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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Isolation and Characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Human Umbilical Cord and Fetal Placenta
Published on: April 3, 2017
Stem cells derived from human fetal membranes display multilineage differentiation potential
Sivakami Ilancheran1, Anna Michalska, Gary Peh
1Center for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Center, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
Biology of Reproduction
|May 15, 2007
Summary
Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) from term placentas show stem cell markers and can differentiate into multiple cell types. These multipotent stem cells offer a promising, immune-privileged source for regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Developmental biology
Background:
- The amnion, an inner fetal membrane, originates from epiblast cells before gastrulation.
- This suggests the amnion might harbor stem cells throughout pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) possess stem cell-like properties.
- To assess their differentiation potential and immunogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Harvesting hAECs from term-delivered fetal membranes.
- Analyzing hAEC gene and protein expression for stem cell markers (POU5F1, NANOG, SOX2, SSEA-4).
- Assessing clonogenicity, in vitro differentiation capacity, teratoma formation, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression.
Main Results:
- hAECs express key human embryonic stem cell (hESC) markers.
- Primary hAECs are clonogenic and differentiate into mesodermal, endodermal, and neuroectodermal lineages.
- hAECs do not form teratomas and exhibit low expression of HLA class I and II, indicating immune privilege.
Conclusions:
- Term amnion is a source of multipotent stem cells (hAECs).
- These cells demonstrate differentiation potential and immune privilege.
- hAECs represent a valuable resource for regenerative medicine applications.
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