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Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Blood
Published on: April 13, 2012
Endothelial colony-forming cells and mesenchymal stem cells from ECMO circuits of term infants
S J Hoesli1, L E Mead, D Prater
1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232–9544, USA. sandra.j.hoesli@vanderbilt.edu
Insights
Researchers successfully isolated endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from newborn blood, suggesting their potential mobilization in critically ill infants. Further research is needed to explore their role in neonatal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Stem cell biology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are crucial in adult diseases and explored for cellular therapies.
- Limited data exists on EPC isolation from newborn peripheral blood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the isolation of EPCs, specifically endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), from neonatal peripheral blood.
- To identify potential co-isolated stem cell populations in critically ill newborns.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 12 neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits.
- Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) and other stem cell types were isolated and characterized.
- Cell surface antigens were analyzed to confirm cell type identity.
Main Results:
- ECFCs were successfully isolated from all neonatal blood samples.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were unexpectedly isolated from seven of the samples.
- Both isolated cell types expressed characteristic surface markers, confirming their identity.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first isolation of ECFCs and MSCs from the peripheral blood of critically ill term newborns.
- These stem cells may be mobilized in response to critical illness or ECMO treatment.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the role of these stem cells in neonatal critical care and disease.
Objective:
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been examined in numerous adult diseases and have been suggested as a cellular-based therapy. However, there are no reports describing EPCs being isolated from newborn peripheral blood.
Study Design:
Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a subtype of EPCs, were isolated from blood collected from 12 neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits.
Result:
ECFCs were isolated in all samples. We unexpectedly isolated a distinctly different colony of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in seven samples. Both cell types expressed the expected endothelial or mesenchymal cell surface antigens.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the first report of ECFCs and MSCs isolated from peripheral blood of critically ill term newborns. Both cells types may be mobilized in response to critical illness or to the ECMO circuit. Further studies evaluating the role of stem cells in various newborn conditions are warranted.
