DKK1 Neutralization Enhances ASC-mediated Bone Repair

While mesenchymal stem cell-mediated bone repair holds great promise, inconsistent and incomplete tissue regeneration remains as a persistent challenge. In a recent STEM CELLS Translational Medicine study, researchers led by Aaron W. James (Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA) report that systemic anti‐Dickkopf‐1 (DKK1) treatment improves adipose-derived MSC (ASC)-mediated bone repair outcomes in a preclinical xenograft model. Negri et al. anticipate that DKK1 may represent a targetable molecular “brake” to ASC-mediated bone formation, with the release of said brake via neutralizing antibodies representing an exciting means to improve bone repair outcomes.