Editorial
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Stem Cells. May 26, 2024; 16(5): 479-485
Published online May 26, 2024. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i5.479
Deer antler stem cell niche: An interesting perspective
Claudia Cavallini, Elena Olivi, Riccardo Tassinari, Chiara Zannini, Gregorio Ragazzini, Martina Marcuzzi, Valentina Taglioli, Carlo Ventura
Claudia Cavallini, Carlo Ventura, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems - Eldor Lab, Bologna 40128, Italy
Claudia Cavallini, Elena Olivi, Riccardo Tassinari, Chiara Zannini, Gregorio Ragazzini, Valentina Taglioli, Eldor Lab, Bologna 40128, Italy
Martina Marcuzzi, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
Author contributions: Cavallini C, Olivi E, and Ventura C contributed to this work with literature review and analysis; Tassinari R, Zannini C, Ragazzini G, Marcuzzi M, and Taglioli V contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; and all the authors contributed to this paper with drafting, critical revision and editing, and approval of the final version.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Carlo Ventura, MD, PhD, Director, Full Professor, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems - Eldor Lab, Via Corticella 183, Bologna 40128, Italy. carlo.ventura@unibo.it
Received: February 21, 2024
Revised: April 9, 2024
Accepted: April 25, 2024
Published online: May 26, 2024
Processing time: 92 Days and 21.1 Hours
Abstract

In recent years, there has been considerable exploration into methods aimed at enhancing the regenerative capacity of transplanted and/or tissue-resident cells. Biomaterials, in particular, have garnered significant interest for their potential to serve as natural scaffolds for cells. In this editorial, we provide commentary on the study by Wang et al, in a recently published issue of World J Stem Cells, which investigates the use of a decellularized xenogeneic extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from antler stem cells for repairing osteochondral defects in rat knee joints. Our focus lies specifically on the crucial role of biological scaffolds as a strategy for augmenting stem cell potential and regenerative capabilities, thanks to the establishment of a favorable microenvironment (niche). Stem cell differentiation heavily depends on exposure to intrinsic properties of the ECM, including its chemical and protein composition, as well as the mechanical forces it can generate. Collectively, these physicochemical cues contribute to a bio-instructive signaling environment that offers tissue-specific guidance for achieving effective repair and regeneration. The interest in mechanobiology, often conceptualized as a form of “structural memory”, is steadily gaining more validation and momentum, especially in light of findings such as these.

Keywords: Extracellular matrix; Antler stem cells; Stem cell niche; Regenerative medicine; Decellularized scaffolds; Cell memory

Core Tip: Recent research has focused on enhancing cell regenerative capacity through biomaterials, particularly natural scaffolds. A novel study published in World J Stem Cells investigates the possibility of using a decellularized xenogeneic extracellular matrix (ECM) from antler stem cells to repair osteochondral defects in rats. Our editorial emphasizes the vital role of biological scaffolds in boosting stem cell potential and regenerative abilities by creating a favorable microenvironment. Stem cell differentiation relies on the ECM properties, including its chemical composition and mechanical forces. This bio-instructive signaling environment offers tissue-specific guidance for effective repair and regeneration, aligning with the growing interest in mechanobiology.