Migration of culture-expanded human mesenchymal stem cells through bone marrow endothelium is regulated by matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3

Abstract

We show that MSC have the potential to migrate through bone marrow endothelium and that this process involves MMP-2. Moreover, the migration of MSC is significantly influenced by the level of culture confluence. Increased culture confluence impairs migration and is related to an upregulation of TIMP-3. The therapeutic use of MSC would benefit from a selection of culture conditions that allow optimal extravasation of these cells.