Human Liver Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a well-characterized population of adult stem cells. They have the potential to develop into mature cells that produce fat, cartilage, bone, tendons, and muscle. These properties, in combination with their developmental plasticity, have generated tremendous interest because of the potential use of MSC in regenerative medicine. The fetal liver is the source of early hematopoietic cells and it is a source of pluripotent stem cells; such as the Human Liver Mesenchymal Stem Cells. MSC cultured without serum in the presence of transformation growth factors will differentiate into chondrocytes. In contrast, MSC cultured in serum with ascorbic acid and dexamethasone will differentiate into osteoblasts. MSC have the capability for renewal and differentiation into various lineages of mesenchymal tissues.