Journal of Life Sciences and Technologies Vol. 1, No.
1, March 2013
Introducing a Novel Human Stem Cell with
Exceptional Characteristics: Small, Mobile Stem
Cells (SMS)
A. Rahmo, M. Elwi, M. Saleh and A. Almasri
National Commission for Biotechnology SYRIA
Email: a.rahmo@gmail.com

Abstract—Blood especially umbilical cord blood is a
valuable source of adult stem cells. These cells are quite
heterogeneous, and are far from being fully explored. We
describe herein a novel cell population with extraordinary
features. Long-term adherent cell culture was initiated and
characterized microscopically. Cell movement was measured
using suitable software. Flow cytometric measurements were
used to characterize surface antigens. Standard
differentiation media were applied and histochemical
methods used to examine differentiation. Cultured cells
isolated from umbilical cord blood were very small, strongly
adherent, CD34+ cells. They proliferated for more than a
year in standard media without spontaneous differentiation,
senescence or apoptosis, and displayed resistance to some
adverse conditions. These cells formed a complex
extracellular matrix, and multi-cellular layers. They
exhibited exceptional kinetic characteristics with detected
speed of 1.5 µm/sec. They are responsive to common
differentiation inductive media. Under these conditions,
clear changes to cell structure, and cell complex assembly, is
microscopically observed. This cell type is termed SMS
(Small, Mobile, Stem cell). Based on these exceptional
features, we are confident that SMS cells will contribute
significantly to a new understanding and appreciation of
human stem cells; ushering new venues for therapeutic and
biotechnological applications.
Index Terms—Cell differentiation, multilayer cell culture,
regenerative medicine, stem cells.
I. INTRODUCTION
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a liquid tissue exposed
to many fetal organs and presents a heterogeneous
population of cells. UCB exhibits a higher ratio of stem
cells compared to peripheral blood. These also appear to
exact an intermediate status between embryonic stem cells
(ES) and adult stem cells (AS), in terms of their
proliferative potential, and spectrum of differentiations.
UCB is used regularly as a bone marrow replacement.
Many other applications are awaiting conclusion of
clinical trials despite inadequate preclinical studies [1].
One main disadvantage of using UCB in tissue
regeneration relates to limited number of stem cells. UCB
is a onetime donation in contrast to, for example, adult
Manuscript received October 12, 2012; revised December 29, 2012.
©2013 Engineering and Technology Publishing
doi: 10.12720/jolst.1.1.56-61
bone marrow. Using a multi donor UCB combined sample
is hampered by the probability of finding a suitable match
[1].
Cord blood cells have been successfully tested for ex
vivo proliferation, and differentiation into cells of some,
or even all three germ layers; demonstrating their
multi-potent and pluripotent plasticity. Described cells
include hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), mesenchymal
stem cells (MSC), unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC),
endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC), and other stem
cells that may be more primitive (cord blood derived
embryonic like stem cells CBE [2], very small embryonic
like stem cells [3], multi lineage progenitor cells MLPC)
[4]. All these cells are relatively rare; and often the
isolation of a particular population fails. Their phenotypes
vary in terms of structure (size, shape, antigens etc.) and
function (proliferative and differentiation potential,
sensitivity to media and environment, homing to tissues or
organs etc.). Although some of UCB stem cells are
relatively well defined, many are not [4] and this
represents the other main disadvantage of using UCB.
Isolated stem cells may furnish interesting models for
studying complex in vivo processes of tissue and organ
genesis and repair. Moreover, defining the various stem
cells, in terms of their proliferative and plasticity potential
and other characteristics, and achieving these potentials ex
vivo exact optimal stem cell population formulations. This
is a prerequisite for future medical translation into a wide
spectrum of therapy targets.
In the following we will present preliminary data on a
cell line that has not been described earlier. This cell line
displays a robust proliferative potential with multilayer
formation, modest standard media requirements, growth
potential in absence of serum, resistance to adverse
environmental conditions, potential for high mobility, and
responsiveness to common differentiation inductive media.
The cells are termed SMS cells (Small, Mobile, Stem
cells).
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
A. Sampling
Human UCB was sampled postnatal from term delivery
umbilical cord of healthy mothers and babies. Samples
56
 Journal of Life Sciences and Technologies Vol. 1, No. 1, March 2013
obtained from volunteers were in accordance to
institutional bioethical standards. The blood was collected
into a 250-mL standard blood collection bag (Baxter,
Deerfield, IL) containing citrate-phosphate-dextrose, and
was tested for bacterial or fungal contamination. The
samples were processed within 24 hours of collection as
described.
B. Cell Separation
Each 10 mL UCB sample was diluted with an equal
volume of PBS. The diluted blood was layered over an
equal volume of Ficoll-Paque (1.077 g/ml) (GE health
care Biosciences AB, Sweden). Mononuclear cells (MNCs)
were recovered from the gradient interface and washed
twice with PBS after centrifugation at 400 g for 30 min.
The layer of sediment red blood cells was also collected; it
represented the RBC fraction. Cells positive for CD34
were isolated from the MNC fraction, based on magnetic
micro bead selection procedure. High-gradient magnetic
field and MiniMACS (MS) columns were used (Miltenyi
Biotech, Germany).
C. Cell Culture and Cryopreservation
Cells from whole UCB mononuclear fraction and RBC
fraction were cultured separately and allowed to adhere to
the bottom of the T25 flask (Techno Plastic products TPP).
Culture was initially incubated in growth medium for four
days. Medium changes were carried out twice weekly
thereafter. Growth medium consists of Low-glucose
Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium LG DMEM (Gibco)
with GlutaMAX™ and supplemented with 10% heat
inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Invitrogen), 100
U/mL penicillin, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin (Gibco)
incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 in a humidified
atmosphere using the incubator (SHEL LAB, USA). At
later stages only half the medium was weekly changed.
Cells were usually passage upon reaching 80% to 90%
confluence using a scraper or cold shock treatment (~1h at
4-8 °C). All cell culturing manipulations were performed
under strictly aseptic conditions in a dedicated class II
biosafety hood, using sterile single use plastic ware. A Try
pan-blue dye exclusion test was used to distinguish the cell
viability (Invitrogen). Cell number and viability were
estimated using the countess® cell counter (Invitrogen).
Cells were cryopreserved using a freezing medium
consisting of 60% growth medium with 30% FBS and
10% DMSO.
D. Osteogenic Differentiation
Cells grown from UCB (passage 13 or greater), were
sub cultured in growth medium for 24 hours and then
subjected to osteogenic medium (growth medium plus: 0.1
μmol/L dexamethasone (Sigma), 0.05 mmol/L ascorbic
acid-2-phosphate (Sigma) and 10 mmol/L
β-glycerophosphate (Sigma)) [5]. Medium changes were
performed every 3 to 4 days. The media, containing
detached cells and tissues of each flask, were centrifuged.
Collected pellets were separately cultured at the same
conditions, using a tissue culture flat tube (TPP);
representing the supernatant fraction.
57
E. Radiogenic Differentiation
Cells grown from UCB (passage 21 or greater), were
sub cultured in growth medium 24 hours, and then grown
in adiposeness medium (growth medium plus: 1
μmol/Ldexamethasone, 5 μg/mL insulin, 0.5 mmol/L
isobutylmethylxanthine, and 60 μmol/L indomethacin) [6].
Half the medium was changed twice weekly. The media of
each flask were centrifuged. Collected pellets were
separately cultured at the same conditions using a tissue
culture flat tube (TPP); representing the supernatant
fraction.
F. Neutrogena Cell Differentiation
Cells grown from UCB (passage 25 or greater) were
seeded in T25 flasks (TPP). At 70% confluence, 1 mM
b-mercaptoethanol (BME) was added to growth medium
for 24 h. Cells were washed with D-Hanks buffer solution
three times, and treated with 2% DMSO and 200 mM
butyrate hydroxyanisole (BHA) in growth medium
without FBS [7]. Cell morphology was observed using an
eclipse TS100 (NIKON) inverted microscope and
photographed with a cyber shot (Sony) camera, in room
temperature. Cells were cultured further in the same flask
for several weeks, using the same inductive medium. Half
the medium was replaced twice weekly.
G. Histochemistry
Extracellular matrix was stained using the dye safranin
(Merck). Cells were fixed using ice cold ethanol 70% for 1
hour at room temperature, then stained with alizarin red S
(Roth). Cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde in
PBS for 30 - 60 min at room temperature, and treated with
60% isopropanol for 5 min, before staining with oil red O
(Sigma). Cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde in
PBS for 30 - 60 min at room temperature and silver stained
according to Bielschowsky [8].
H. Flow Cytometry Analysis
Cells were removed from culture flask using a scraper,
and washed with PBS. Staining was with fluorescing
isothiocyanate (FITC), or phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated
antibodies against CD10, CD13, CD14, CD15, CD34,
CD45, CD117, HLA-DR (BD PharMingen). The cells
forward and side scatter was measured, and cell surface
staining was analyzed using a Becton Dickinson flow
cytometer (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA).
I. Cell Movement Measurement
Cultured cells were seeded in six well cell culture
clusters (TPP). Video images of cultured cells were
obtained using an eclipse 80i (NIKON) microscope
equipped with the Nikon coolpix 8800 camera, at 600x
magnification. Single cell movement was examined using
the software Tracker available for downloading at
[http//www.cabrillo.edu/~dbrown/tracker/]. The point
mass representing a moving cell was tracked, and
distances were measured based on the calibration stick.
Velocity was calculated based on video observed time
lapse.
 Journal of Life Sciences and Technologies Vol. 1, No. 1, March 2013
III. RESULTS
A. Cell Isolation and Culture
Whole UCB was used for culture after testing negative
for bacterial or fungal contamination. The adherent
heterogeneous population of cells was observed on days: 4
and 5. Through continuous change of medium, the
suspended cells became gradually fewer. Cells of various
shapes appeared at the bottom of culture flasks. The SMS
cells were observed as very small sized adherent cells
(~5µm) with translucent cytoplasm, and a circular nucleus
(~3µm) that included what appears to be a very small
circle of different contrast. Depending on focusing plane,
the circle appeared darker or lighter. This, throughout cell
culture, stable shape of the minute cells appeared similar
to a human "Iris" (Fig. 1a). These cells were clearly
distinguished after 3-4 weeks from initiation. Cells with
the described appearance did not stain with any of the
standard Staining techniques (giemsa, methylene blue,
papanicola, Wright) (Fig.1a). SMS cells strongly adhered
to plastic, and detachment using trypsin recipes was
unsuccessful. Cells were therefore, dislodged using a
scraper or trough cold shock treatment. Primary culture
cells reached confluence in 3-4 weeks. SMS cells were
able to proliferate into a multilayer (at least three layers)
(Fig. 1b). Lower layer cells became attached more
strongly to the surface of the flask through a layer of extra
cellular matrix (ECM).
At the bottom of the culture flask a dense mainly cell
free ECM layer appeared. Detaching portions of this layer
from the flask by scraping made it floating; indicating a
lower density than water. Further examination of this
ECM indicated the actual presence of three
distinguishable sub-layers (Fig. 1c). The first was a
smooth cell free layer in contact with the plastic of the
flask. The second was also a smooth layer. The third had a
rough surface containing some cells. The first and the
second layer were clearly distinctive due to differential
staining using the metachromatic dye safranin; the first
was stained yellow, the second red.
Figure 1. Images of cultured SMS cells, derived from UCB, with typical
circular shape of the nucleus (~3µm) and the small dark circle in the exact
middle of the nucleus. The cytoplasm is hardly visible as a shadow (a).
SMS cultured multi-cellular layers appearing opaque (b). At the bottom
of the flask; extracellular matrix made by in vitro cultured SMS cells,
stained with safranin. The three arrows point to the distinctive three sub-
layers (c)
Continuous sub-culturing and long term culturing, out
selected other cells and homogenized the culture. Cells
were continuously cultured, starting 11-2010 till 7-2012
and further (27+ passages), with no apparent effect on
proliferation potential. Cells were cryopreseved at
different passages and successfully revived in the same
58
growth medium. SMS cells were cultured successfully for
at least 60 days using the same growth medium without
FBS. Absence of serum had no significant effect on
proliferation potential, shape or appearance. Cell
separation using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation,
indicated that SMS cells are enriched in the RBC layer.
The same cells however have been also isolated from the
MNC layer; mainly as a CD34+ fraction.
B. Osteogenic Differentiation
Following treatment with inductive medium, a fraction
of cells changed drastically their shape and size; becoming
larger and exhibiting standard cell morphology, with clear
nuclei and cytoplasma. A percentage of cells (~30%)
aggregated and tended to lessen attachment to surface.
Some aggregated cells formed assemblies of different
shapes, with or without color (Fig. 2a). A fraction of
aggregated cells gained a clear orange color and formed a
complex assembly that became brownish (Fig. 2a). Many
of these, and some rather complex structures, were present
in the supernatant fraction (Fig. 2b). This differentiation
medium induced apparently the formation of several
different cell assemblies (Fig. 2d, e, and f). Many cells
were stained strongly with the dye Alizarin Red S. Some
of the complex assemblies of cells were also stained;
indicating accumulated calcium deposits (Fig. 2c). The
staining pattern was comparable to the one observed in a
sheep bone control sample. Throughout culture, a large
fraction of cells maintained the pre inductive shape of
SMS cells and continued to proliferate. Following six
weeks of incubation with inductive medium, cells were
reincubated with the original growth medium. This caused
disassembly of aggregated cells, and disappearance of
some earlier formed complex structures (within ~2
weeks).
Figure 2 SMS cells derived from UCB cultured in estrogenic
differentiation medium. Assembly into complex structures; the adherent
fraction (a); the supernatant fraction (b). Structures, stained with alizarin
Red S (c). Various complex structures derived from the supernatant
fraction (d, e, f).
C. Adipogenic Differentiation
Inductive medium, caused many SMS cells to become
larger; starting day 2, and some aggregated (Fig 3a). Some
cells appeared to accumulate lipid droplets of yellow color.
Oil Red O staining, demonstrated a rich lipid deposit in
some cells. Aggregated cells formed multicellular
assemblies with fat deposits (Fig. 3b). Many of these were
present in the supernatant fraction (Fig. 3c). After 10 days,
flask inductive medium was replaced with the original
growth medium causing the former phenotype to
 Journal of Life Sciences and Technologies Vol. 1, No. 1, March 2013
disappear (2 weeks). Cells appeared to have reversed back
to the original pre-inductive morphology.
Figure 3. SMS cells derived from UCB; cultured in adipogenic
differentiation medium. The shape of cells indicates drastic
morphological changes (a), assembly of cells into complex structures (b).
Complex like structures, stained with Oil Red O (c).
D. Neurogenic Differentiation
Following treatment with β- Mercator ethanol no
visible changes were observed. After treatment with the
second inductive medium, responsive cells (~60%)
changed shape, became in some cases extended, and a
fraction of these cells became later thicker and refractile
(Fig. 4a). Some cells became larger, but maintained an
approximate spherical shape. Both cells formed branches.
Some appeared multi polar, (Fig. 4a). Some cells have
their branches reaching to other cells and appeared to
create intercellular contact (Fig. 4b). Some of the drastic
changes observed were within hours; while most appeared
the next day. Cells remained adherent to flask. Further
incubation with inductive medium at 37°C and 5% CO2
for 30 days induced more significant changes to cell shape
and organization. Continuous cell growth and the
formation of multi-layers were observed, despite the
absence of FBS in the neuronal inductive medium.
Detaching induced cells and centrifugation resulted in a
larger, clearly gray colored pellet, which was in contrast to
the usual small white pellet of SMS cells; in absence of
inductive media. Staining these cells indicated the
presence of various argyrophilic cells, with a shape
characteristic to neuronal cells (Fig. 4d, e, and f). Some
cells maintained SMS pre-inductive shape and continued
to proliferate in the presence of inductive medium. At the
bottom of the multilayer grown cells, a complex, dense,
mainly cell free layer appeared which constituted the ECM
attached to the base of the flask. Reversing post inductive
cell shape by reincubating in growth medium was not
observed in this case.
Figure 4. SMS cells derived from UCB in cultured neurogenic
differentiation medium (a, b). Cell assembly (c) following early induction.
The shape of various silver stained cells appearing black or dark brown;
consistent with neuronal silver staining (d, e). Assembly cells (f). after a
few weeks of induction.
E. Flow Cytometric Analysis
Low forward scatter measurement values of tested
cultured SMS cells were obtained; consistent with its very
small size (Fig. 5a). The low side scatter values indicated
59
absent or low granularity; consistent with the very
translucent cytoplasm. Surface antigen analysis indicate
strong positivity for CD34, positive signals for CD10,
CD13, CD14, CD45, and negative signals for CD15,
CD117 (Fig. 5b, c).
F. Cell Movement
Fast cellular movements were observed
microscopically, real time, for some few cells; that is
during normal cell culture conditions. Cell speeds of about
1.5 µm/sec were readily measured (Fig. 6). The type of
this fast cell movement appeared similar to what is in
human movement characterized as "handspring"
(acrobatic) movement. Fast cellular movements can be
induced, however, in almost the entire cell population by
applying "adverse" cellular conditions (PH shock, cold
chock, dislodging). Cellular movement was also observed
in cell cultures containing osteogenic inductive media. In
this case, whole clusters of cells appeared to be dragged by
single cells.
IV. DISCUSSION
We have introduced a cell type that is phenotypically
quite distinguishable from earlier described cells. These
cells are very small in size, have a regular characteristic
nuclear shape and a very translucent cytoplasm. These
cells are very fast in terms of mobility, but attach very
strongly to plastic and very poorly to normal glass. They
do not stain with many standard staining techniques. The
cells proliferate in standard media for more than 30
passages, are quite resistant to adverse conditions, form a
multilayer, excrete ECM, and can be grown in absence of
serum.
Once familiar with the peculiar phenotype of SMS cells,
they became easy to isolate. The distinctive presences in
sequential UCB samples, and the isolation from peripheral
blood, ensure their native origin. Easy reproduction of
results, exclude the possibility of abnormal, transformed
or mutated "flukes". Despite current intensive research on
stem cells, SMS cells appear to have eluded scientists.
Several factors might have contributed to this shortcoming:
the very small size of the cells, unstructured and
translucent cytoplasm, their mobility that could lead to
mistakenly identify the flask as infected, and eventually
cells, as bacterial contaminants, strong attachment to plate,
making cells cling to primary culture flask despite trypsin
treatment, exclusion of cell staining molecules, and the
presence away from ficol gradient layer of mononuclear
cells; usually opted for culturing.
Cell differential adhesion to plastic, or any other
surfaces, can be considered as an important tool for
isolating cells. The SMS cells attached strongly to plastic
flasks. According to manufacturer these flasks were
opto-mechanically activated by a process called corona
treatment. The process leads to a negatively charged
surface that is hydrophilic. The same flasks are usually
used by researchers to isolate MSC or USSC. However
these cells were easily dislodged by trypsin treatment.
Other cells require different surface characteristics; the
 Journal of Life Sciences and Technologies Vol. 1, No. 1, March 2013
stem cell isolated by Zhao et al. adhered, for example, to
hydrophobic, positively charged, plastic surfaces [9].
Recently a population of very small stem cells has been
isolated using FACS cell sorting [10]. Attempts to culture
these cells were unsuccessful, which led some researchers
to question their very presence in human [11]. It is not
clear whether SMS cells are related to the elusive VSEL
cells, and this should be qualified. Both cell types share at
least the two features of small size and CD34 positivity.
Most adherent cells exhibit the phenotype of contact
inhibition preventing cells from further proliferating after
forming a confluent monolayer. Not so in SMS cells,
where the formation of multilayer’s was readily observed.
This potential might be expected because some cells
remain mobile and are therefore able to initiate a new layer
on top of the completed earlier one. Plastic attachment is
obviously not necessary for forming a new cell layer.
Cancer cells are able to form multilayer’s too. They form
clusters and pile into mounds. Such structures, however,
are not readily observed in cultured SMS cells.
Interestingly, earlier research has demonstrated that
growing stem cells on surfaces that mimic ECM in vivo
may abolish contact inhibition of proliferation at
confluence [12]. The marked independence of SMS cells
from growth factors supplied by FBS, and its extensive
ability to establish an elaborate extracellular matrix
eliminating the need for pre-scaffolding, could be
accordingly of relevance for multilayer formation.
The characteristics of cell movements are important
parameters that define specific cells. Cells vary, for
instance, considerably in their speed; fibroblasts move
very
Slowly (12-60 µm/h), while neutrophiles, thought to be
the fastest moving human cell, reach speeds of 30µm/min
[13]. The results of this research were quite surprising,
since obtained speed values exceeded that of neutrophiles.
This is, therefore, an important defining feature of SMS
cells. Cell movement is of particular importance to issues
of organogenesis, tissue repair and malignant cell invasion.
Bone marrow derived cells have been shown to participate
in tissue repair of several organs, including brain, liver,
lung, kidney and heart. Identification of BM derived cells,
in these injured tissues, suggests mobilization into
peripheral blood following organ stress communication.
Interesting, in that context, was the observation of what
appears as a collective cell movement. Such movement is
characterized by a cell cluster moving collectively; that is
the SMS derived cells remaining in contact during
movement. Collective movement is now widely
recognized in embryogenesis and cancer [14]. SMS fast
moving cells allow observation in short time intervals; in
which holding culture parameters constant is easily
achieved. They could therefore serve as an important
model, amenable for studying such complex tissue pattern
forming movements.
Three dimensional polymers mimicking ECM, as well
as reconstituted basement membrane, such as the
commercial product Matrigel, have been shown to
promote cell organization and differentiation [15]. Matrix
60
topography and its physical characteristics are proven to
be influential parameters. It is thought that at 3D culture
condition cellular gene expression would mirror more
closely the in vivo state. Applications included the
monitoring of tumor growth and metastasis, tissue
engineering, and organ printing.
Figure 5. Flow cytometric analysis of SMS cells: forward and side scatter
measurements (a). CD34 surface antigen measurements (b). CD14
surface antigen measurements(c).
Figure 6. The path of the moving SMS cell; tracked by the tracker
software. The image includes single cells and cell clusters as pointed by
the white arrows. Upper right shows the plot diagram of movement time
relative to X coordinate position of the cell (circled).
The extraordinary ability of SMS cells to establish
organized ECM provides for an interesting model,
amenable to further exploration of these important aspects.
These cells can also serve as a source of alternative ECMs;
enhancing henceforth studies of other cell lineages.
Most interesting is the fact that the effect of culturing
SMS cells in common inductive media was not limited to
actuation of cell differentiation, but was extended to a
rallying of cells into assembly of various organized
patterns. Some of which are reminiscent to what could be
found in adult tissues. Position sensitive and organized
ECM secretion, and regular multi-cellular pattern
formation was observed during cell culture; especially in
the presence of inductive media. Such complex patterning
would suggest multiple or extensive changes at gene
expression status; echoing the observed gross changes to
individual cell architecture. The applied standard
inductive media resulted in a multitude of clearly
distinctive complex multi-cellular phenotypes. These
observations outline the organo-genetic potency of SMS
cells.
Stem cells present in adult tissue are considered to be
part of what is construed as an internal repair system for
tissues. Asymmetric cell division ensures continuous
supply of proliferative and functionally differentiated cells
[16]. Such asymmetry was observed in vitro in cultured
SMS cells at all differentiation experiments; a fraction of
cells appeared identical to cells prior to inductive exposure.
Such asymmetry could likewise be postulated for mobility
of cells; at standard conditions, only a fraction of cultured
cells visibly move. Based on that perceived notion and the
 Journal of Life Sciences and Technologies Vol. 1, No. 1, March 2013
characteristics of SMS cells, a potential emergency tissue
repair system can be hypothesized for SMS cells. Such a
system would be served by a cell that is phenotypically:
very small, exceptionally mobile, strongly yet reversibly
adherent, expressive of ECM, sensitive to environmental
changes yet resistant to adverse conditions, robust
proliferative, and extensively multipotent.
We think that we have presented an intriguing yet quite
amenable subject for further exploration. Having an ex
vivo continuously dividing stable stem cell line, issues the
precondition for exhaustive and accurate assessment of
multilevel cellular phenotyping. The exceptional
characteristics of this cell type assert clearly its novelty
among earlier described stem cells. Extensive flow
cytometric analysis would complement its phenotypic
description at antigenic level. Defining the gene
expression status would soon provide a molecular profile
that would make it particularly accessible to future
biomedical manipulations. Current described
characteristics of SMS cells suggest moreover important
future relevance to industrial biotechnological
applications. If further, the expectation for the
involvement of SMS cells in tissue emergency repair is
proven correct, any forthcoming studies could be of
immediate regenerative benefit to many patients. In fact,
the presence of SMS cells in cord blood and their
persistent growth in absence of FBS, would simplify
eventually autologous transfer to this patients.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to express our special gratitude to Mrs.
Inas Nemer, Ms. Hanan Al-Bast, and Ms. Banan al Shaikh
for their continuous and dedicated help during this
research. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to
declare.
REFERENCES
[1] D. McKenna and J. Sheth, ―Umbilical cord blood: Current status &
promise for the future,‖ Indian J Med Res, vol. 134, no. 3, pp.
261–269, September 2011.
[2] C. P. McGuckin and N. Forraz, ―Potential for access to
embryonic-like cells from human umbilical cord blood,‖ Cell Prolif,
vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 31–40, February 2008.
[3] M. Z. Ratajczak, E. K. Zuba-Surma, B. Machalinski, J. Ratajczak,
and M. Kucia, ―Very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells:
Purification from adult organs, characterization, and biological
significance,‖ Stem Cell Reviews, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 89-99, May
2008.
[4] H. Ali and F. Al-Mulla ―Defining umbilical cord blood stem cells,‖
Stem Cell Discovery, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 15-23, January 2012.
[5] N. Jaiswal, S. E. Haynesworth, A. I. Caplan, and S. P. Bruder,
―Osteogenic differentiation of purified, culture-expanded human
61
mesenchymal stem cells in vitro,‖ J Cell Biochem. vol. 64, no. 2, pp.
295-312, February 1997.
[6] A. Erices, P. Conget, and J. J. Minguell, ―Mesenchymal progenitor
cells in human umbilical cord blood,‖ British Journal of
Haematology vol. 109, no. 1, pp. 235–242, April 2000.
[7] X. Q. Kang, W. J. Zang, L. J. Bao, D. L. Li, X. L. Xu, and X. J. Yu,
―Differentiating characterization of human umbilical cord
blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro,‖ Cell Biology
International, vol. 30, pp. 569-575, July 2006.
[8] D. S. der Achsencylinder, Neurologisches Zentralblatt, Leipzig,
1902, vol. 21, pp. 579-584, Neurologisches Zentralblatt, Leipzig,
vol. 22, pp. 997-1006, 1903, Bielschowsky stains.
[9] Y. Zhao, Z. Huang, P. Lazzarini, Y. Wang, A. Di, and M. Chen, ―A
unique human blood-derived cell population displays high potential
for producing insulin,‖ Biochem Biophys Res Commun. vol. 360, pp.
205-211, June 2007.
[10] M. Kucia, M. Halasa, M. Wysoczynski, M. Baskiewicz-Masiuk, S.
Moldenhawer, E. Zuba-Surma et al., ―Morphological and molecular
characterization of novel population of CXCR4(+) SSEA-4(+)
Oct-4(+) very small embryonic-like cells purified from human cord
blood—preliminary report,‖ Leukemia, vol. 21, pp. 297-303,
February 2007.
[11] R. Danova-Alt1, A. Heider, D. Egger, M. Cross, and R. Alt, ―Very
small embryonic-like stem cells purified from umbilical cord blood
lack stem cell characteristics,‖ PLoS one, vol. 7, no. 4, e34899,
April 2012.
[12] H. Lu, T. Hoshiba, N. Kawazoe, I. Koda, M. Song, and G. Chen,
―Cultured cell-derived extracellular matrix scaffolds for tissue
engineering,‖ Biomaterials vol. 32, vol. 36, pp. 9658-9666,
December 2011.
[13] J. Persson, A. Mölder, S. G. Pettersson, and K. Alm, ―Cell motility
studies using digital holographic microscopy,‖ in Microscopy:
Science, Technology, Applications and Education. A.
Méndez-Vilas, J. Dí az, Ed. Formatex 1063, ch 35, 2010.
[14] R. Mayor and C. Carmona-Fontaine, ―Keeping in touch with
contact inhibition of locomotion,‖ Trends Cell Biol. vol. 20, no. 6,
pp. 319-328, June 2010.
[15] C. Gwendolen Reilly and A. J. Engler., ―Intrinsic extracellular
matrix properties regulate stem cell differentiation,‖ Journal of
Biomechanics, vol. 43, no. 1, pp, 55-62, January 2010.
[16] B. Giebel and I. Bruns, ―Self-renewal versus differentiation in
hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells: A focus on asymmetric
cell divisions,‖ Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy, vol. 3, no. 1,
pp. 9-16, January 2008.
Abdulkader Rahmo was born in Damascus Syria
(1964), holds a PhD in biochemistry and molecular
biology from the University of Southern California
USA (1994), and a diploma in biochemistry from
the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich
(1988). Abdulkader is currently heading the
medical biotechnology section of the National
Commission for Biotechnology in Syria. He is an
associate professor in molecular biology and
Author’s formal
genetics at the International University for Science and Technology. He
photo
published numerous scientific papers in journals and has authored several
books.
His previous research was centered mainly on molecular
epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Currently he is
leading research on the subject of regenerative medicine.