Neural stem cell grafts can potentially repair damage or degeneration of the human central
nervous system (CNS). However, the only neural cells reported to provide any benefit to date
have been immature neural precursors derived from aborted foetuses. Recent studies suggest
that neural cells can be derived from non-neural and non-embryonic tissues such as bone
marrow, peripheral and umbilical cord blood, and umbilical cord matrix (Wharton’s jelly).
These tissues may therefore represent a more accessible source of cells for therapeutic repair
and regeneration of the brain and spinal cord. Furthermore, they could potentially be obtained
and grafted autologously, thereby reducing the risk of tissue rejection.
At present, little is known about the origin, frequency and phenotypic characteristics of
stem cells from the umbilical cord matrix. This aim of this study was to characterise and
analyse the neurogenic potential of a potentially novel source of mesenchymal stem cells
(MSCs) derived from the Wharton’s jelly (WJ) of human umbilical cord, and compared to
foetal blood-derived MSCs. Cell division rates determined by serial passaging and CyQuant
proliferation assay, senescence, antigenic profiles, and mesodermal (osteogenic and adipogenic)
or neural differentiation potentials were assessed.
MSCs from both sources showed typical fibroblastic morphology and formed
monolayers in culture with foetal bovine serum (FBS). Most WJ (more than 82%) MSCs
expressed characteristic markers, including CD105 (SH2), CD73 (SH3), prolyl-4 hydroxylase
(5B5) and vimentin (V9). The doubling times of the foetal blood MSCs and WJ cells were 30
and 36 hours, respectively. Furthermore, WJ and foetal blood MSCs demonstrated osteogenic,
adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The neural differentiation
potential of these cells in a range culture conditions was assessed with varying results
