Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are cells that have both the ability to renew themselves precisely and to differentiate into other cells in the body. They can transform into bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells. For this reason, they are showing great promise in therapy of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as in tissue regeneration. Prof. Timothy O’Brien’s current focus is in the use of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs for patients with no option critical limb ischaemia. Bone marrow was the original source of MSCs, but they can also be obtained from umbilical cord tissue among others. Analysis of these two sources will uncover and aid in the understanding of their therapeutic potential. This research aims to examine the differences in cell migration, in the molecules secreted by these two MSC derivations, in their promotion of angiogenesis and to characterise the advantages and disadvantages of both. Work of this nature is necessary for determining the most beneficial sources for use in clinical trials targeting unmet medical needs like the complications of diabetes mellitus, notably diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that result in non-traumatic amputations.
