Publication Name	World Journal of Stem Cells
Manuscript ID	120910
Country	China

Category	Engineering, Biomedical
Manuscript Type	Minireviews
Article Title	Effects of microenvironmental engineering on the stemness of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Cun-Min Zhou, Cheng-Yuan Bao, Fei-Fei Ma, Meng Li and Xiao-Qin Ha
Funding Agency and Grant Number	Funding Agency Grant Number National Natural Science Foundation of China 82360800 Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Major Project-Social Development Field 25ZDFA007 Natural Science Fund of Gansu Province 22JR11RA019, 25JRRA571 Foundation of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University ldyyyn2019-94
Corresponding Author	Xiao-Qin Ha, PhD, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, No. 333 South Binhe Middle Road, Liulihe District, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu Province, China. 331879547@qq.com
Key Words	Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells; Stemness Microenvironment engineering; Physical signals; Biomaterials; Tissue engineering; Regenerative medicine
Core Tip	Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) face stemness loss during in vitro expansion, limiting therapeutic efficacy. This review highlights the engineered microenvironment as a pivotal strategy to overcome this bottleneck. By recapitulating the stem cell niche via physical (hypoxia, three-dimensional architecture, and mechanics), chemical (small molecules and cytokines), and biomaterial signals, stemness can be effectively preserved. These approaches enhance hUC-MSCs proliferation, multipotency, and paracrine function, boosting their regenerative potential in disease models. This review offers a theoretical foundation for advancing standardized, microenvironment-based strategies to optimize hUC-MSCs for clinical translation in regenerative medicine.
Citation	Zhou CM, Bao CY, Ma FF, Li M, Ha XQ. Effects of microenvironmental engineering on the stemness of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2026; In press

Received	2026-03-13 02:11
Peer-Review Started	2026-03-13 02:11
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-03-27 03:50
Return for Revision	2026-03-27 03:50
Revised	2026-04-08 05:32
Publication Fee Transferred	2026-04-09 05:35
Second Decision by Editor	2026-05-14 02:56
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-05-15 08:41
Articles in Press	2026-05-15 08:41
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-0210 (online)
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