Nasal Mucosa-Derived Ectodermal Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Parkinson’s Therapy: From Developmental Insights to Application

Recent advancements in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research have both enriched our pathophysiological understanding and challenged conventional therapeutic dogmas. The emerging application of ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) derived from the cranial neural crest for neuronal regeneration represents a paradigm-shifting therapeutic modality, diverging fundamentally from traditional dopamine-replacement strategies. However, the fundamental mechanisms responsible for their remarkable neurorestorative potential in PD pathophysiology are still not fully understood. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence on the pleiotropic therapeutic capacities of EMSCs, focusing on their ectoderm-derived molecular signatures. Central to this review are developmental insights into nasal mucosa-derived EMSCs, particularly their Nestin + identity, elevated connexin43, niche-specific paracrine activity, and robust dopaminergic differentiation capacity, to guide therapeutic translation for PD. Through systematic interrogation of nasal mucosa-derived EMSC physiology, we aim to establish an evidence-based platform for developing targeted neuroregenerative therapies.