R&D / Projects / Medicine

Project

Development of a method of isolation and primary culture as well as testing the ability to differentiate stem cells obtained from Wharton's jelly.
Doktorant

Doktorant

Katarzyna Stefańska, specjalista ds. B+R, uczestnik programu MNiSzW „doktorat wdrożeniowy”

Project in brief

Wharton's jelly is the connective tissue that surrounds the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. Its physiological function is to keep the umbilical blood vessels open. Cells isolated from Wharton's jelly have a morphology similar to that of fibroblasts. The presence of desmin and smooth muscle α-actin as well as contractile properties were confirmed in these cells.

World scientific reports in recent years have shown that Wharton's jelly is a reservoir of cells with high regenerative potential that can be used in the treatment of many diseases.

Purpose of research
The main goal of the project is to develop an effective method of isolating mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton's jelly (WJ-MSC) for banking. As part of the project, cells will be isolated using two methods: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. In the next stage, a method will be determined that allows to obtain a material with more favorable development parameters.

The test consists in checking the expression of CD44, CD51, CD73, CD90, CD25 and CD105, CD146 surface antigens - typical for cells of mesenchymal origin, while finding the lack of expression of CD14, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD79, HLA class II antigens in isolated cells, which are markers of hematopoietic and endothelial cell lines.

Commercial potential of the research results
Isolation, separation, identification, characterization and banking of Wharton jelly cells, especially homogeneous populations of Wharton jelly cells with potential use in regenerative and reconstructive medicine.