Isolation, Culturing and Characterization of Adult Stem Cells

The main aim of the study is to Isolate and characterize mesenchymal stem cells from the human umbilical cord. Human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells is a new source of cell types for cell transplantation and therapy. The number and the differentiating potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) decrease with age. Therefore, the search for alternative sources of MSCs is important. Mesenchymal stem cells are known as multipotential cells able to proliferate and differentiate into multiple mesodermal tissues including bone, cartilage,tendon and stroma. In the present study, human MSCs were successfully isolated from the umbilical cords. The umbilical cords are a novel alternative source of human MSCs for experimental and clinical applications.