Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are somatic cells with a dual capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, and diverse therapeutic\r\napplicability, both experimentally and in the clinic. These cells can be isolated from various human tissues that may differ\r\nanatomically or developmentally with relative ease. Heterogeneity due to biological origin or in vitro manipulation is, nevertheless,\r\nconsiderable and may equate to differences in qualitative and quantitative characteristics which can prove crucial for successful\r\ntherapeutic use.With this in mind, in the present study we have evaluated the proliferation kinetics and phenotypic characteristics\r\nof MSCs derived from two abundant sources, that is, fetal umbilical cord matrix (Wharton�s jelly) and adult adipose tissue\r\n(termed WJSC and ADSC, resp.) during prolonged in vitro expansion, a process necessary for obtaining cell numbers sufficient\r\nfor clinical application. Our results show that WJSC are derived with relatively high efficiency and bear a substantially increased\r\nproliferation capacity whilst largely sustaining the expression of typical immunophenotypic markers, whereas ADSC exhibit a\r\nreduced proliferation potential showing typical signs of senescence at an early stage. By combining kinetic with phenotypic data we\r\nidentify culture thresholds up to which both cell types maintain their stem properties, and we discuss the practical implications of\r\ntheir differences.
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