Stem cells have unique capability to differentiate into many cell types that can
normally replace the loss in some cells of the body due to tissue injury. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) and
umbilical cord (UC) are the two main sources for hematopoietic
stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem
cells (MSCs), respectively, which constitutes the basis for stem cell banks that have been established
worldwide and very recently in Syria. Research in our region has mainly focused on cell storage and
freezing protocols, and only few studies were conducted to prove the ability of the stored cells to
differentiate into their destined lineages. This study aimed to test the potential of cryopreserved MSCs
isolated from an umbilical cord taken from new delivery at Maternity University Hospital in Damascus, to
differentiate into various types of cells in response to growth and induction factors specific to cell lineages.
