Published by the regenerative biologics institute (rbI)
Understanding MUSE Cells
A new class of stem cell found naturally in the human body — with the potential to transform regenerative medicine.
Discovered in 2010 · Found in all human tissues · Under active clinical research
Found in every human tissue.
What Are MUSE Cells
A naturally occurring stem cell with remarkable properties
MUSE cells — Multilineage-differentiating Stress Enduring cells — are a type of pluripotent stem cell found naturally in connective tissues throughout the human body, including bone marrow, skin, and adipose tissue.
Unlike other stem cells, MUSE cells do not require genetic reprogramming or embryonic sources. They exist in every adult human, ready to respond to injury signals and migrate to damaged tissue.
Non-tumorigenic
MUSE cells do not form teratomas, a key safety concern with other pluripotent stem cells.
Naturally present
Found in adult human tissues — no embryonic source or genetic modification required.
Self-renewable
MUSE cells can self-renew and differentiate into cells from all three germ layers.
Mechanism of Action
How MUSE Cells respond to injury
Injury signal detection
When tissue is damaged, the body releases sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid mediator that acts as a homing signal.
Migration to the site
MUSE cells express receptors for S1P and migrate through the bloodstream to the site of injury, guided by the distress signal.
Tissue integration
Upon arrival, MUSE cells spontaneously differentiate into the cell types needed for repair — neurons, cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, and more.
Regeneration
Integrated cells contribute to functional tissue recovery, reducing inflammation and supporting the body's natural healing processes.
Research
MUSE cells have been studied in preclinical and clinical settings for conditions including ALS, stroke, spinal cord injury, and kidney disease.
View Research2010
Year of discovery by Prof. Mari Dezawa
~0.01%
Of bone marrow cells are MUSE cells
3
Germ layers MUSE cells can differentiate into
Ready to go deeper?
Explore the science behind MUSE cells — from their discovery to the latest clinical trials.
No medical advice — educational purposes only.