Pluripotent gene expression in mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly and their differentiation potential to neural-like cells.

Abstract

The present study demonstrates that WJ-MSCs can be readily obtained and expanded in culture while maintaining their typical MSC characteristics. WJ-MSCs and BM-MSCs also expressed several genes associated with pluripotency and exhibited their plasticity by differentiation toward neuronal-cell lineage. Umbilical cord Wharton's jelly might have potential to become an alternative source of MSC for treating nervous system disorders.