Alternative sources of adult stem cells: human amniotic membrane.
Human amniotic membrane is a highly promising cell source for tissue engineering. The cells thereof, human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) and human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSC), may be immunoprivileged, they represent an early developmental status, and their application is ethically uncontroversial. Cell banking strategies may use freshly isolated cells or involve in vitro expansion to increase cell numbers. Therefore, we have thoroughly characterized the effect of in vitro cultivation on both phenotype and differentiation potential of hAEC. Moreover, we present different strategies to improve expansion including replacement of animal-derived supplements by human platelet products or the introduction of the catalytic subunit of human telomerase to extend the in vitro lifespan of amniotic cells. Characterization of the resulting cultures includes phenotype, growth characteristics, and differentiation potential, as well as immunogenic and immunomodulatory properties.
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria.
Susanne
S
Wolbank
Martijn
M
van Griensven
Regina
R
Grillari-Voglauer
Anja
A
Peterbauer-Scherb
D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D000650:Amnion / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*