Cell Biology

Skeletal stem cells (SSCs) are are a newly defined stem cell population characterized by their particularly rapid capacity for osteogenic differentiation. They play a key role in the growth, maintenance, and regeneration of bone tissue.

SSCs can be isolated from human bone, such as femoral heads, using a combination of mechanical dissociation and enzymatic digestion with collagenases. Due to their high osteogenic potential, SSCs have broad applications in bone biology research.

In this regard, we have examined how chronic exposure to inflammatory conditions affects the differentiation capacity of SSCs to understand sex-specific differences in the pathogenesis and progression of osteoporosis [1].

Further, we are currently investigating the molecular mechanism underlying heterotopic ossification after patients suffering severe traumatic brain injuries. We established cell culture-based and antibody-dependent assays to examine which factors from serum of TBI patients may affect differentiation potential of SSCs resulting in formation of ectopic bone (Fig. 1).

This project is carried out in cooperation with the Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics of the Protestantic Hospital of Bethel Foundation (EvKB).

References

[1] Niemann, T.; Joneleit, J.; Storm, J.; Nacke, T.; Wähnert, D.; Kaltschmidt, C.; Vordemvenne, T.; Kaltschmidt, B. Analyzing Sex-Specific Dimorphism in Human Skeletal Stem Cells. Cells 2023, 12, 2683, doi:10.3390/cells12232683.