically defined by their in vitro potential for self-renewal and differentiation into “trilineage” cells; however, little is known about their in vivo identity. Here, we discuss recent progress on SSCs and how they potentially contribute to bone development and repair.

Recent Findings

Bone is composed of diverse tissues, which include cartilage and its perichondrium, cortical bone and its periosteum, and bone marrow and its trabecular bone and stromal compartment. We are now at the initial stage of understanding the precise identity of SSCs in each bone tissue. The emerging concept is that functionally dedicated SSCs are encased by their own unique cellular and extracellular matrix microenvironment, and locally support its own compartment.

Summary

Diverse groups of SSCs are likely to work in concert to achieve development and repair of the highly functional skeletal organ.

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Funding

This research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Health (R01DE026666 to N.O., R03DE027421 to W.O.) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Overseas Research Fellowship to Y.M.

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  1. University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Yuki Matsushita, Wanida Ono & Noriaki Ono

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  1. Yuki Matsushita
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  2. Wanida Ono
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Correspondence to Noriaki Ono.

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Matsushita, Y., Ono, W. & Ono, N. Skeletal Stem Cells for Bone Development and Repair: Diversity Matters. Curr Osteoporos Rep 18, 189–198 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-020-00572-9

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