[Human amniotic epithelium (HAE) as a possible source of stem cells (SC)].
There have been major recent advances in the field of developmental biology due to the investigation on stem cells (SC). Stem cells are characterized by their capacity of auto-renewal and differentiation to different cellular phenotypes. Based on the developmental stage, they can be classified into two different types: embryonic SCs and adult SCs. It has been widely reported that several problems need to be resolved before their possible clinical applications. As a result, fetal membranes have been suggested as an alternative source of SCs. In the human amniotic epithelium, the presence of markers of pluripotent SC´s has been reported, and its capacity as a feeder layer for expansion of different SC types. Also, fetal membranes are a discarded product after delivery, and thus there are not any ethical issues related to its use. In conclusion, the human amniotic epithelium can be a strong candidate for regenerative medicine.
Departamento de Biología Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología «Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes», México, D.F.
Guadalupe
G
García-López
Departamento de Biología Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología «Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes», México, D.F.
Irma Lydia
IL
García-Castro
Departamento de Biología Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología «Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes», México, D.F.
Daniela
D
Avila-González
Departamento de Biología Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología «Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes», México, D.F.
Anayansi
A
Molina-Hernández
Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología «Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes», México, D.F.
Héctor
H
Flores-Herrera
Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F.
Horacio
H
Merchant-Larios
Departamento de Biología Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología «Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes», México, D.F.
Fabián
F
Díaz-Martínez
D000650:Amnion / Q000166:cytology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*