Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be used as powerful tools for the repair and 
regeneration of damaged tissues. However, isolating tissue specific-derived MSCs 
may cause pain and increased infection rates in patients, and repetitive 
isolations may be required. To overcome these difficulties, we have examined 
alternative methods for MSC production. Here, we show that induced pluripotent 
stem cells (iPSCs) may be differentiated into mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) 
following exposure to SB431542. Purified iMSCs were administered to mdx mice to 
study skeletal muscle regeneration in a murine model of muscular dystrophy. 
Purified iMSCs displayed fibroblast-like morphology, formed three-dimensional 
spheroid structures, and expressed characteristic mesenchymal stem cell surface 
markers such as CD29, CD33, CD73, CD90, and CD105. Moreover, iMSCs were capable 
of differentiating into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. 
Transplanting iMSC cells to tibialis anterior skeletal muscle tissue in mdx mice 
lowered oxidative damage as evidenced by a reduction in nitrotyrosine levels, 
and normal dystrophin expression levels were restored. This study demonstrates 
the therapeutic potential of purified iMSCs in skeletal muscle regeneration in 
mdx mice, and suggests that iPSCs are a viable alternate source for deriving 
MSCs as needed.