Human Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs)
                     HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD 
DERIVED MESENCHYMAL 
STEM CELLS (HUC-MSCS)
A Comprehensive Overview 
of Sources, Characteristics, 
Applications, and Challenges
Introduction to hUC-MSCs
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent 
stromal cells capable of differentiating into 
various cell types, including osteoblasts, 
chondrocytes, and adipocytes.
• Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) 
are a specific type of MSCs isolated from the 
Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord.
• These cells are gaining significant attention due 
to their non-invasive collection process, high 
proliferation rate, and potent immunomodulatory 
properties.
Source: 
https://www.medsci.org/v20p1492.htm
Sources of hUC-MSCs
Wharton’s Jelly: The most common source, a 
gelatinous substance within the umbilical 
cord that provides a rich supply of MSCs.
Umbilical Cord Vein: Less commonly used 
but also a viable source of MSCs.
Umbilical Cord Artery: Similar to the vein, it 
provides another source, though less rich 
than Wharton's jelly.
Advantages: The use of the umbilical cord 
as a source of MSCs is non-controversial and 
avoids the ethical issues associated with 
embryonic stem cells.
Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12015-022-10493-
y
Characteristics of hUC-MSCs
Immunophenotype: hUC-MSCs express typical 
MSC markers such as CD73, CD90, and CD105 
while lacking hematopoietic markers like CD34 
and CD45.
Differentiation Potential: These cells can 
differentiate into mesodermal lineages including 
osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes.
Immunomodulation: hUC-MSCs can modulate 
immune responses, reducing inflammation and 
promoting tissue repair.
Proliferation Rate: hUC-MSCs exhibit a higher 
proliferation rate compared to bone marrow-
derived MSCs (BM-MSCs).
Source:  https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Growth-and-biological-characteristics-
of-hUC-MSCs-A-hUC-MSC-growth-and-morphology-were_fig2_378905858
Isolation and Culture 
Techniques
• Isolation Methods:
⚬ Enzymatic Digestion: Using enzymes like 
collagenase to break down the tissue and release 
MSCs.
⚬ Explant Culture: Small pieces of the umbilical cord 
are cultured directly, and MSCs migrate out.
• Culture Conditions:
⚬ Media: Typically cultured in DMEM or α-MEM 
supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) or 
human platelet lysate.
⚬ Expansion: hUC-MSCs are expanded under standard 
conditions of 37°C with 5% CO2.
• Cryopreservation: MSCs can be stored in liquid nitrogen 
for future therapeutic use without losing their Source:  https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Growth-and-biological-characteristics-
of-hUC-MSCs-A-hUC-MSC-growth-and-morphology-were_fig2_378905858
characteristics.
Therapeutic Applications of 
hUC-MSCs
• Regenerative Medicine: Used in tissue 
engineering for cartilage, bone, and skin repair.
• Autoimmune Diseases: hUC-MSCs are explored 
for treating conditions like multiple sclerosis, 
rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease due to 
their immunosuppressive capabilities.
• Neurological Disorders: Promising results in 
treating conditions such as spinal cord injuries, 
stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases like 
Parkinson’s.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Potential in treating 
heart failure and myocardial infarction by 
promoting angiogenesis and reducing fibrosis.
Source:  https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Growth-and-biological-characteristics-
of-hUC-MSCs-A-hUC-MSC-growth-and-morphology-were_fig2_378905858
Advantages of hUC-MSCs
• Non-invasive Collection: Collection from the umbilical cord is non-invasive, painless, and poses 
no risk to the donor.
• Higher Proliferation: hUC-MSCs proliferate faster than MSCs derived from bone marrow or 
adipose tissue.
• Low Immunogenicity: These cells have a lower risk of immune rejection when used in allogeneic 
transplantation.
• Ethical Considerations: Use of hUC-MSCs avoids the ethical issues related to embryonic stem 
cells.
Challenges and Limitations
• Standardization: Lack of standardized protocols for isolation, culture, and application poses 
challenges for consistent therapeutic outcomes.
• Tumorigenicity: Concerns about the potential for hUC-MSCs to promote tumor growth in 
certain contexts.
• Long-term Effects: Limited understanding of the long-term effects of hUC-MSC-based 
therapies.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Variability in regulatory approvals and guidelines across different 
countries.
Future Directions in hUC-MSC Research
• Gene Editing: Integration of CRISPR/Cas9 for enhancing the therapeutic potential of hUC-
MSCs.
• Personalized Medicine: Developing patient-specific hUC-MSC therapies tailored to 
individual genetic and disease profiles.
• Large-Scale Production: Optimizing bioreactor systems for scalable production of hUC-
MSCs.
• Clinical Trials: Ongoing and future trials to validate the efficacy and safety of hUC-MSC 
therapies across a wider range of diseases.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1010399/full
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