Stem and Progenitor Cells in Bone Regeneration

Dear Colleagues,

Bone possesses a remarkable innate capacity to self-repair by restoring the original biological, functional, and structural characteristics of the injured site. Bone healing occurs via the direct formation of a new bone matrix at the injured site in the case of small and fully stabilized fractures (direct or primary healing), or via the intermediate formation of a cartilaginous template aiming to stabilize the fracture site that will later remodel into new bone tissue (endochondral ossification). In both cases, stem cells are key players in the healing process and outcome. As part of the mesenchymal stromal cell population, bone-marrow-derived stem cells can differentiate toward osteogenic or chondrogenic phenotypes and are involved in direct or endochondral bone healing, respectively. The fate of stem cell differentiation during fracture healing and bone formation is regulated by many factors, such as micro-environment changes, biological signal interplay, as well as the mechanical environment and the presence or absence of surrounding blood vessels.  

While bone healing is a well-orchestrated and mainly successful process, there are numerous clinical complications that are dependent on issues such as fracture size, severity, location, and/or the lack of surrounding soft tissues/vascularization, which leads to failed or delayed healing. As only cells can produce bone, the use of cells to promote bone healing, and how their functionality and differentiation can be monitored, has been deeply investigated over the past few years. Due to their multipotency, their growth capacity, and their possible autologous isolation, stem cells are of interest for bone healing involving strategies such as cell mobilization and tissue engineering, or regenerative approaches.

For the present Special Issue, entitled "Stem and Progenitor Cells in Bone Regeneration", we aim to bring together a collection of original or review articles of basic science, preclinical, and clinical studies about stem cells in the context of bone healing and regeneration. Opinion letters, as well as articles related to regulatory considerations in the use of stem cells for bone regeneration in the clinic, are also welcome.  

Dr. Sophie Verrier
Guest Editor

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