| abstract |
The present invention is a method for isolating stem / progenitor cells from umbilical amniotic membrane, the step of separating the amniotic membrane from other components of the umbilical cord in vitro, culturing amniotic tissue under conditions allowing cell proliferation And a method comprising isolating stem / progenitor cells from tissue culture. Isolated stem cells can have embryonic stem cell-like properties and can be used for various therapeutic purposes. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the isolation and culture of stem cells, such as epithelial and / or mesenchymal stem / progenitor cells, under conditions that allow mitotic growth of the cells. The present invention is further directed to methods of differentiating isolated stem / progenitor cells into epithelial and / or mesenchymal cells. |