Stem cells: Sources, and regenerative therapies in dental research and practice

Figure 1 Mesenchymal stem cells are viewed as a yardstick of adult stem cells. A: Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from anonymous adult human bone marrow donor after culture expansion (H and E staining); B: Chondrocytes derived from human mesenchymal stem cells showing positive staining to Alcian blue. Additional molecular and genetic markers can be used to further characterize MSC-derived chondrocytes; C: Osteoblasts derived from human mesenchymal stem cells showing positive von Kossa staining for calcium deposition (black) and active alkaline phosphatase enzyme (red). Additional molecular and genetic markers can be used to further characterize MSC-derived chondrocytes; D: Adipocytes derived from human mesenchymal stem cells showing positive Oil Red-O staining of intracellular lipids. Additional molecular and genetic markers can be used to further characterize MSC-derived chondrocytes[16].