International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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Stem Cells Research: Advancing Science and Medicine

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Dr. Susana Rosa

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1. CNC-UC Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3001454 Coimbra, Portugal
2. CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3001454 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: pluripotent stem cells; vasculature; endothelial cells; in vitro models; blood brain barrier; aging; senescence

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Stem cell research is at the forefront of regenerative medicine, offering groundbreaking possibilities for treating degenerative diseases, injuries, and age-related conditions. Recent advancements in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), organoid technology, and gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) have expanded the potential of personalized medicine, disease modeling, drug testing, and potential cell-based therapies. The integration of biomaterials and 3D bioprinting further enhances tissue engineering strategies. Despite all advancements, challenges remain, including ethical concerns, immune compatibility, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of stem cell-based therapies in clinical applications.

This Special Issue welcomes original research, reviews on stem cell biology, stem-cells based in vitro models (e.g., organoids) for disease modelling and drug testing, reprogramming techniques, therapeutic applications, and translational challenges. Submissions exploring biomaterials, bioengineering approaches, omics technologies, and computational modeling in stem cell research are encouraged. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this collection aims to highlight innovative research, thus shaping the future of stem cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Susana Rosa
Guest Editor

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21 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessReview

Intra-Arterial Administration of Stem Cells and Exosomes for Central Nervous System Disease

by Taishi Honda, Masahito Kawabori and Miki Fujimura

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157405 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders present significant therapeutic challenges due to the limited regenerative capacity of neural tissues, resulting in long-term disability for many patients. Consequently, the development of novel therapeutic strategies is urgently warranted. Stem cell therapies show considerable potential for mitigating brain damage and restoring neural connectivity, owing to their multifaceted properties, including anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, neurogenic, and vasculogenic effects. Recent research has also identified exosomes—small vesicles enclosed by a lipid bilayer, secreted by stem cells—as a key mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of stem cell therapies, and given their enhanced stability and superior blood–brain barrier permeability compared to the stem cells themselves, exosomes have emerged as a promising alternative treatment for CNS disorders. A key challenge in the application of both stem cell and exosome-based therapies for CNS diseases is the method of delivery. Currently, several routes are being investigated, including intracerebral, intrathecal, intravenous, intranasal, and intra-arterial administration. Intracerebral injection can deliver a substantial quantity of stem cells directly to the brain, but it carries the potential risk of inducing additional brain injury. Conversely, intravenous transplantation is minimally invasive but results in limited delivery of cells and exosomes to the brain, which may compromise the therapeutic efficacy. With advancements in catheter technology, intra-arterial administration of stem cells and exosomes has garnered increasing attention as a promising delivery strategy. This approach offers the advantage of delivering a significant number of stem cells and exosomes to the brain while minimizing the risk of additional brain damage. However, the investigation into the therapeutic potential of intra-arterial transplantation for CNS injury is still in its early stages. In this comprehensive review, we aim to summarize both basic and clinical research exploring the intra-arterial administration of stem cells and exosomes for the treatment of CNS diseases. Additionally, we will elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanisms and provide insights into the future potential of this approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stem Cells Research: Advancing Science and Medicine)

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