Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Abstract

Isolation and Characterization of Buffalo Wharton’s Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Sreekumar TR, Mohd Matin Ansari, Vikash Chandra G and Taru Sharma

Bone marrow and adipose tissue are the most common sources of animal mesenchymal stem cells. However Wharton’s jelly derived stem cells which could be collected non-invasively can be an alternative and good source of stem cells. The objective of present study was to isolate and characterize putative stem cell population from Wharton’s jelly derived cells. Fibroblastoid, plastic adherent cells could be successfully isolated from Wharton’s jelly and expanded in vitro conditions. Cells showed high proliferation ability and stained positively for alkaline phosphatase. Expression profile of surface cell markers and pluripotency markers were analyzed using immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. Relative transcript abundance of pluripotency markers were analyzed by SYBR green based real time PCR. Karyotyping was done to demonstrate chromosome integrity. When corresponding induction conditions were applied, bWJ-MSCs differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages which was confirmed through von Kossa, Oil Red O and Alcian blue staining respectively. In conclusion, buffalo Wharton’s jelly represents a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells with high proliferative and differentiation potential and these cells could provide great scope for multiple regenerative therapies.