Review
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World J Stem Cells. Jul 26, 2014; 6(3): 312-321
Published online Jul 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i3.312
Adipose-derived stem cells: Implications in tissue regeneration
Wakako Tsuji, J Peter Rubin, Kacey G Marra
Wakako Tsuji, J Peter Rubin, Kacey G Marra, Adipose Stem Cell Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
J Peter Rubin, Kacey G Marra, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
J Peter Rubin, Kacey G Marra, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
Author contributions: Tsuji W and Marra KG wrote the manuscript; Rubin JP and Marra KG supervised the paper.
Correspondence to: Kacey G Marra, Associate Professor, Adipose Stem Cell Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States. marrak@upmc.edu
Telephone: +1-412-3838924 Fax: +1-412-3614643
Received: February 23, 2014
Revised: April 16, 2014
Accepted: June 10, 2014
Published online: July 26, 2014
Abstract

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are obtained from abundant adipose tissue, adherent on plastic culture flasks, can be expanded in vitro, and have the capacity to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Unlike bone marrow-derived MSCs, ASCs can be obtained from abundant adipose tissue by a minimally invasive procedure, which results in a high number of cells. Therefore, ASCs are promising for regenerating tissues and organs damaged by injury and diseases. This article reviews the implications of ASCs in tissue regeneration.

Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells, Adipose-derived stem cells, Differentiation, Growth factors, Tissue engineering, Clinical trials

Core tip: This review article provides an overview on adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for implications in tissue regeneration. ASCs are obtained in high yields from abundant adipose tissue in the body and have multi-lineage differentiation ability. This article focuses on ASC characterization, growth factor secretion from ASCs, differentiation ability in vitro and in vivo, and the potential clinical applications.