In the development of regenerative medicine, Muse cells (multi-lineage stress-resistant cells) have never been ignored. These endogenous, noncancerous, pluripotent stem cells are found in the connective tissue of nearly every organ, including the umbilical cord, bone marrow, and peripheral blood. Since they were first discovered in 2010, Muse cells have been viewed as potential therapeutic tools due to their unique ability to promote regeneration.
Muse cells are characterized by their ability to generate cells representing three germ layers from a single cell and are less likely to form tumors.
The sources of Muse cells include bone marrow, skin fibroblasts, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord. They each account for 1% to several percent of the overall cell population. Among these cells, the correct marker (such as SSEA-3) allows Muse cells to be isolated. Unlike other stem cells, Muse cells do not participate in tumor formation. This property stems from their low levels of telomerase activity, which reduces the risk of tumors.
The stress tolerance and resistance of Muse cells to genotoxic stress make them of particular interest in medical settings.
In many clinical trials, Muse cells have shown their potential in treating acute myocardial infarction, stroke and other diseases.
These cells can recognize signals in damaged tissues, migrate to the damaged site by expressing S1P receptor 2, and then spontaneously differentiate into cells that are compatible with the tissue. This mechanism provides feasibility for the treatment of various diseases and has demonstrated its superior immunosuppressive effect in clinical applications.
So far, Muse cells have achieved preliminary results in clinical trials for several conditions, including acute respiratory distress syndrome and diseases related to new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The purpose of these studies was to explore the potential of Muse cells to promote tissue repair and functional recovery, and that their immune-privileged properties eliminate the need for HLA pairing or immunosuppressive treatment.
The differentiation ability of Muse cells is not limited to in vitro, but also shows extremely significant regenerative potential in vivo. They can independently identify and recycle damaged cells, and then quickly and directedly repair the damage.
In the process of seeking stem cell treatments, Muse cells undoubtedly provide scientists with a new perspective. Furthermore, the self-renewal and pluripotency of these cells make them a promising source for direct harvesting from a variety of normal human tissues. This process does not require any form of genetic modification or stimulation, whether based on ethical or technical reasons, and the characteristics of Muse cells paves the way for future medical innovation.
With further research on the potential of Muse cells, future treatments may no longer rely solely on traditional cell therapies, but instead rely on these non-tumor cells with regenerative capabilities to provide patients with safer and more efficient treatment options. In conclusion, will Muse cells become the key to realizing the vision of regenerative medicine?