Isolation of phenotypically and functionally distinct endogeneous human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell subsets

Articular cartilage is difficult to heal once injury or disease occurs. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are being increasingly explored for therapeutic use in cartilage regeneration. However, MSCs are commonly defined by in vitro functions and little is known of their identity and function in endogenous state. In our study, we define distinct endogenous human bone marrow–derived MSC subsets that differ in their phenotype, function and anatomical localization.