Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells are one of the most widely studied cell types with promising applications in regenerative medicine, thanks to their abundant supply, ease of isolation, unique differentiation potential, immunosuppressive phenotype, and stimulation of endogenous repair mechanisms. Diverse sources of MSCs include embryonic and extraembryonic lineages and adult tissues, such as bone, fat, and cartilage, each intricately regulated by specific signaling pathways. MSCs are at the forefront of stem cell therapy, where they can be utilized as whole-cell, cell-free, or in combination with other cells to produce meaningful therapeutic outcomes for the treatment of cardiovascular, neurological, pulmonary, liver, and kidney disease. Here, we review the underlying biology and regenerative potential of MSCs.