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Regulation of adipogenesis and osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells by vascular endothelial growth factor A
Author(s) -
Berendsen A. D.,
Olsen B. R.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.625
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1365-2796
pISSN - 0954-6820
DOI - 10.1111/joim.12364
Subject(s) - mesenchymal stem cell , adipogenesis , osteoblast , vascular endothelial growth factor , microbiology and biotechnology , stem cell , bone marrow , context (archaeology) , growth factor , endothelial stem cell , medicine , immunology , biology , endocrinology , genetics , paleontology , receptor , in vitro , vegf receptors
Understanding the mechanisms by which bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( BMSC s) differentiate into bone‐forming osteoblasts and marrow adipocytes is crucial to develop strategies for the treatment of several bone diseases. Age‐related bone loss resulting in osteopenia and osteoporosis has been associated with reduced numbers of osteoblasts and increased numbers of adipocytes, likely originating from differentiation defects in BMSC s. Although many factors involved in the complex regulation of osteoblast and adipocyte cell lineages have previously been identified, their functional interactions in the context of BMSC differentiation and maintenance of bone homeostasis during ageing are unknown. Recent discoveries have provided important new insights into the mechanisms by which the nuclear envelope protein lamin A and vascular endothelial growth factor A ( VEGF ) mutually control BMSC fate. Particularly interesting is the finding that VEGF in this context functions as an intracellular protein, unaffected by neutralizing antibodies, and not as a secreted growth factor. These insights may not only facilitate the identification of new targets for treating bone diseases but also lead to improved design of tissue engineering approaches aimed at stimulating bone regeneration and repair.