Umbilical cord tissue: the richest source of stem cells?

A recently published paper in the Stem Cell Research & Therapy medical journal shows that umbilical cord tissue can provide large volumes of stem cells over a prolonged period. In theory, this means that people with stored cord tissue could have more stem cells available to them for multiple treatments.

During analysis, researchers cultured the type of stem cells found in umbilical cord tissue, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) – during this process it was discovered that MSC’s possess the ability to clone themselves, over a period of just a few months. This means that therapeutically available MSCs in a single cord tissue sample could be dramatically increased in the lab, leading to a higher chance of success in treatments.

MSCs are present in over 800 clinical trials for 300 diseases and conditions, due to their ability to repair and regenerate damaged tissue throughout the body. They can regenerate cells in bone, cartilage, muscle, nerves and more and are being investigated to treat cerebral palsy, arthritis and type 1 diabetes.

Umbilical cord tissue is a desirable source of MSCs as opposed to bone marrow because they’re non-invasive and ethical to collect, while still having the same therapeutic potential. A cord tissue sample can be professionally taken at any point of delayed cord clamping, after your baby is born. The stem cells’ DNA is an 100% match to your baby and offers a 25% match to a sibling.

Future Health Biobank is at the forefront of cord tissue research, processing, storage. We provide a specialist cord tissue stem cell collection and storage as part of our Premium cord blood banking package.