Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes, adipocytes, beta-pancreatic islets cells, and potentially, neuronal cells.
MSCs are of intense therapeutic interest because they represent a population of cells with the potential treat a wide range of acute and degenerative diseases. MSCs are advantageous over other stem cells types for several reasons. First, they avoid the ethical issues that surround embryonic stem cell research. Second, repeated studies have found that human MSCs are immuno-privileged, and therefore, represent an advantageous cell type for allogenic transplantation, reducing the risks of rejection and complications of transplantation. Recently, there have also been significant advances in the use of autologous MSCs to regenerate human tissues, including cartilage and meniscus, tendons, and bone fractures
I. Applications
A. Basic Research Applications
1. Directed Differentiation of Autologous MSCs towards Intra-Mesenchymal Lineages
2. Directed Differentiation of Autologous MSCs towards Extra-Mesenchymal Lineages
B. Supporting Hematopoietic Cells
C. Cell-Based Therapy Applications
1. Gene Transfer Applications
2. Allogenic Transplantation
3. Applications of MSCs for Osteochondral Repair
4. Applications of MSCs for Myocardiac Repair
5. Therapeutic Potential beyond Mesenchymal Lineages
D. Use of MSC in 3-D Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications
II. Application Priorities
A. Overall
B. By Segment
1. Academic
2. Biotech
3. Pharma
III. Potential Labs/Customers
A. General MSC Research Labs
B. Osteogenic-Focused Research Labs
C. Myogenic and Myocardial-Focused Research Labs
D. Adipogenic-Focused Research Labs
E. Neuronal-Focused Research Labs
F. Immunology-Focused Research Labs
G. Commerical Labs
H. NIH Labs
IV. Companies Offering Human MSC Research Products, including Products Offered
A. Stem Cell Technologies
B. Thermo Scientific
C. Invitrogen
D. Celprogen
E. ScienCell Research Laboratories
F. Abcam
G. BD Biosciences
F. Millipore
V. Companies Offering Rodent MSC Research Products, including Products Offered
A. Cell Applications
B. Millipore
C. Celprogen
D. Cyagen Biosciences
E. ScienCell Research Laboratories
VI. Projected 5-Year Market Growth
A. Scientific Publication Trend Analysis
B. Grant Rate Trend Analysis
C. Patent Trend Analysis
VII. Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Tools for Drug Discovery
A. Companies Developing Toxicology Screening Platforms for Stem Cells
B. Advantages of Using Human MSCs for Drug Screening
C. Potential Drug Screening Advantages of Rodent MSCs
1. Acquisition, Handling, and Differentiation Advantages
2. Genetic Manipulation of MSCs
3. Potential for Genetically Engineered MSC Reporter Lines
VIII. Advantages of Serum Free Supplements for Use in MSC Research
IX. Research Product Opportunities and Suggestions
A. MSCs Derived from Alternative Sources than Bone Marrow
B. Novel RMSC Differentiation Kits
C. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion Media
D. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Markers
E. Mesenchymal Growth Factors
F. Monoclonal Antibodies and Kits for Phenotyping RMSCs
G. Chips for MicroArray Analysis of Gene Expression in RMSCs
X. Conclusions