Skeletal Stem Cells in Bone Development, Homeostasis, and Disease
Overview
Cell Biology
Affiliations
Tissue-resident stem cells are essential for development and repair, and in the skeleton, this function is fulfilled by recently identified skeletal stem cells (SSCs). However, recent work has identified that SSCs are not monolithic, with long bones, craniofacial sites, and the spine being formed by distinct stem cells. Recent studies have utilized techniques such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting, lineage tracing, and single-cell sequencing to investigate the involvement of SSCs in bone development, homeostasis, and disease. These investigations have allowed researchers to map the lineage commitment trajectory of SSCs in different parts of the body and at different time points. Furthermore, recent studies have shed light on the characteristics of SSCs in both physiological and pathological conditions. This review focuses on discussing the spatiotemporal distribution of SSCs and enhancing our understanding of the diversity and plasticity of SSCs by summarizing recent discoveries.
An epitranscriptomic program maintains skeletal stem cell quiescence via a METTL3-FEM1B-GLI1 axis.
Wang J, Liu W, Zhang T, Cui M, Gao K, Lu P EMBO J. 2025; .
PMID: 40016417 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-025-00399-z.
Tiberio F, Salvati M, Polito L, Tisci G, Vita A, Parolini O Mol Ther Nucleic Acids. 2025; 36(1):102427.
PMID: 39906733 PMC: 11790506. DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102427.
Ze Y, Wu Y, Tan Z, Li R, Li R, Gao W Bone Res. 2025; 13(1):19.
PMID: 39870641 PMC: 11772753. DOI: 10.1038/s41413-025-00403-6.
Skeletal Stem Cells: A Basis for Orthopaedic Pathology and Tissue Repair.
Cong T, Morse K, Sosa B, Lane J, Rodeo S, Greenblatt M J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024; 107(4):418-426.
PMID: 39693451 PMC: 11839314. DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00905.