Endothelial colony forming cells and mesenchymal stem cells are enriched at different gestational ages in human umbilical cord blood.
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are used for angiogenic therapies and as biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), which are EPCs with robust proliferative potential that may be useful for clinical vascular regeneration. Previous studies show that hematopoietic progenitor cells are increased in premature UCB compared with term controls. Based on this paradigm, we hypothesized that premature UCB would be an enriched source of ECFCs. Thirty-nine UCB samples were obtained from premature infants (24-37 wk gestational age (GA)) and term controls. ECFC colonies were enumerated, clonally isolated, and identified by expression of endothelial cell surface antigens and functional analysis. GA of 33-36 wk UCB yielded predominantly ECFC colonies at equivalent numbers to term infants. UCB from 24 to 28 wk GA infants had significantly fewer ECFCs. Surprisingly, 24-28 wk GA UCB yielded predominantly mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) colonies, capable of differentiating into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. MSCs were rarely identified in 37-40 wk GA UCB. These studies demonstrate that circulating MSCs and ECFCs appear at different GA in the human UCB, and that 24-28 wk GA UCB may be a novel source of MSCs for therapeutic use in human diseases.
Javed
M Jawad
MJ
Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
Mead
Laura E
LE
Prater
Daniel
D
Bessler
Waylan K
WK
Foster
David
D
Case
Jamie
J
Goebel
W Scott
WS
Yoder
Mervin C
MC
Haneline
Laura S
LS
Ingram
David A
DA
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000502:physiology; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D048430:Cell Shape; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000502:physiology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology*; D053686:Fetal Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D010011:Osteocytes / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype
D015703:Antigens, CD