In vitro and in vivo differentiation of human umbilical cord derived stem cells into endothelial cells.
The successful use of tissue-engineered transplants is hampered by the need for vascularization. Recent advances have made possible the using of stem cells as cell sources for therapeutic angiogenesis, including the vascularization of engineered tissue grafts. The goal of this study was to examine the endothelial potential of human umbilical cord-derived stem (UCDS) cells. UCDS cells were initially characterized and differentiated in an endothelial differentiation medium containing VEGF and bFGF. Differentiation into endothelial cells was determined by acetylated low-density lipoprotein incorporation and expression of endothelial-specific proteins, such as PECAM and CD34. In vivo, the transplanted UCDS cells were sprouting from local injection and differentiated into endothelial cells in a hindlimb ischemia mouse model. These findings indicate the presence of a cell population within the human umbilical cord that exhibits characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells. Therefore, human umbilical cord might represent a source of stem cells useful for therapeutic angiogenesis and re-endothelialization of engineered tissue grafts.
Wu
Kai Hong
KH
Department of Surgery, Pediatric Cardiac Center, Cardiovascular Institute and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Zhou
Bin
B
Lu
Shi Hong
SH
Feng
Bin
B
Yang
Shao Guang
SG
Du
Wei Ting
WT
Gu
Dong Sheng
DS
Han
Zhong Chao
ZC
Liu
Ying Long
YL
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000166:cytology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003470:Culture Media; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D019417:Hindlimb Suspension; D006801:Humans; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000166:cytology; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000166:cytology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000008:administration & dosage
D003470:Culture Media; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2