Objective To review the advances in gene expression of marrow stromal cells(MSCs) in biological characteristic, differentiation, gene therapy, supporting hematopoiesis, inflammation reaction in wound repair.Methods The related articles in recent years were extensively reviewed.Results MSCs can express not only specific mRNA of mesodermal cells but also that of endodermal and ectodermal cell types on various differentiation conditions. When transfected or transducted, MSCs can steadily express many therapeutic transgenesin vitro or in vivo as well. Furthermore, they have the ability to support hematopoietic system and participate in the process of inflammation in wound repair.Conclusion MSCs are stem cells which have the characteristicof self renewing, multipotency and easy to expand in vitro. MSCs are ideal target cells for cell and gene therapies.