Mesenchymal Stem Cells vs Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) make up all the blood cells, and they are found mainly in the bone marrow and cord blood.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into many connective tissue cells, such as bone, cartilage, and fat, and are found in many tissues, including bone marrow and adipose tissue.
While HSCs are crucial for maintaining blood cell production, MSCs are involved in tissue repair and regeneration.
They are further distinguished by their immunomodulatory properties that give them great value in regenerative medicine research.
- Origin: MSCs are derived from the mesodermal lineage, which includes tissues such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. HSCs, on the other hand, are derived from the hematopoietic system and are primarily found in bone marrow and umbilical cord blood.
- Differentiation Potential: MSCs have the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types, including bone cells, cartilage cells, and fat cells[4]. They are known for their multipotent differentiation potential. HSCs, on the other hand, have the ability to differentiate into all types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets[4]. They are known for their pluripotent differentiation potential.
- Function: MSCs play a supportive role in the body by providing a microenvironment for other cells, including HSCs. They secrete various factors that promote tissue repair, modulate the immune response, and regulate inflammation. HSCs, on the other hand, are responsible for replenishing the blood and immune system by continuously producing new blood cells[6].
- Clinical Applications: MSCs have been widely studied for their therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. They have been used in clinical trials for various conditions, such as bone and cartilage repair, autoimmune diseases, and graft-versus-host disease. HSCs, on the other hand, are used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to treat various blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and certain genetic disorders.
MSCs and HSCs are two different kinds of stem cells, differing in origin, differentiation potential, and function. Unlike MSCs, which have multipotent differentiation capability and act in a supportive role within the body, HSCs are pluripotent cells responsible for blood production.
Therapeutic Use
Therapeutic uses of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells differ significantly in their applications and approved treatments.
HSCs have been used for over 25 years and are FDA-approved to treat more than 80 blood and bone-related conditions, including blood cancers, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders.
They are particularly valuable in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to regenerate the blood and immune system.
In contrast, MSCs are not FDA-approved for treatments but are extensively researched for regenerative medicine and cellular therapy.
They are being studied for tissue repair, treating conditions like diabetes and heart disease, reducing inflammation, and treating complications after HSC transplantation.
While HSCs are well-established for blood disorders, MSCs are still in the research phase for broader applications.
Conclusion
There are the very distinct applications for hematopoietic (HSC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC).
For instance, HSCs are used in cancer treatment; they are primarily utilized in blood cancers, for example, leukemia and lymphoma.
The therapy is also used in inherited metabolic conditions affecting the blood and immune system.
HSC transplantation is a 25-year-old established medical treatment. Through this, the FDA has been able to cure over 80 conditions.
You can expect to receive this treatment in case you are dealing with a blood-related cancer or disorder.
Even though MSCs have not been widely approved by the FDA, they are currently under extensive research to discover their potential to improve regenerative medicine. Application of these cells has shown a promising outcome in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory disorders.
Research is also underway for these cells to repair damaged tissue from heart diseases and spinal cord injuries.
If you are seeking treatment for an autoimmune condition, an inflammatory disease, or a degenerative disorder, then therapies involving MSCs might be an option for you.
That being said, most treatments using MSCs are currently in clinical trials and do not yet have wide availability, not even within research institutions.
In whichever stem cell treatment you are considering, one has to consult with doctors who are specialists in the field of stem cell therapy. They should provide you with the most current information on available treatments, their potential benefits, and whether or not they would suit your special case. Always ensure that any treatment you consider is backed by solid scientific evidence and administered by qualified healthcare providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells?
It is known that HSCs are the original cells of blood cells, while MSCs can differentiate into almost all kinds of connective tissue cells, including bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat. The following populations are generally derived from bone marrow and cord blood (HSCs) or from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and other tissues (MSCs).
What is the difference between Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells?
While hematopoietic progenitor cells have restricted self-renewal capacity, hematopoietic stem cells themselves are very primitive to sustain self-renewal indefinitely. Conversely, hematopoietic progenitor cells have more restricted self-renewing potential with more significant commitment to specific lineages of blood cells.
What are HSCs in the bone marrow?
These are self-renewing stem cells in the bone marrow, giving rise to all blood cell types, namely red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. They sustain hematopoiesis throughout life.
What are MSCs in Cardiology?
Cardiology research at the time investigates the potential of MSCs in restoring damaged heart tissue, decreasing inflammation, and fostering angiogenesis while rescuing heart attack or heart failure patients.
What is the function of HSCs?
HSCs can produce and maintain all blood cell types throughout life. They are significant components in the establishment of an immune system, carry oxygen in tissues, and take part in blood clotting.
What are the HSCs of the bone marrow?
All blood cells are derived from HSCs in bone marrow. They will reside within specialized areas of bone marrow - niches - and be able to give rise to all types of blood cells in a manner proportional to need.
What are MSCs in bone marrow?
MSCs of the bone marrow are the type of multipotent stromal cells which can differentiate into several lineages, such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes, and adipocytes. Not to mention that they also maintain the function of HSCs by providing indicators for hematopoiesis.
What are MSCs in medical terms?
Medically, MSCs are multipotent stromal cells that can create lineages of the connective tissue and have some immunomodulatory properties. They have been under researchers' investigation in new prospects for regenerative medicine and cellular therapy.
What is the difference between MSC and MSCs?
There is no difference. MSC is Mesenchymal Stem Cell, while MSCs refer to multiple Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
What are the markers for HSCs?
Common markers characteristic for HSCs are CD34, CD38, CD90, and CD133. Of course, the exact combination would differ depending on the species and the same subset under investigation.
What are 2 types of bone marrow?
There are two kinds of bone marrow: red and yellow. The red marrow is responsible for producing most blood cells in adults. In contrast, the yellow marrow has a large proportion of fat cells.
What is HSC engraftment?
HSC engraftment refers to the process whereby transferred HSCs migrate into the recipient's bone marrow, attach, and ultimately begin to generate new blood cells.
What are MSCs?
In addition, MSCs are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate to become various cell types, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells. They mediate immunomodulation.
What do MSCs differentiate into?
MSCs can differentiate into various cell types including osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), myocytes (muscle cells), and adipocytes (fat cells). Some studies suggest they may also differentiate into neurons under certain conditions.
References
(1) Rostami T, Maleki N, Kasaeian A, Nikbakht M, Kiumarsi A, Asadollah Mousavi S, Ghavamzadeh A. Co-transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells with hematopoietic stem cells does not improve transplantation outcome in class III beta-thalassemia major: A prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up. Pediatr Transplant. 2021 May;25(3):e13905. doi: 10.1111/petr.13905. Epub 2020 Nov 11. PMID: 33179398.
(2) Ogawa Y, Akamatsu R, Fuchizaki A, Yasui K, Saino O, Tanaka M, Kikuchi-Taura A, Kimura T, Taguchi A. Gap Junction-Mediated Transport of Metabolites Between Stem Cells and Vascular Endothelial Cells. Cell Transplant. 2022 Jan-Dec;31:9636897221136151. doi: 10.1177/09636897221136151. PMID: 36401520; PMCID: PMC9679345.
(3) Ahmadnejad M, Amirizadeh N, Mehrasa R, Karkhah A, Nikougoftar M, Oodi A. Elevated expression of DNMT1 is associated with increased expansion and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells co-cultured with human MSCs. Blood Res. 2017 Mar;52(1):25-30. doi: 10.5045/br.2017.52.1.25. Epub 2017 Mar 27. PMID: 28401098; PMCID: PMC5383583.
