Biological properties of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue, umbilical cord tissue and bone marrow

Abstract

Regenerative medicine employs stem cells to repair or to restore the function of damaged tissues. Major sources of stem cells are embryonic as well as adult tissues; however, adult stem cells are preferred for cell based regenerative therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cells and they hold great promise for regenerative therapeutics. Beside other sources adipose tissue, bone marrow and cord tissue are common sources of MSCs. Significant biological differences may exist in MSCs derived from different sources due to which cells from some sources may be favoured over others for clinical use. MSC origin may be an important consideration to determine biological activity and potential use in regenerative medicine. Therefore, it is important to consider the biological characteristics of MSCs isolated from these sources. The current study briefly discusses essential characteristics (such as isolation procedures, identification, proliferative capacity and differentiation potential) of MSCs derived from umbilical cord tissue, adipose tissue and bone marrow.