Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

multipotent stromal cells

have attracted extensive attention in the field of regenerative medicine and cell therapy due to the capacity of self-renewal

multilineage differentiation

and immune regulation. MSCs have different cellular effects in different diseases

and even have markedly different curative effects with different tissue sources

indicating the plasticity of MSCs. The phenotypes

secreted factors

and proliferative

migratory

differentiating

and immunomodulatory effects of MSCs depend on certain mediators present in their microenvironment. Understanding microenvironmental factors and their internal mechanisms in MSC responses may help in subsequent prediction and improvement of clinical benefits. This review highlighted the recent advances in MSC plasticity in the physiological and pathological microenvironment and multiple microenvironmental factors regulating MSC plasticity. It also highlighted some progress in the underlying molecular mechanisms of MSC remodeling in the microenvironment. It might provide references for the improvement in

vitro

culture of MSCs

clinical application

and

in vivo

induction.