A recent paper demonstrated that decellularized extracellular matrix (DECM) deposited by synovium-derived stem cells (SDSCs), especially from fetal donors, could rejuvenate human adult SDSCs in both proliferation and chondrogenic potential, in which expanded cells and corresponding culture substrate (such as DECM) were found to share a mutual reaction in both elasticity and protein profiles (see ref. (1) ). It seems that young DECM may assist in the development of culture strategies that optimize proliferation and maintain "stemness" of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), helping to overcome one of the primary difficulties in MSC-based regenerative therapies. In this paper, the effects of age on the proliferative capacity and differentiation potential of MSCs are reviewed, along with the ability of DECM from young cells to rejuvenate old cells. In an effort to highlight some of the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon, we discuss age-related changes to extracellular matrix (ECM)'s physical properties and chemical composition.
Keywords: ACAN, aggrecan; ADSC, adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell; ALP, alkaline phosphatase; BMSC, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell; CBFA1, core binding factor α 1; CFU-OB, colony forming unit of osteoblasts; COL2A1, collagen type 2 alpha1; DECM, decellularized extracellular matrix; ECM, extracellular matrix; ESC, embryonic stem cell; FGF2, fibroblast growth factor basic; GAG, glycosaminoglycan; HGF, hepatocyte growth factor; HSC, haematopoietic stem cell; IGF-I, insulin-like growth factor I; LOXL1, lysyl oxidase-like 1; LPL, lipopolysaccharide; LV, left ventricle; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; MSC, mesenchymal stem cell; ON, osteonectin; PPARG, peroxisome proliferator active receptor gamma; ROS, reactive oxygen species; RUNX2, runt-related transcription factor 2; SD, Sprague-Dawley; SDSC, synovium derived stem cell; SIS-ECM, small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix; SOX9, SRY (sex determining region-Y)-box 9; SPARC, secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine; TGFβ, transforming growth factor β; TIMP, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases; UDSC, umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; aging; differentiation; extracellular matrix; mRNA, mRNA; mesenchymal stem cells; miRNA, micro-RNA; microenvironment; proliferation; tissue engineering.