Mesenchymal stem cells or marrow stromal cells (MSC), are stem cells that can differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes, adipocytes, neuronal cells, and, as described lately, into beta-pancreatic islets cells. MSC differentiate from colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F). MSCs cultured in the presence of transformation growth factor (TGF), specifically bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), will differentiate into chondrocytes, whereas MSCs cultured in serum with ascorbic acid, inorganic phosphate and dexamethasone will differentiate into osteoblasts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capability for renewal and differentiation into various lineages of mesenchymal tissues. These features of MSCs attract a lot of attention from investigators in the context of cell-based therapies of several human diseases. Despite the fact that bone marrow represents the main available source of MSCs, the use of bone-marrow-derived cells is not always acceptable due to the high degree of viral infection and the significant drop in cell number and proliferative/differentiation capacity with age. Thus, the search for possible alternative MSC sources remains to be validated. Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, and does not contain mesenchymal progenitors. However, MSCs circulate in the blood of preterm fetuses and may be successfully isolated and expanded. Where these cells home at the end of gestation is not clear.

The Wharton's jelly present in the cord is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells.

See also

• Mesenchyme

Stem cells