A Set of MicroRNAs Mediate Direct Conversion of Human Umbilical Cord Lining-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Hepatocytes Scientists aimed to clarify the instructive role of six overexpressed microRNAs (miRNAs) (miR-1246, miR-1290, miR-148a, miR-30a, miR-424 and miR-542-5p) during hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord lining-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and to test whether overexpression of any of these miRNAs is sufficient to induce differentiation of the hMSCs into hepatocyte-like cells. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article Alveolar Macrophages Are Critical for the Inhibition of Allergic Asthma by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Using a mouse model of allergic asthma, scientists showed that administration of mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from human bone marrow, umbilical cord, or adipose tissue provoked a pronounced increase in alveolar macrophages and inhibited hallmark features of asthma, including airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic accumulation, and Th2 cytokine production. [J Immunol] Abstract Nanofiber-Expanded Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived CD34+ Cell Therapy Accelerates Murine Cutaneous Wound Closure by Attenuating Pro-Inflammatory Factors and Secreting IL-10 Using an excision wound model in NOD/SCID mice, scientists showed that nanofiber-expanded human umbilical cord blood-derived-CD34+ cells home to the wound site and significantly accelerate the wound-healing process compared to vehicle-treated control. [Stem Cell Res] Abstract Storage Time Affects Umbilical Cord Blood Viability The impact of delayed cryopreservation for up to three days on the viability of both CD45+ and CD34+ cell populations in 28 cord blood (CB) donations with volumes of 58.40±15.4mL was investigated to establish whether precryopreservation storage time could be extended from the current time of 24 to 48 hours in line with other CB banks. [Transfusion] Abstract How Important Is Differentiation in the Therapeutic Effect of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Liver Disease? After hepatic differentiation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in vitro, scientists detected both MSC and hepatocyte-like cell expressions of adhesion molecules and chemokine receptor CXCR4 by flow cytometry; immunosuppressive potential and hepatocyte growth factor expression were determined by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [Cytotherapy] Abstract Gestational Diabetes Induces Alterations in the Function of Neonatal Endothelial Colony Forming Cells Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) experience increased risk of developing hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Disrupted function of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) may contribute to this enhanced risk. The goal of this study was to determine if cord blood ECFCs from GDM pregnancies exhibit altered functionality. [Pediatr Res] Abstract Effects of Octylphenol on the Expression of Cell Cycle-Related Genes and the Growth of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Blood Investigators isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord blood and demonstrate that cultured MSCs express the surface marker, CD34, but not CD105. [Int J Mol Med] Abstract |