Zinc enhances the cell adhesion, migration, and self-renewal potential of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells

Figure 2 Characterization of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. A: Isolated human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells appeared as elongated, fibroblast-like cells which were slightly trigonal at P₀ and then gradually became elongated in latter passages (P₁, P₂, P₅); B: These cells positively expressed CD73, CD117, CD29, CD105, Stro1, Vimentin, and Lin28 while exhibiting negative expression of CD45; C: Cell surface analysis by flowcytometry showed that more than 80% of the cell population was positive for CD73, vimentin, and CD105 while less than 4% were positive for hematopoietic marker i.e. CD45; D: The cells were successfully differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Oil red O stain, alizarin red S stain, and Alcian blue stain confirmed the presence of lipids vacuoles, calcium deposits, and glycosaminoglycan in adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes, respectively.