Human feeder layer system derived from umbilical cord stromal cells for human embryonic stem cells.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential of human umbilical cord-derived stromal cells (hUCSCs) as a human feeder for human embryonic stem cells (ESCs).


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Stem Cell Differentiation, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University.


METHODS
The hUCSCs were established, and human ESCs were cultured on established hUCSCs without serum.


METHODS
Cell-surface markers, karyotyping, and teratoma formation.


RESULTS
Primary cultures of hUCSCs from individual umbilical cords were maintained by an established protocol. Human ESCs on hUCSC layers were successfully maintained in serum-free culture medium past passage 30. Compared with hESCs on mouse feeder cells, the hESCs on hUCSCs showed similar levels of pluripotency-related cell-surface markers, self-renewal capacity, and teratoma formation in immune-deficient mice. These ESCs cultured on hUCSCs had a normal karyotype, even after long-term culture.


CONCLUSIONS
The hUCSCs supported self-renewal of hESCs in serum-free conditions. This culture system has the potential to facilitate the development of clinical-grade hESCs for regenerative medicine.
Cho
Meeyoung
M
Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Stem Cell Differentiation, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Lee
Eun Ju
EJ
Nam
Hyun
H
Yang
Ji-Hye
JH
Cho
Jaejin
J
Lim
Jeong Mook
JM
Lee
Gene
G
D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D043171:Chromosomal Instability; D016895:Culture Media, Serum-Free; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D017154:Stromal Cells; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000166:cytology*
D016895:Culture Media, Serum-Free; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2