Restricted myogenic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from umbilical cord

Nonhematopoietic cord blood cells and mesenchymal cells of umbilical cord Wharton's jelly have been shown to be able to differentiate into various cell types. Thus, as they are readily available and do not raise any ethical issues, these cells are considered to be a potential source of material that can be used in regenerative medicine. In our previous study, we tested the potential of whole mononucleated fraction of human umbilical cord blood cells and showed that they are able to participate in the regeneration of injured mouse skeletal muscle. In the current study, we focused at the umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from Wharton's jelly. We documented that limited fraction of these cells express markers of pluripotent and myogenic cells. Moreover, they are able to undergo myogenic differentiation in vitro, as proved by coculture with C2C12 myoblasts. They also colonize injured skeletal muscle and, with low frequency, participate in the formation of new muscle fibers. Pretreatment of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stromal cells with SDF-1 has no impact on their incorporation into regenerating muscle fibers but significantly increased muscle mass. As a result, transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells enhances the skeletal muscle regeneration.