Isolation and Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Wharton's Jelly

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). derived from Wharton’s Jelly umbilical cord like other MSCs sources are ideal and promising sources of MSCs for regenerative medicine due to a unique set of properties such as the capacity for self-renewal، high plasticity and multi lineage differentiation، immunomodulatory function and flexibility of genetic modification. Subjects and MSCs were isolated from Wharton’s Jelly umbilical cord via cell migration of tissue piece (explant) method and differentiated into different lineages. Flow cytometric analysis and real time PCR technique were used for identification and determination of their multi-potential capacity، specific markers and self-renewal ability. MSCs were successfully isolated from umbilical cord. The results showed، these cells differentiated into adipocyte and osteoblast in appropriate inductions. Flow cytometry analysis showed the expression of CD73 but not that of CD31. Also real time PCR analysis showed significant expression of Nanog and Oct4 genes in these cells than in differentiated tissues. Regarding to new methods of treatment، isolation، characterization and generation of MSCs in large scale are of great importance. Wharton’s Jelly MSCs could be a potential promising source for cell therapy and also research studies.