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Monitoring Stem Cell Research 
UMBILICAL CORD MESENCHYME (WHARTON’S JELLY) 
While most of the focus regarding umbilical cord stem cells 
has focused on the cord blood, there are also reports that the matrix 
cells from umbilical cord contain potentially useful stem cells. Using 
pigs, this matrix from umbilical cord, termed Wheirton’s jelly, has 
been a source for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells. The cells 
express typical stem cell markers such as c-kit and high telomerase 
activity, have been propagated in culture for over 80 population 
doublings, and can be induced to form neurons in vitro When 
transplanted into rats, the cells expressed neuronal markers and 
integrated into the rat brain, additionally without any evidence of 
rejection. 
AMNIOTIC STEM CELLS 
Amniotic fluid has also been found to contain stem cells that 
can take on neuronal properties when injected into brain. These 
stem cells were recently isolated from human amniotic fluid, and 
were found to express Oct-4, a gene typically associated with 
expression in pluripotent stem cells. 
MESANGIOBLASTS 
Mesangioblasts are a multipotent stem cell that has been 
isolated from large blood vessels such as dorsal aorta. The cells 
show long term proliferative capacity in culture as well as the 
capability of differentiation into most mesodermally derived types of 
tissue. In a recent report, the cells were injected into the 
bloodstream of mice that are a model for muscular dystrophy,^®® and 
participated in repair of the muscle tissue. 
Adult stem cells in other tissues very likely exist, but this 
survey of many of the known adult stem cells and their capacities for 
differentiation and tissue repair can serve as a beginning point for 
discussion regarding the progress as well as potential of adult stem 
cells. Some final thoughts on current and potential utilization of 
adult stem cells follow. 
ADULT STEM CELL MOBILIZATION FOR TISSUE REPAIR 
An important point to consider as we look ahead regarding 
utilization of adult stem cells for tissue repair is that it may be 
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