Homogeneity and heterogeneity of biological characteristics in mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cords and exfoliated deciduous teeth

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have proven powerful potential for cell-based therapy both in regenerative medicine and disease treatment. Human umbilical cords and exfoliated deciduous teeth are the main sources of MSCs with no donor injury or ethical issues. The goal of this study was to investigate the differences in the biological characteristics of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). UCMSCs and SHEDs were identified by flow cytometry. The proliferation, differentiation, migration, chemotaxis, paracrine, immunomodulatory, neurite growth-promoting capabilities, and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity were comparatively studied between these two MSCs in vitro. The results showed that both SHEDs and UCMSCs expressed cell surface markers characteristic of MSCs. Furthermore, SHEDs exhibited better capacity for proliferation, migration, promotion of neurite growth, and chondrogenic differentiation. Meanwhile, UCMSCs showed more outstanding adipogenic differentiation and chemotaxy. Additionally, there were no significant differences in osteogenic differentiation, immunomodulatory capacity, and the proportion of ALDHBright compartment. Our findings indicate that although both UCMSCs and SHEDs are mesenchymal stem cells and presented some similar biological characteristics, they also have differences in many aspects, which might be helpful for developing future clinical cellular therapies.