Deer antler stem cell niche: An interesting perspective

In recent years,there has been considerable exploration into methods aimed at enhancing the regenerative capacity of transplanted and/or tissue-resident cells.Biomaterials,in particular,have garnered significant interest for their potential to serve as natural scaffolds for cells.In this editorial,we provide commentary on the study by Wang et al,in a recently published issue of World J Stem Cells,which investigates the use of a decellularized xenogeneic extracellular matrix(ECM)derived from antler stem cells for repairing osteochondral defects in rat knee joints.Our focus lies specifically on the crucial role of biological scaffolds as a strategy for augmenting stem cell potential and regenerative capabilities,thanks to the establishment of a favorable microenvironment(niche).Stem cell differen-tiation heavily depends on exposure to intrinsic properties of the ECM,including its chemical and protein composition,as well as the mechanical forces it can generate.Collectively,these physicochemical cues contribute to a bio-instructive signaling environment that offers tissue-specific guidance for achieving effective repair and regeneration.The interest in mechanobiology,often conceptualized as a form of“structural memory”,is steadily gaining more validation and momen-tum,especially in light of findings such as these.

Physical energies to the rescue of damaged tissues

Rhythmic oscillatory patterns sustain cellular dynamics, driving the concerted action of regulatory molecules, microtubules, and molecular motors. We describe cellular microtubules as oscillators capable of synchronization and swarming, generating mechanical and electric patterns that impact biomolecular recognition. We consider the biological relevance of seeing the inside of cells populated by a network of molecules that behave as bioelectronic circuits and chromophores. We discuss the novel perspectives disclosed by mechanobiology, bioelectromagnetism, and photobiomodulation, both in term of fundamental basic science and in light of the biomedical implication of using physical energies to govern (stem) cell fate. We focus on the feasibility of exploiting atomic force microscopy and hyperspectral imaging to detect signatures of nanomotions and electromagnetic radiation (light), respectively, generated by the stem cells across the specification of their multilineage repertoire. The chance is reported of using these signatures and the diffusive features of physical waves to direct specifically the differentiation program of stem cells in situ, where they already are resident in all the tissues of the human body. We discuss how this strategy may pave the way to a regenerative and precision medicine without the needs for (stem) cell or tissue transplantation. We describe a novel paradigm based upon boosting our inherent ability for self-healing.

Orchestrating stem cell fate: Novel tools for regenerative medicine

Mesenchymal stem cells are undifferentiated cells able to acquire different phenotypes under specific stimuli. In vitro manipulation of these cells is focused on understanding stem cell behavior, proliferation and pluripotency. Latest advances in the field of stem cells concern epigenetics and its role in maintaining self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. Chemical and physical stimuli can modulate cell commitment, acting on gene expression of Oct-4, Sox-2 and Nanog, the main stemness markers, and tissue-lineage specific genes. This activation or repression is related to the activity of chromatin-remodeling factors and epigenetic regulators, new targets of many cell therapies. The aim of this review is to afford a view of the current state of in vitro and in vivo stem cell applications, highlighting the strategies used to influence stem cell commitment for current and future cell therapies. Identifying the molecular mechanisms controlling stem cell fate could open up novel strategies for tissue repairing processes and other clinical applications.

Unveiling the morphogenetic code:A new path at the intersection of physical energies and chemical signaling

In this editorial,we discuss the remarkable role of physical energies in the control of cell signaling networks and in the specification of the architectural plan of both somatic and stem cells.In particular,we focus on the biological relevance of bioelectricity in the pattern control that orchestrates both developmental and regenerative pathways.To this end,the narrative starts from the dawn of the first studies on animal electricity,reconsidering the pioneer work of Harold Saxton Burr in the light of the current achievements.We finally discuss the most recent evidence showing that bioelectric signaling is an essential component of the informational processes that control pattern specification during embryogenesis,regeneration,or even malignant transformation.We conclude that there is now mounting evidence for the existence of a Morphogenetic Code,and that deciphering this code may lead to unprecedented opportunities for the development of novel paradigms of cure in regenerative and precision medicine.