Amniotic Fluid Cells, Stem Cells, and p53: Can We Stereotype p53 Functions?

Abstract

In recent years, great interest has been devoted to finding alternative sources for human stem cells which can be easily isolated, ideally without raising ethical objections. These stem cells should furthermore have a high proliferation rate and the ability to differentiate into all three germ layers. Amniotic fluid, ordinarily discarded as medical waste, is potentially such a novel source of stem cells, and these amniotic fluid derived stem cells are currently gaining a lot of attention. However, further information will be required about the properties of these cells before they can be used for therapeutic purposes. For example, the risk of tumor formation after cell transplantation needs to be explored. The tumor suppressor protein p53, well known for its activity in controlling Cell Prolif.eration and cell death in differentiated cells, has more recently been found to be also active in amniotic fluid stem cells. In this review, we summarize the major findings about human amniotic fluid stem cells since their discovery, followed by a brief overview of the important role played by p53 in embryonic and adult stem cells. In addition, we explore what is known about p53 in amniotic fluid stem cells to date, and emphasize the need to investigate its role, particularly in the context of cell tumorigenicity.

A correlation study between hyperthyroidism and some apoptosis markers among Iraqi patients

“…The tumor protein p53 promotes apoptosis, independent of transcription via direct interaction with anti-apoptotic proteins. The activity of p53 is regulated by its protein abundance as well as by its posttranslational modifications [9]. This research aimed to assess the serum levels of apoptosis proteins in hyperthyroid patient's serum and study its association with the thyroid-related autoimmune antibodies.…”

Effects of local application of bovine amniotic fluid on fracture healing in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

“…The most important step in the treatment of nonunion problems of broken bones is autologous bone grafting, in which bone fragments are taken from a secondary site and transferred to the fracture line in order to accelerate the healing process. Although autogenous bone grafting is accepted as the gold standard in bone healing, it can be faced with disadvantages such as morbidity in the donor area where the graft is taken and low quality autologous bone graft material [4,5]. Researchers have been developing alternative treatment methods for delayed fracture healing for many years.…”

Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Perinatal Tissues: Sources, Characteristics and Isolation Methods

“…Amniotic fluid (AF) is a protective layer that keeps the foetus safe by providing mechanical support and supplying nutrients during embryogenesis. The major component of AF is water, although its cellular composition always changes during pregnancy ( 32 ). AF represents a nourishing source of the stem cell population.…”

“…Regardless of isolation methods, all of them are positive for CD44, CD29, CD90, CD105, OCT4, NANOG and SSEA4 ( 34 ). AF-MSCs were in closer similarity to adult stem cells compared to ESCs and induced pluripotency stem cells (iPSCs) ( 32 ). Extensive studies have demonstrated that cell number obtained through amniocentesis is mostly affected by volume, variation of donors and gestational stage.…”

“…As depicted in Figure 2 , various isolation methods have been developed to ensure only potent MSCs are isolated ( 32 ). In the single-step procedure, amniocytes obtained is either cultured undisturbedly for 7 days or without changing medium for 20 days.…”