The initially identified human bone marrow stem cells were hematopoietic stem cells. In 1976, Friedenstein et al. isolated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), turning the tide of stem cell research. During in vitro studies, these cells showed differentiation into osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, and myogenic lineages depending on their medium. Further research revealed the ability of MSCs to form endothelial cells and neurons. Therefore, scientists began decoding the signaling pathways and the cues that can regulate MSCs differentiation.
Among them, mechanical stimuli turned out to be a key determinant of stem cell fate. Tissues often encounter dynamic mechanical signals in the form of compression, tension, shear stress, etc. Stem cells convert these physical or mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals to regulate cellular processes. The mechanobiology of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells has garnered interest for research and therapeutic purposes.