Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are vital for development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of most tissues. They can differentiate along multiple connective lineages, but unlike most other stem/progenitor cells, they carry out various other functions while maintaining their developmental potential. MSCs function as damage sensors, respond to injury by fostering regeneration through secretion of trophic factors as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and contribute to fibrotic reparative processes when regeneration fails. Tissue-specific MSC identity, fate(s), and function(s) are being resolved through fate mapping coupled with single cell “omics,” providing unparalleled insights into the secret lives of tissue-resident MSCs.

多能基质细胞 (MSC) 对大多数组织的发育、维持、功能和再生至关重要。它们可以沿多个连接谱系分化，但与大多数其他干细胞/祖细胞不同，它们在保持其发育潜力的同时执行各种其他功能。间充质干细胞充当损伤传感器，通过分泌营养因子和细胞外基质 (ECM) 分子促进再生来应对损伤，并在再生失败时促进纤维化修复过程。组织特异性 MSC 的身份、命运和功能正在通过命运图谱结合单细胞“组学”得到解决，为了解组织驻留 MSC 的秘密生活提供了无与伦比的见解。