Hanshi United, 8 February 2024, 11:01
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most important types of stem cell in the human body. They are being studied intensively around the world and attract the attention of researchers because of their high medical and potential therapeutic value. They were first discovered in bone marrow in the 1960s, and were later found in a range of organs and tissues, including the umbilical cord and the placenta. Placental MSCs have a number of advantages: they are abundant, easy to collect and free of ethical controversy, which makes them very promising for medical use.
Six key characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells
1. Capacity for proliferation
Compared with bone marrow MSCs, placental mesenchymal stem cells from the chorionic villi have a greater capacity for proliferation and long-term culture. They retain this capacity even after many rounds of division. MSCs obtained from basal decidual tissue also expand readily and retain their stem cell properties over a long period.
2. Differentiation potential
Mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate not only into bone, fat and cartilage tissue, but also into other cell types. Placental MSCs can differentiate into the cells of various tissues, which makes them promising for treating damage to different organs. They can also transform into endothelial cells, which take part in the formation of blood vessels.
3. Migration capacity
MSCs have a pronounced ability to migrate towards sites of injury or towards tumours in the body. The migration capacity of MSCs varies by source: placental MSCs, for example, are more migratory than those obtained from the umbilical cord.
4. Secretion of soluble factors and support for other cells
Placental MSCs secrete large quantities of soluble factors, including chemokines, growth factors and immune factors. These substances play an important role in maintaining the body's microenvironment and are involved in the repair of injuries, immune regulation and the support of haematopoiesis.
5. Immunomodulatory capacity
Like other types of mesenchymal stem cell, placental MSCs are able to regulate the immune system. Studies have shown that cells isolated from the chorionic villi of the placenta have powerful immunomodulatory potential. They can suppress the activity of immune cells and regulate the production of inflammatory factors, which makes them promising for the treatment of immune system disorders.
6. Support for haematopoiesis
The placenta plays an important role as a haematopoietic organ, and placental MSCs can support the function of haematopoietic stem cells. They secrete a variety of factors that influence the maintenance and differentiation of blood-forming cells, which makes them an important element in supporting haematopoiesis.
Thanks to how easily they can be obtained and how abundant they are, placental MSCs outnumber other types of stem cell, such as those from bone marrow. Research suggests that these cells can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, and as the technology develops they may find even broader application in medicine and regenerative therapy.
Scientific review: Chen Shuang, Zhang Yan
Source: Perinatal Stem Cells, Han Zhongzhao, Li Zunjin, Han Zhibo, Beijing: Science Press, 2014.
Disclaimer
- This article is intended to popularise knowledge about stem cells, forms part of an academic exchange, does not represent an official position, is not medical guidance and pursues no advertising aims.
- The article may contain images with acquired copyright; republication requires caution.
- If you have any questions regarding copyright, please contact us so that the material can be promptly removed or corrected.
Hanshi United provides stem cell storage, cell diagnostics and therapeutic solutions certified to international standards (ISO 9001:2015).
