Stem cells in intervertebral disc regeneration-more talk than action?

. 2021 Dec 15;46(6):893-898. Affiliations Expand Affiliations 1 Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA. 2 The Clarkson School, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA. Item in Clipboard Petra Kraus et al. Biocell. 2021. Show details Display options Display options Format . 2021 Dec 15;46(6):893-898. Affiliations 1 Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA. 2 The Clarkson School, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA. Item in Clipboard CiteDisplay options Display options Format Abstract Pain and lifestyle changes are common consequences of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and affect a large part of the aging population. The stemness of cells is exploited in the field of regenerative medicine as key to treat degenerative diseases. Transplanted cells however often face delivery and survival challenges, especially in tissues with a naturally harsh microniche environment such as the intervertebral disc. Recent interest in the secretome of stem cells, especially cargo protected from microniche-related decay as frequently present in degenerating tissues, provides new means of rejuvenating ailing cells and tissues. Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles with purposeful cargo gained particular interest in conveying stem cell related attributes of rejuvenation, which will be discussed here in the context of IVDD. Keywords: Exosome; Extracellular matrix (ECM); Intervertebral disc (IVD); MSC; Stem cells. Conflict of interest statement Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to report regarding the present study.