Fig. 2: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) inhibit apoptosis by targeting multiple pathways.

MSCs of various origins influence the outcome of apoptosis by targeting multiple apoptosis regulatory pathways. This is mainly achieved through their secreted components, which include various ncRNAs and cytokines. These antiapoptotic mediators significantly inhibit caspase cascade in target cells through endogenous pathways, exogenous pathways, and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways, thereby preventing apoptosis. Upstream signaling pathways of apoptosis regulation, such as the PI3K pathway and p53 pathway, are also among the targets of regulation. In addition, MSCs also exert antiapoptotic effects through the regulation of mitochondria and autophagy.