Characterisation and Neurogenic Potential of Stem Cells from the Human Umbilical Cord Matrix

Abstract

Neural stem cell grafts can potentially repair damage or degeneration of the human central nervous system (CNS). However, the only neural cells reported to provide any benefit to date have been immature neural precursors derived from aborted foetuses. Recent studies suggest that neural cells can be derived from non-neural and non-embryonic tissues such as bone marrow, peripheral and umbilical cord blood, and umbilical cord matrix (Wharton’s jelly). These tissues may therefore represent a more accessible source of cells for therapeutic repair and regeneration of the brain and spinal cord. Furthermore, they could potentially be obtained and grafted autologously, thereby reducing the risk of tissue rejection. At present, little is known about the origin, frequency and phenotypic characteristics of stem cells from the umbilical cord matrix. This aim of this study was to characterise and analyse the neurogenic potential of a potentially novel source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the Wharton’s jelly (WJ) of human umbilical cord, and compared to foetal blood-derived MSCs. Cell division rates determined by serial passaging and CyQuant proliferation assay, senescence, antigenic profiles, and mesodermal (osteogenic and adipogenic) or neural differentiation potentials were assessed. MSCs from both sources showed typical fibroblastic morphology and formed monolayers in culture with foetal bovine serum (FBS). Most WJ (more than 82%) MSCs expressed characteristic markers, including CD105 (SH2), CD73 (SH3), prolyl-4 hydroxylase (5B5) and vimentin (V9). The doubling times of the foetal blood MSCs and WJ cells were 30 and 36 hours, respectively. Furthermore, WJ and foetal blood MSCs demonstrated osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The neural differentiation potential of these cells in a range culture conditions was assessed with varying results.