Mesenchymal stem cells as therapeutic tools and gene carriers in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

AQUINO JB*, BOLONTRADE MF*, GARCÍA MG, PODHAJCER OL, MAZZOLINI G

GENE THERAPY

NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP

Año: 2010 p. 1 - 17

0969-7128

* These authors have equally contributed to this work. Mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSCs) are a source of circulating progenitors that are able to generate cells of all mesenchymal lineages and to cover cellular demands of injured tissues. The extent of their transdifferentiation plasticity remains controversial. Cells with MSC properties have been obtained from diverse tissues after purification and expansion in vitro. These cellular populations are heterogeneous and under certain conditions show pluripotent-like properties. MSCs present immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory features and high migratory capacitytoward inflamed or remodeling tissues. In this study we review available data regarding factors and signaling axes involved in the chemoattraction and engraftment of MSCs to an injured tissue or to a tissue undergoing active remodeling. Moreover, experimental evidence in support of uses of MSCs as vehicles of therapeutic genes is discussed. Because of its regenerative capacity and its particular immune properties, the liver is a good model to analyze the potential of MSC basedtherapies. Finally, the potential application of MSCs and genetically modified MSCs in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is proposed in view of available evidence.