A Two-Stage Process for Differentiation of Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Neuronal-like Cells

Application of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord or Wharton's jelly and their extracellular vesicles in the treatment of various diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) originating from the umbilical cord (UC) or Wharton's jelly (WJ) have attracted substantial interest due to their potential to augment therapeutic approaches for a wide range of disorders. These cells demonstrate a wide range of capabilities in the process of differentiating into a multitude of cell types. Additionally, they possess a significant capacity for proliferation and are conveniently accessible. Furthermore, they possess a status of being immune-privileged, exhibit minimal tumorigenic characteristics, and raise minimal ethical concerns. Consequently, they are well-suited candidates for tissue regeneration and the treatment of diseases. Additionally, UC-derived MSCs offer a substantial yield compared to other sources. The therapeutic effects of these MSCs are closely associated with the release of nanosized extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles (MVs), containing lipids, microRNAs, and proteins that facilitate intercellular communication. Due to their reduced tumorigenic and immunogenic characteristics, in addition to their convenient manipulability, EVs have arisen as a viable alternative for the management of disorders. The favorable characteristics of UC-MSCs or WJ-MSCs and their EVs have generated significant attention in clinical investigations encompassing diverse pathologies. Therefore, we present a review encompassing current preclinical and clinical investigations, examining the implications of UC-MSCs in diverse diseases, including those affecting bone, cartilage, skin, liver, kidney, neural, lung, cardiovascular, muscle, and retinal tissues, as well as conditions like cancer, diabetes, sepsis, and others.

Comparative evaluation of divergent concoction of NGF, BDNF, EGF, and FGF growth factor's role in enhancing neuronal differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells) can differentiate into various lineages, including neurons and glial cells. In the past few decades, MSCs have been well explored in the context of neuronal differentiation and have been reported to have the immense potential to form distinct kinds of neurons. The distinguishing features of MSCs make them among the most desired cell sources for stem cell therapy. This study involved the trans-differentiation of Adipose-derived human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSCs) into neurons. The protocol employs a cocktail of chemical inducers in different combinations, including Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and Nerve growth factor (NGF) Fibroblastic growth factor (FGF), in induction media. Both types have been successfully differentiated into neurons, confirmed by morphological aspects and the presence of neural-specific markers through RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) studies and immunocytochemistry assay. They have shown excellent morphology with long neurites, synaptic connections, and essential neural markers to validate their identity. The results may significantly contribute to cell replacement therapy for neurological disorders.