Response of fetal and adult cells to growth factors

Abstract

Cell replacement therapies represent a major tool in regenerative medicine, aiming at the restoration of the architecture and function of damaged or nonfunctional tissues. In this context, cells derived from fetuses could provide an additional advantage as they have not been previously exposed to environmental noxes and possess a more extended lifespan from cells derived from adult organisms. Accordingly, fetal tissues are more vigorous than adult ones and with a superior ability for tissue repair. In this vein, it is well known that fetuses and adults follow different strategies in tissue repair. In contrast to the adult-like healing, characterized in several tissues, such as skin, by a scar formation, fetuses from various species are able for a scar-free tissue regeneration. Consequently, an in-depth investigation of the mechanisms of fetal repair is needed, aiming at improving the healing process in the adults [73].