Published online Jul 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i3.266
Revised: January 9, 2014
Accepted: April 25, 2014
Published online: July 26, 2014
Periosteum is a thin fibrous layer that covers most bones. It resides in a dynamic mechanically loaded environment and provides a niche for pluripotent cells and a source for molecular factors that modulate cell behaviour. Elucidating periosteum regenerative potential has become a hot topic in orthopaedics. This review discusses the state of the art of osteochondral tissue engineering rested on periosteum derived progenitor cells (PDPCs) and suggests upcoming research directions. Periosteal cells isolation, characterization and migration in the site of injury, as well as their differentiation, are analysed. Moreover, the role of cell mechanosensing and its contribution to matrix organization, bone microarchitecture and bone stenght is examined. In this regard the role of periostin and its upregulation under mechanical stress in order to preserve PDPC survival and bone tissue integrity is contemplated. The review also summarized the role of the periosteum in the field of dentistry and maxillofacial reconstruction. The involvement of microRNAs in osteoblast differentiation and in endogenous tissue repair is explored as well. Finally the novel concept of a guided bone regeneration based on the use of periosteum itself as a smart material and the realization of constructs able to mimic the extracellular matrix features is talked out. Additionally, since periosteum can differentiate into insulin producing cells it could be a suitable source in allogenic transplantations. That innovative applications would take advantage from investigations aimed to assess PDPC immune privilege.
Core tip: Periosteum provides a niche for pluripotent cells. Elucidating periosteum regenerative potential is a hot topic in orthopaedics. This review discusses the state of the art of osteochondral tissue engineering rested on periosteum derived cells and suggests upcoming research directions aimed to the development of new standards of care for the maintenance of bone mass both in post-trauma healing process and in physiological turn-over.