Insights From Amniotic and Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Wound Healing

J Cell Mol Med. 2025 Jun;29(12):e70679. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.70679.

Abstract

Skin repair is a complex physiological process that involves the coordinated actions of various cell types. This study examines the distinct roles of amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (A-MSCs) and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in skin healing using a mouse model. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed significant differences in gene expression between A-MSCs and UC-MSCs. Specifically, A-MSCs exhibited upregulation of genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) organisation and cell migration, thereby enhancing their tissue remodelling capabilities. In contrast, UC-MSCs demonstrate increased expression of genes involved in angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory responses, highlighting their role in creating a favourable healing environment. These findings highlight the unique therapeutic potentials of A-MSCs and UC-MSCs in skin repair strategies. Although MSCs hold promise in regenerative medicine, challenges such as optimal cell selection and modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment remain to be addressed. Our research emphasises the need for continued research related to properties of MSCs to refine therapeutic approaches for effective wound healing.

Keywords: amniotic membrane; inflammatory microenvironment; mesenchymal stem cell; skin repair; umbilical cord.

MeSH terms

  • Amnion* / cytology
  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology
  • Umbilical Cord* / cytology
  • Wound Healing* / genetics