Stem cells in skeletal physiology and endocrine diseases of bone

Self-renewing, multipotent progenitors of skeletal tissues are found within skeletal segments (skeletal stem cells) and coincide with adventitial reticular cells of bone marrow vessels in situ and with explanted clonogenic stromal cells ex vivo. These cells, which can be identified and prospectively isolated based on a minimal surface phenotype noted for expression of CD146, CD105 and alkaline phosphatase, are established during bone development through interactions with developing sinusoids. They represent a crucial crossroad of skeletal and hematopoietic physiology, as well as of endocrine regulation of bone growth and remodeling. In addition, they are central to major endocrine functions of bone itself, such as regulation of renal phosphate handling. Skeletal stem cells represent a central model system for investigating skeletal diseases, as tools for in vitro and in vivo models, for cell therapy-based strategies, or as targets for drugs. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.