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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Reprogramming Primary Amniotic Fluid and Membrane Cells to Pluripotency in Xeno-free Conditions
09:34

Reprogramming Primary Amniotic Fluid and Membrane Cells to Pluripotency in Xeno-free Conditions

Published on: November 27, 2017

The amniotic fluid cell proteome

George Tsangaris1, Rachel Weitzdörfer, Daniela Pollak

  • 1F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Center of Medical Genomics, Basel, Switzerland.

Electrophoresis
|February 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Proteomic analysis of amniotic fluid cells reveals novel embryonic markers. This study establishes a protein database, aiding in early detection of developmental abnormalities and exploring stem cell applications.

Area of Science:

  • Proteomics
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Proteomic analysis of amniotic fluid cells offers potential for discovering novel biomarkers of embryonic abnormalities.
  • Understanding the proteomic profile of amniotic fluid cells is crucial for early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To construct a two-dimensional protein database for normal human amniotic fluid cells.
  • To identify proteins within amniotic fluid cells to understand their origin and potential applications.

Main Methods:

  • Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to analyze amniotic fluid cell extracts.
  • Proteins were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).

Main Results:

  • A database of 432 different gene products was created, including enzymes, structural proteins, heat shock proteins, and signal transduction proteins.
  • The amniotic fluid cell population appears heterogeneous, suggesting origins from various fetal compartments or pluripotency.
  • Proteins characteristic of specific cell types were identified, indicating fetal cell differentiation by the 16th week of gestation.

Conclusions:

  • The proteomic database provides insights into the heterogeneity and differentiation status of amniotic fluid cells.
  • The presence of proteins found in embryonic stem cells suggests amniotic fluid as a potential source for cell transplantation therapy.

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