Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a groundbreaking technique for producing high-quality canine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine in veterinary practice.

MSCs, which can be harvested from fat and bone marrow, are highly valued in veterinary medicine for their immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these cells traditionally face limitations in proliferation capacity, with quality varying significantly depending on the donor animal’s age and the harvesting site.

The research team, led by Professor Shingo Hatoya and Dr. Masaya Tsukamoto from Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Veterinary Science, tackled this challenge by utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) – cells with unlimited proliferation capacity that can differentiate into various cell types.

Breakthrough in Canine Stem Cell Production

The researchers successfully generated iPSCs from four different types of canine somatic cells and then investigated the optimal method for producing canine MSCs. By adapting techniques previously used for human MSCs, they created high-quality canine stem cells with impressive proliferation capacity that expressed the appropriate MSC markers.

“The establishment of a method for producing highly proliferative canine MSCs is expected to advance regenerative veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Masaya Tsukamoto from the study team.

Perhaps most interestingly for veterinary practitioners, the research revealed that the highest quality MSCs were obtained from urine cells – a finding that could significantly simplify the collection process in clinical settings.

Implications for Veterinary Medicine

This advancement addresses several critical challenges in veterinary regenerative medicine:

Creating a stable supply of homogeneous MSCs

Eliminating quality variations between donors

Providing cells with superior proliferation capacity

Enabling less invasive collection methods

For veterinary professionals, this development could mean more consistent treatment outcomes when using stem cell therapies for conditions like osteoarthritis, inflammatory conditions, and certain immune-mediated diseases in canine patients.

Professor Hatoya concluded with a look toward the future: “Going forward, we plan to conduct further verification of the immune regulatory and therapeutic effects of MSCs produced from canine iPS cells.”

The potential for this technology extends beyond dogs, potentially offering a model for similar advancements in stem cell therapies for other companion animals.

References:

Source: Osaka Metropolitan University

Journal reference: Tsukamoto, M., et al. (2025). Generation of canine induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Comparison of differentiation strategies and cell origins. Regenerative Therapy. doi.org/10.1016/j.reth.2025.05.008