Human umbilical cord stromal stem cell express CD10 and exert contractile properties

Area of Science:

• Stem Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Human umbilical cord stromal stem cells (UCSSCs) show bio-equivalence to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
• Limited data exists on UCSSC tissue origin, in vivo functions, and expansion properties due to early senescence.
• Understanding UCSSC characteristics is crucial for their therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the tissue origin and in vivo functions of UCSSCs.
• To analyze the expansion properties and differentiation potential of UCSSCs.
• To characterize UCSSCs as potential myofibroblasts.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemistry on UC sections and cultured UCSSCs using 12 antibodies.
• Culturing UCSSCs in low-FCS medium under 5% or 21% oxygen.
• Assessing clonogenic properties, karyotype stability, marker expression, and multi-lineage potential.
• Evaluating contractile properties via collagen gel contraction assays.

Main Results:

• UCSSCs originate from Wharton's jelly, not vascular smooth muscle.
• 5% oxygen atmosphere significantly enhanced UCSSC growth compared to normoxia.
• UCSSCs expressed CD73, CD90, CD105, and alpha smooth muscle actin, while negative for CD14, CD34, CD45.
• UCSSCs exhibited functional myofibroblast characteristics in contraction assays.

Conclusions:

• UCSSCs are mesenchymal stem cells located in the perivascular area of Wharton's jelly.
• UCSSCs are phenotypically and functionally related to myofibroblasts.
• These findings provide insights into UCSSC origin, function, and therapeutic potential.