The Secretome of Stem Cells

Pp: 61-75 (15)

Abstract

Stem cell transplantation is promising for the treatment of injuries and diseases. Some concerns raised about certain aspects of cell therapy and associated risks have solicited utilising the “secretome” or proteinaceous secretions of the stem cells as an alternative therapy. The secretome of stem cells has been shown to be loaded with therapeutic biomolecules, such as growth factors, cytokines and EVs. Due to technological advances, knowledge and extensive molecular data on the secretome of stem cells, especially MSCs, are getting constantly updated. Soluble proteins or EVs are the main paracrine effectors of MSCs in tissue repair and regenerative activity at sites of injury. Extracellular vesicles, in particular, are currently under intensive investigation and can develop into a practical option for patient treatment in clinics. This chapter will deal with the promises of MSC secretome, taking as examples the data available from studies on the liver, cornea and kidney.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury, Bioengineering, Cell-free therapy, Chronic kidney diseases, Cornea, Cytokines, DNA, Drug delivery, Exosomes, Extracellular vesicles, Growth factors, Kidney, Liver, Liver fibrosis, Mesenchymal stem cells, Microvesicles, MiRNA, MRNA, Secretome, Tissue repair.