Skin-derived multipotent stromal cells – an archrival for mesenchymal stem cells

Progenitor stem cells have been identified, isolated and characterized in numerous tissues and organs. However, their therapeutic potential and the use of these stem cells remain elusive except for a few progenitor cells from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, eyes and dental pulp. The use of bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is restricted due to their extreme invasive procedures, low differentiation potential with age and rejection. Thus, we need a clinical grade alternative to progenitor stem cells with a high potential to differentiate, naïve and is relatively easy in in vitro propagation. In this review, we summarize cell populations of adherent and floating spheres derived from different origins of skin, or correctly foreskin, by enzymatic digestion compared with established MSCs. The morphology, phenotype, differentiation capability and immunosuppressive property of the adherent cell populations are comparable with MSCs. Serum-free cultured floating spheres have limited mesodermal but higher neurogenic differentation potential, analogous to neural crest stem cells. Both the populations confirmed their plethora potential in in vitro. Together, it may be noted that the skin-derived adherent cell populations and floating cells can be good alternative sources of progenitor cells especially in cosmetic, plastic and sports regenerative medicine.