Oxytocin/oxytocin receptor signaling in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: current evidence and future perspectives on osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
- 2Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
- 3Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for musculoskeletal regenerative medicine because of their multilineage differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory properties, and paracrine-mediated tissue repair effects. However, the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-based approaches is often limited by impaired cellular function caused by aging, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and disease-associated microenvironments. Consequently, increasing attention has focused on strategies to enhance MSC function and optimize their regenerative capacity. Oxytocin (OXT), a neuroendocrine peptide classically recognized for its roles in reproduction and social behavior, has recently emerged as a multifunctional regulator involved in peripheral tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Growing evidence suggests that OXT/OXT receptor signaling influences MSC biology by regulating lineage commitment, cellular stress responses, and reparative potential. In this mini review, we summarize current evidence regarding the effects of OXT on MSC differentiation, with particular emphasis on osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis in the context of musculoskeletal regeneration. Furthermore, we discuss the translational potential of OXT/OXT receptor signaling, including MSC priming strategies, biomaterial-assisted OXT delivery, and future application of synovial MSC-based therapies for cartilage repair. Finally, we highlight current knowledge gaps and future perspectives regarding OXT as a novel biological modulator for enhancing MSC-based musculoskeletal regenerative therapies.
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BibTeX
@article{nishimura2026oxytocinoxytocin,
title = {{Oxytocin/oxytocin receptor signaling in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: current evidence and future perspectives on osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis}},
author = {Haruki Nishimura and Taichi Shimizu and Hitoshi Suzuki and Yoichi Murata and Takashi Maruyama and Yoichi Ueta and Soshi Uchida},
journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3389/fendo.2026.1943817},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2026.1943817/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Oxytocin/oxytocin receptor signaling in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: current evidence and future perspectives on osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis
AU - Haruki Nishimura
AU - Taichi Shimizu
AU - Hitoshi Suzuki
AU - Yoichi Murata
AU - Takashi Maruyama
AU - Yoichi Ueta
AU - Soshi Uchida
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/05
JO - Frontiers in Endocrinology
DO - 10.3389/fendo.2026.1943817
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2026.1943817/full
AB - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for musculoskeletal regenerative medicine because of their multilineage differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory properties, and paracrine-mediated tissue repair effects. However, the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-based approaches is often limited by impaired cellular function caused by aging, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and disease-associated microenvironments. Consequently, increasing attention has focused on strategies to enhance MSC function and optimize their regenerative capacity. Oxytocin (OXT), a neuroendocrine peptide classically recognized for its roles in reproduction and social behavior, has recently emerged as a multifunctional regulator involved in peripheral tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Growing evidence suggests that OXT/OXT receptor signaling influences MSC biology by regulating lineage commitment, cellular stress responses, and reparative potential. In this mini review, we summarize current evidence regarding the effects of OXT on MSC differentiation, with particular emphasis on osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis in the context of musculoskeletal regeneration. Furthermore, we discuss the translational potential of OXT/OXT receptor signaling, including MSC priming strategies, biomaterial-assisted OXT delivery, and future application of synovial MSC-based therapies for cartilage repair. Finally, we highlight current knowledge gaps and future perspectives regarding OXT as a novel biological modulator for enhancing MSC-based musculoskeletal regenerative therapies.
SN - 1664-2392
ER -