Objective To review the research appl ication and advance of synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) in tissue engineering. Methods The recent related l iterature was reviewed, concerning isolation method, characteristics of SMSCs, and its appl ication in tissue engineering. Results SMSCs are multi potent cell population with characteristics of easy isolation and high prol iferation, which have been appl icated in the cartilage, tendon, l igament, and bone tissue engineering. Conclusion SMSCs is a new member of mesenchymal stem cells family. It appears to be promising seedcells for tissue engineering, but further research is needed.