Study on the Culture and in vivo transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells derived from Human Umbilical Cord Blood

Kim, Sang Jin; Kim, Ki Hyung; Jung, Jin Sup; Choi, Ook Hwan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Human MSCs (hMSCs) have the potential to differentiate along different lineages. Despite their potential clinical utilities for cellular and gene therapy, the fate of MSCs derived from human cord blood (UBMSCs) after systemic administration is mostly unknown. In this study we cultured UBMSCs and investigated distribution of them injected into the intravenous routes.
METHODS
By flow cytometry, we investigated whether MSCs from human umbilical cord blood have similar characteristics of MSCs. In addition we induced those cells into the osteocyte and adipocyte to determine the characteristics of MSCs. UBMSCs were marked by transfection with LacZ-adeno virus and distribution of the injected cells were examined by x-gal staining in immuno-deficient mice.
RESULTS
Umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells, when set in culture, gave rise to adherent cells. Preterm, as compared with term pregnancy, cord blood is richer in MSCs. UBMSCs expressed several MSCs-related antigen (CD29 and CD44). Under appropriate culture conditions, UBMSCs were induced to differentiate to the osteocyte, and adipocyte lineages. UBMSCs were engrafted into various tissues after intravenous administration. When UBMSCs were transplanted into the distant site from cryogenic injury of mice brain, cells were preferentially migrated into the injured area.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrate that UBMSCs have the ability to proliferate extensively in culture, and they maintain their multi-lineage differentiation potential in vitro, and that they can integrate into various tissues after transplantation and migrate to injured area. Therefore, UBMSCs are promising candidates for developing cell-based therapeutic approaches for postnatal tissue repair.