Characteristics and Multilineage Differentiation Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Blood

ObjectiveTo investigate the cell proliferation,surface markers,and multilineage differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells(MSC) from human umbilical cord blood.Methods The mononuclear adherent cells from human umbilical cord blood were isolated and cultured in vitro.Cells were labeled with monoclonal antibodies and examined by flow cytometry.Multilineage differentiation potential was evaluated by incubating the cells with osteogenic,chondrogenic,and adipogenic agents.Results It spend 7 weeks to establish the MSC from human umbilical cord blood in primary culture.Flow cytometry showed that these cells were positive for CD29,CD13,and CD44 expression,but they failed to express hematopoictic cell surface markers.Exposure of these cells to osteogenic agents resulted in expression of alkaline phosphatase.The cells were induced by micromass culture method with chondrogenic agents;proteoglycans was visualized by Alcian blue staining.Incubation with adipogenic agents resulted in cells morphological change and positive staining for Oil Red O.Conclusion Throμgh subcultivation in vitro,it is possible to obtain purified MSC from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells,and it can serve as an alternative source of MSC.