Canonical FGFs Prevent Osteogenic Lineage Commitment and Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Via ERK1/2 Signaling.

Controlling the adipo-osteogenic lineage decision of trabecular human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) in favor of osteogenesis represents a promising approach for osteoporosis therapy and prevention. Previously, Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) and its subfamily member FGF2 were scored as leading candidates to exercise control over skeletal precursor commitment and lineage decision albeit literature results are highly inconsistent. We show here that FGF1 and 2 strongly prevent the osteogenic commitment and differentiation of hBMSCs.

Fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 inhibit adipogenesis of human bone marrow stromal cells in 3D collagen gels.

Multipotent human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) are the common progenitors of osteoblasts and adipocytes. A shift in hBMSC differentiation in favor of adipogenesis may contribute to the bone loss and marrow fat accumulation observed in aging and osteoporosis. Hence, the identification of factors modulating marrow adipogenesis is of great therapeutic interest.

Heparin affects human bone marrow stromal cell fate: Promoting osteogenic and reducing adipogenic differentiation and conversion.

Heparins are broadly used for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis and embolism. Yet, osteoporosis is considered to be a severe side effect in up to one third of all patients on long-term treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying this clinical problem are only partially understood.

Quality of Cell Products: Authenticity, Identity, Genomic Stability and Status of Differentiation.

Cellular therapies that either use modifications of a patient's own cells or allogeneic cell lines are becoming in vogue. Besides the technical issues of optimal isolation, cultivation and modification, quality control of the generated cellular products are increasingly being considered to be more important. This is not only relevant for the cell's therapeutic application but also for cell science in general.