HUMAN WHARTON’S JELLY DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN PANCREATIC ISLET TRANSPLANTATION

Umbilical cord revisited: From Wharton's jelly myofibroblasts to mesenchymal stem cells

The umbilical cord (UC) is an essential part of the placenta, contributing to foetal development by ensuring the blood flow between mother and foetus. The UC is formed within the first weeks of gestation by the enclosure of the vessels (one vein and two arteries) into a bulk of mucous connective tissue, named Wharton's jelly (WJ) and lined by the umbilical epithelium. Since their first identification, cells populating WJ were described as unusual fibroblasts (or myofibroblasts). Recent literature data further highlighted the functional interconnection between UC and the resident cells. The UC represents a reservoir of progenitor populations which are collectively grouped into MSCs (mesenchy…