Isolation and Establishment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton’s Jelly of Human Umbilical Cord

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently considered as ‘medicinal signaling cells’ and a promising resource in regard to cell-based regenerative therapy. Umbilical cord is a human term perinatal tissue which is easily attainable, and a promising source of stem cells with no associated ethical concerns. MSCs have been isolated from different regions of the umbilical cord and Wharton’s jelly (WJ) is the gelatinous matrix that surrounds and provides protection to the umbilical cord blood vessels. Being more primitive, MSCs from human umbilical cord exhibit greater proliferative capacity and immunosuppressive ability as compared to adult stem cells which gives them a therapeutic advantage. To meet the requirements for cell therapy, it is important to generate MSCs at a clinical scale by following steps which are not time consuming or labor intensive. Here we present a simple, efficient protocol for isolation of MSCs from WJ of human umbilical cord by explant culture method which is reproducible and also, cost effective.