Stem cell-mediated osteogenesis: therapeutic potential for bone tissue engineering

Josh Neman¹, Amanda Hambrecht², Cherie Cadry³, Rahul Jandial<sup>1

1</sup>Department of Neurosurgery, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Cancer Center, Duarte, ²Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, ³Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California, USA

Abstract: Intervertebral disc degeneration often requires bony spinal fusion for long-term relief. Current arthrodesis procedures use bone grafts from autogenous bone, allogenic backed bone, or synthetic materials. Autogenous bone grafts can result in donor site morbidity and pain at the donor site, while allogenic backed bone and synthetic materials have variable effectiveness. Given these limitations, researchers have focused on new treatments that will allow for safe and successful bone repair and regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells have received attention for their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, cells that synthesize new bone. With the recent advances in scaffold and biomaterial technology as well as stem cell manipulation and transplantation, stem cells and their scaffolds are uniquely positioned to bring about significant improvements in the treatment and outcomes of spinal fusion and other injuries.

Keywords: mesenchymal stem cell, osteogenesis, scaffolds, bone morphogenetic protein, Wnt, autograft, osteoblast