Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (747 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
The set of all the soluble factors and extracellular vesicles secreted into the extracellular space by cells, or an organ or organism. In some studies the secretome only refers to the proteins secreted into the extracellular space.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Secretomes; Protein Secretome; Protein Secretomes; Secretome, Protein; Secretomes, Protein.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Fluids and Secretions; Metabolome
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 1,031 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Secretome” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 1,031 of them (100.0%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2020 onward with 1,031 records.
Reviews account for 165 records (16.0%) and meta-analyses for 6. Randomized controlled trials number 6 (0.6%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 0 |
| 2000-2009 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020 onward | 1,031 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 165 | 16.0% |
| Meta-analyses | 6 | 0.6% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 6 | 0.6% |
Method: PubMed query "Secretome"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The MTT Assay: Utility, Limitations, Pitfalls, and Interpretation in Bulk and Single-Cell Analysis | 2021 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 759 | cc by PMID 34884632 · DOI · PMC8657538 |
| Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Secretome and Its Regenerative Potential | 2021 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 107 | cc by PMID 34769446 · DOI · PMC8584775 |
| COX2 regulates senescence secretome composition and senescence surveillance through PGE2 | 2021 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 73 | cc by PMID 33730589 · DOI · PMC7972992 |
| MSC-Derived Secretome and Exosomes in Dermatology: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Scientific Challenges-A Narrative Review | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 23 | cc by PMID 40751329 · DOI · PMC12783422 |
The MTT Assay: Utility, Limitations, Pitfalls, and Interpretation in Bulk and Single-Cell Analysis [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The MTT assay for cellular metabolic activity is almost ubiquitous to studies of cell toxicity; however, it is commonly applied and interpreted erroneously.
- Closing excerpt
- We conclude, with recommendations on how to apply the assay and a perspective on where the utility of the assay is a powerful tool, but likewise where it has limitations.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (217 words)
The MTT assay for cellular metabolic activity is almost ubiquitous to studies of cell toxicity; however, it is commonly applied and interpreted erroneously. We investigated the applicability and limitations of the MTT assay in representing treatment toxicity, cell viability, and metabolic activity. We evaluated the effect of potential confounding variables on the MTT assay measurements on a prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) including cell seeding number, MTT concentration, MTT incubation time, serum starvation, cell culture media composition, released intracellular contents (cell lysate and secretome), and extrusion of formazan to the extracellular space. We also assessed the confounding effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) as a tested treatment in PC-3 cells on the assay measurements. We additionally evaluated the applicability of microscopic image cytometry as a tool for measuring intracellular MTT reduction at the single-cell level. Our findings show that the assay measurements are a result of a complicated process dependant on many of the above-mentioned factors, and therefore, optimization of the assay and rational interpretation of the data is necessary to prevent misleading conclusions on variables such as cell viability, treatment toxicity, and/or cell metabolism. We conclude, with recommendations on how to apply the assay and a perspective on where the utility of the assay is a powerful tool, but likewise where it has limitations.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 34884632 · DOI · PMC8657538
Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Secretome and Its Regenerative Potential [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The therapeutic potential of the dental pulp stem (DSC) cell-derived secretome, consisting of various biomolecules, is undergoing intense research.
- Closing excerpt
- Many reports emphasize that dental MSC-derived secretomes have potential application in tissue-regenerating therapy due to their multidirectional paracrine effect observed in the therapy of many different injured tissues.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (174 words)
The therapeutic potential of the dental pulp stem (DSC) cell-derived secretome, consisting of various biomolecules, is undergoing intense research. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo studies, most DSC secretome-based therapies have not been implemented in human medicine because the paracrine effect of the bioactive factors secreted by human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) is not completely understood. In this review, we outline the current data on the hDPSC- and SHED-derived secretome as a potential candidate in the regeneration of bone, cartilage, and nerve tissue. Published reports demonstrate that the dental MSC-derived secretome/conditional medium may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases, neural injuries, cartilage defects, and repairing bone by regulating neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and angiogenic processes through secretome paracrine mechanisms. Dental MSC-secretomes, similarly to the bone marrow MSC-secretome activate molecular and cellular mechanisms, which determine the effectiveness of cell-free therapy. Many reports emphasize that dental MSC-derived secretomes have potential application in tissue-regenerating therapy due to their multidirectional paracrine effect observed in the therapy of many different injured tissues.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 34769446 · DOI · PMC8584775
COX2 regulates senescence secretome composition and senescence surveillance through PGE2 [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Senescent cells trigger their own immune-mediated destruction, termed senescence surveillance.
- Closing excerpt
- Therefore, COX2 and PGE2 play a critical role in senescence, shaping SASP composition, promoting senescence surveillance and tumor suppression in the earliest stages of tumorigenesis.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (151 words)
Senescent cells trigger their own immune-mediated destruction, termed senescence surveillance. This is dependent on the inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which includes COX2, an enzyme with complex roles in cancer. The role COX2 plays during senescence surveillance is unknown. Here, we show that during RAS-induced senescence (RIS), COX2 is a critical regulator of SASP composition and senescence surveillance in vivo. COX2 regulates the expression of multiple inflammatory SASP components through an autocrine feedback loop involving its downstream product, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), binding to EP4. During in vivo hepatocyte RIS, Cox2 is critical to tumor suppression, Cxcl1 expression, and immune-mediated senescence surveillance, partially through PGE2. Loss of Cox2 in RIS dysregulates the intrahepatic immune microenvironment, with enrichment of immunosuppressive immature myeloid cells and CD4+ regulatory T lymphocytes. Therefore, COX2 and PGE2 play a critical role in senescence, shaping SASP composition, promoting senescence surveillance and tumor suppression in the earliest stages of tumorigenesis.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 33730589 · DOI · PMC7972992
MSC-Derived Secretome and Exosomes in Dermatology: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Scientific Challenges-A Narrative Review [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exert their effects primarily through paracrine signaling via soluble factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes.
- Closing excerpt
- Clinical translation requires standardization, mechanistic validation, and rigorous safety evaluation through well-designed trials.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (205 words)
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exert their effects primarily through paracrine signaling via soluble factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes. These acellular components offer regenerative and immunomodulatory benefits with fewer safety and logistical constraints than cell-based therapies. This study aims to review the composition, mechanisms of action, and dermatologic applications of MSC-derived secretomes and exosomes, including engineered and primed variants, and to discuss translational barriers and safety considerations. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase. Studies on molecular content, preclinical and clinical data, engineered EVs, oncologic safety, and regulatory aspects of MSC-derived products in dermatology were included. The MSC secretome includes cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, lipids, and regulatory RNAs that modulate inflammation, promote repair, and support skin homeostasis. Exosomes-particularly those from primed or engineered MSCs-play a key role via targeted microRNA delivery. Preclinical data support efficacy in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, chronic ulcers, and photoaging. Pilot clinical trials show promising safety and feasibility for topical or intradermal use. However, product heterogeneity, unclear dosing, long-term oncologic safety, and regulatory challenges persist. MSC-derived secretome and exosomes-especially those from primed or engineered MSCs-offer a promising acellular platform for dermatologic therapy. Clinical translation requires standardization, mechanistic validation, and rigorous safety evaluation through well-designed trials.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40751329 · DOI · PMC12783422
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Mesenchymal stem cell secretome for regenerative medicine: Where do we stand? [5]
- Research article Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Contribution to Angiogenic Processes in Tissue Regeneration [6]
- Research article Towards the Standardization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome-Derived Product Manufacturing for Tissue Regeneration [7]
- Research article Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome: An Intriguing Approach for Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration [8]
- Research article The secretome of mesenchymal stem cells and oxidative stress: challenges and opportunities in cell-free regenerative medicine [9]
- Research article Secretome of Adipose Tissue as the Key to Understanding the Endocrine Function of Adipose Tissue [10]
References
- Ghasemi M, Turnbull T, Sebastian S, Kempson I. The MTT Assay: Utility, Limitations, Pitfalls, and Interpretation in Bulk and Single-Cell Analysis. . 2021. PMID 34884632 · DOI · PMC8657538
- Bar JK, Lis-Nawara A, Grelewski PG. Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Secretome and Its Regenerative Potential. . 2021. PMID 34769446 · DOI · PMC8584775
- Gonçalves S, Yin K, Ito Y, Chan A, Olan I, Gough S, et al.. COX2 regulates senescence secretome composition and senescence surveillance through PGE2. . 2021. PMID 33730589 · DOI · PMC7972992
- da Costa Pereira Cestari M, Falavigna Tovo R, Franco Bueno D. MSC-Derived Secretome and Exosomes in Dermatology: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Scientific Challenges-A Narrative Review. . 2026. PMID 40751329 · DOI · PMC12783422
- Trigo CM, Rodrigues JS, Camões SP, Solá S, Miranda JP. Mesenchymal stem cell secretome for regenerative medicine: Where do we stand?. J Adv Res. 2025. PMID 38729561 · DOI · PMC11976416
- Krawczenko A, Klimczak A. Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Contribution to Angiogenic Processes in Tissue Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2022. PMID 35269568 · DOI · PMC8910401
- Chouaib B, Haack-Sørensen M, Chaubron F, Cuisinier F, Collart-Dutilleul PY. Towards the Standardization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome-Derived Product Manufacturing for Tissue Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2023. PMID 37628774 · DOI · PMC10454619
- Gugliandolo A, Mazzon E. Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome: An Intriguing Approach for Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2021. PMID 35008878 · DOI · PMC8745761
- Rahimi B, Panahi M, Saraygord-Afshari N, Taheri N, Bilici M, Jafari D, et al.. The secretome of mesenchymal stem cells and oxidative stress: challenges and opportunities in cell-free regenerative medicine. Mol Biol Rep. 2021. PMID 34191238 · DOI
- Pogodziński D, Ostrowska L, Smarkusz-Zarzecka J, Zyśk B. Secretome of Adipose Tissue as the Key to Understanding the Endocrine Function of Adipose Tissue. Int J Mol Sci. 2022. PMID 35216423 · DOI · PMC8878787
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.