Stem Cell Homing: a Potential Therapeutic Strategy Unproven for Treatment of Myocardial Injury

J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2018 Oct;11(5):403-411. doi: 10.1007/s12265-018-9823-z. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

Abstract

Despite advances in the prevention and therapeutic modalities of ischemic heart disease, morbidity and mortality post-infarction heart failure remain big challenges in modern society. Stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy. Stem cell homing, the ability of stem cells to find their destination, is receiving more attention. Identification of specific cues and understanding the signaling pathways that direct stem cells to targeted destination will improve stem cell homing efficiency. This review discusses the cellular and molecular mechanism of stem cell homing at length in the light of literature and analyzes the problem and considerations of this approach as a treatment strategy for the treatment of ischemic heart disease clinically.

Keywords: Homing; Stem cell; Therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / metabolism
  • Myocardial Infarction / pathology
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Myocardial Infarction / surgery*
  • Myocardium / metabolism
  • Myocardium / pathology*
  • Phenotype
  • Recovery of Function
  • Regeneration*
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cell Niche
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / physiology*