Are CXCL13/CXCR5/FAK critical regulators of MSCs migration and differentiation?

Abstract Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a common and challenging disease worldwide. The traditional treatments, such as core decompression procedure and joint replacement, are not satisfactory due to the limited outcome, repetitive surgery and cost. In recent years, autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implantation into the femoral head has emerged as a promising method. The homing and differentiation of MSCs is determined by chemokines and their receptors, specific signals present in the micro-environment of the damaged tissue. CXCL13/CXCR5, highly expressed in the osteoblast and MSCs, are tissue specific and selectively migrate MSCs, thereafter triggering phosphorylation of focal adhesionkinase through mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Considering these characteristics, we hypothesize that CXCL13/CXCR5/FAK are critical signals in the trafficking and differentiation of MSCs.