Concise Review: Wharton's Jelly: The Rich, but Enigmatic, Source of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. (10th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, John E.; Walker, John T.; Keating, Armand
• Is Part Of: Stem cells translational medicine. Volume 6:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: 1620
• Page End: 1630
• Publication Date: 2017-05-10
• Subjects: Wharton's Jelly -- Mesenchymal stromal cell -- Embryology -- Therapy; Stem cells -- Periodicals; Regenerative medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.1002/sctm.16-0492
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2157-6564

Abstract

Abstract: The umbilical cord has become an increasingly used source of mesenchymal stromal cells for preclinical and, more recently, clinical studies. Despite the increased activity, several aspects of this cell population have been under-appreciated. Key issues are that consensus on the anatomical structures within the cord is lacking, and potentially different populations are identified as arising from a single source. To help address these points, we propose a histologically based nomenclature for cord structures and provide an analysis of their developmental origins and composition. Methods of cell isolation from Wharton's jelly are discussed and the immunophenotypic and clonal characteristics of the cells are evaluated. The perivascular origin of the cells is also addressed. Finally, clinical trials with umbilical cord cells are briefly reviewed. Interpreting the outcomes of the many clinical studies that have been undertaken with mesenchymal stromal cells from different tissue sources has been challenging, for many reasons. It is, therefore, particularly important that as umbilical cord cells are increasingly deployed therapeutically, we strive to better understand the derivation and functional characteristics of the cells from this important tissue source. Abstract : The human umbilical cord comprises an outer amniotic epithelium surrounding the mucoid connective tissue, Wharton's Jelly, which supports the three umbilical vessels. Wharton's Jelly can be divided into the perivascular compartment, which serves as the tunica adventia of the vessels (and contains the majority of mesenchymal stromal cells), and an intermediate zone that separates the perivascular compartment from the cord lining. Scale Bar = 5 mm.