Open AccessFetal Endothelial and Mesenchymal Progenitors From the Human Term Placenta: Potency and Clinical Potential
Author(s) -
Shafiee Abbas,
Fisk Nicholas M.,
Hutmacher Dietmar W.,
Khosrotehrani Kiarash,
Patel Jatin
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
stem cells translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.781
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 2157-6580
pISSN - 2157-6564
DOI - 10.5966/sctm.2014-0224
Subject(s) - stem cell , microchimerism , mesenchymal stem cell , umbilical cord , immunology , fetus , progenitor cell , cord blood , placenta , biology , adult stem cell , endothelial stem cell , pregnancy , andrology , physiology , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , genetics , in vitro
Summary Since the isolation of fetal stem cell populations from perinatal tissues, such as umbilical cord blood and placenta, interest has been growing in understanding their greater plasticity compared with adult stem cells and exploring their potential in regenerative medicine. The phenomenon of fetal microchimerism (FMC) naturally occurring during pregnancy through the transfer of fetal stem/progenitor cells to maternal blood and tissues has been integral in developing this dogma. Specifically, microchimeric mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitors of fetal origin have now demonstrated a capacity for tissue repair in the maternal host. However, the use of similar fetal stem cells in therapy has been significantly hampered by the availability of clinically relevant cell numbers and/or contamination with cells of maternal origin, particularly when using the chorionic and decidual placenta. In the present prospective review, we highlight the importance of FMC to the field of fetal stem cell biology and issues of maternal contamination from perinatal tissues and discuss specific isolation strategies to overcome these translational obstacles.