TY - EJOU AU - KRAUS, PETRA AU - SAMANTA, ANKITA AU - LUFKIN, SINA AU - LUFKIN, THOMAS TI - Stem cells in intervertebral disc regeneration–more talk than action? T2 - BIOCELL PY - 2022 VL - 46 IS - 4 SN - 1667-5746 AB - 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. KW - Stem cells; MSC; Intervertebral disc (IVD); Exosome; Extracellular matrix (ECM) DO - 10.32604/biocell.2022.018432