Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids: A Promising Tool for Vascularized Tissue Regeneration

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specific cell lineages when exposed to the right conditions. The ability of MSCs to differentiate into particular cells is considered very important in biological research and clinical applications. MSC spheroids are clusters of MSCs cultured in three dimensions, which play an important role in enhancing the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. MSCs can also participate in vascular formation by differentiating into endothelial cells and secreting paracrine factors. Vascularization ability is essential in impaired tissue repair and function recovery. Therefore, the vascularization ability of MSCs, which enhances angiogenesis and accelerates tissue healing has made MSCs a promising tool for tissue regeneration. However, MSC spheroids are a relatively new research field, and more research is needed to understand their full potential. Methods: In this review, we highlight the importance of MSC spheroids’ vascularization ability in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine while providing the current status of studies on the MSC spheroids’ vascularization and suggesting potential future research directions for MSC spheroids. Results: Studies both in vivo and in vitro have demonstrated MSC spheroids’ capacity to develop into endothelial cells and stimulate vasculogenesis. Conclusion: MSC spheroids show potential to enhance vascularization ability in tissue regeneration. Yet, further research is required to comprehensively understand the relationship between MSC spheroids and vascularization mechanisms.