A review on the molecular basis of stemness of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly becoming the focal point of research in regenerative medicine due to their potential to differentiate into several different lineages including those of non-mesodermal origin. With several reports of successful differentiation of MSCs into several different cell types such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, cardiocytes and even fully functional neurons, it is more important than ever to understand the stemness of these cells at a molecular level. While no stemness gene has been identified that is unique to MSCs, there have been speculations that the stemness of MSCs is maintained similarly to that of Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs). This review takes a look at four genes, namely, NANOG, OCT4, SOX2 & KLF4, and their role in maintaining the stemness of MSCs. These genes are significant for the stemness of ESCs & therefore, could play a role in MSCs as well.