KOSEN 한인과학기술자네트워크

Characterization of the Surface Phenotype of Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-like Cells Alfonso ZZC and Fraser JK UCLA School of Medicine Summary: Objective: While the presence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone marrow is well characterized their presence and nature in umbilical cord blood is less well understood. The aim of this study was to characterize MSC-like cells in umbilical cord blood Methods: Umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells were cultured in standard Dexter cultures and in the presence of osteogenic inducers. After the establishment of adherent layers, the surface phenotype of the cells was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Results: The surface marker profile of the undifferentiated cells resembles that of bone marrow derived MSCs. Specifically cord blood-derived MSCs do not express the antigens CD3, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD19, CD25, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD38, CD45, CD133, or CD144. Cord blood-derived cells were consistently positive for the expression of CD13, CD29, CD44, CD54, CD58, CD71, CD90, CD105, CD106, SH3 AND STRO-1. However, in contrast to marrow-derived MSCs, cord blood-derived MSCs express the cell surface adhesion molecule CD49d, a marker is associated with hematopoietic stem cell mobilization. Differences in expression of another cell adhesion molecule (CD61) were also observed. Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cell-like cells are present in umbilical cord blood. These cells express a cell surface phenotype that is similar but not identical to their bone marrow-derived counterparts.