Human cord blood stem cell applications in cell therapy.
Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a valuable alternative source of ethically acceptable, clinically competent stem cells that is most likely closest to embryonic stem cells. Development of reliable methods for the expansion of cord blood stem cells is critical to ensure their clinical application. In the present article, advances in cord blood stem cell isolation, culture expansion methods through co-culture with human mesenchymal stem cells, culture optimization techniques with defined media and cord blood stem cell banking aspects have been reviewed. Refined methods of isolation as well as defined culture conditions of expansion that favor retention of stem cell phenotype and proper cryogenic storage can significantly increase the use of cord blood stem cells in human cell therapy applications.
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Primary and Stem Cell Culture Systems, Life Technologies, 7335 Executive Way, Frederick, MD 21704, USA.
Yu-Chen
YC
Gu
Mahendra S
MS
Rao
Mohan C
MC
Vemuri
D018070:Biological Specimen Banks; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D036101:Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype