Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) with distinct differentiation properties have been reported in many adult [eg, bone marrow (BM)] or fetal tissues [eg, cord blood (CB); umbilical cord (UC)] and are defined by their specific surface antigen expression and multipotent differentiation potential. The MSC identity of these cells should be validated by applying well-defined readout systems if a clinical application is considered. In order to determine whether cells isolated from human UC fulfill the criteria defined for MSC, the immunophenotype and differentiation potential including gene expression analysis of the most relevant lineage-specific markers were analyzed in the presented report in combination with the HOX-gene expression. Cells from the UC do not differentiate into osteoblasts demonstrated by Alizarin Red and Von Kossa staining in addition to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-analysis of runt-related transcription factor 2, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osterix, bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 4. Oil Red O staining as well as PCR analysis of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, fatty acid-binding protein 4, and perilipin revealed an absent adipogenic differentiation. The lack of potential to differentiate into chondrocytes was documented by Alcian-Blue periodic acid-Schiff, Safranin O staining, and real-time PCR analysis of SOX9. Furthermore, neither endothelial nor myogenic differentiation was documented after induction of UC-MSC. In comparison to CB- and BM-derived cells, UC cells revealed an absent trilineage differentiation capacity in vitro. Therefore, these cells should not be termed “mesenchymal stromal cells.” The UC cells can be distinguished from CB- and BM-derived cells as well as from pericytes and foreskin fibroblasts by the expression of HOX-genes and the cell surface antigens CD56 and CD146.
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