Wharton’s Jelly is a specialized, gelatinous substance found within the umbilical cord, which acts as the physical connection between a developing fetus and the mother’s placenta. Serving a structural role during gestation, this unique tissue is now garnering significant attention in modern medicine. Researchers recognize Wharton’s Jelly as a rich source of cells with regenerative potential, leading to extensive study into new therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine.
Anatomy and Composition of Wharton’s Jelly
Wharton’s Jelly is a mucous connective tissue that forms the bulk of the umbilical cord, surrounding the two umbilical arteries and the single umbilical vein. Named after the English anatomist Thomas Wharton who described it in 1656, its unique consistency comes from its extracellular matrix, which is largely composed of mucopolysaccharides.
Key components of this matrix include hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, which maintain the tissue’s rigid yet flexible structure. Water also forms a significant portion of the jelly, contributing to its cushioning properties. Embedded within this matrix are specialized cells, including fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
The Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) are particularly noteworthy due to their high concentration within the tissue. These cells are a major source of MSCs from the umbilical cord, with concentrations estimated to be 10 to 20 times higher per unit volume than those found in bone marrow. This abundance is central to the tissue’s medical utility.
Biological Role in Fetal Development
The function of Wharton’s Jelly is to ensure the continuous flow of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus throughout gestation. It provides structural support to the umbilical vessels it encases. This firm, pliable matrix prevents the two arteries and one vein from becoming compressed, kinked, or knotted during active fetal movement.
The structural integrity provided by the jelly avoids acute events like vascular occlusion, which can compromise the fetal blood supply. The tissue’s mass also helps regulate the temperature of the umbilical cord vessels, contributing to insulation. After birth, the jelly changes structure in response to cooler ambient temperatures, playing a role in the physiological clamping of the cord by slowing blood flow.
A reduction in the amount of Wharton’s Jelly can compromise the cord’s protective function, sometimes associated with conditions like fetal growth restriction. The health and size of the jelly can act as an indicator of the functional capacity of the entire feto-placental unit.
Therapeutic Applications and Medical Uses
The most compelling modern use of Wharton’s Jelly is as a source for Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs), which are highly sought after for their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. WJ-MSCs present several distinct advantages over MSCs harvested from adult sources, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue. Because they are ethically sourced from tissue normally discarded after birth, they present minimal controversy.
WJ-MSCs exhibit superior proliferative potential and maintain their multipotency for a greater number of passages in a laboratory setting. These younger cells are considered more potent because they have not been exposed to environmental stressors or age-related cellular damage. Their rapid growth rate makes them an abundant and practical source for cell therapies.
The mechanism of action for WJ-MSCs centers on two primary properties: immunomodulation and multi-lineage differentiation. Immunomodulation refers to their ability to regulate the immune system, often by suppressing pro-inflammatory responses and promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines. They are considered “immune-privileged” because they do not express certain immune markers, minimizing the risk of rejection in allogeneic (non-self) transplantation.
Their multipotency means the cells can differentiate into various cell types, including osteogenic (bone), chondrogenic (cartilage), adipogenic (fat), and even neural cells. This differentiation capacity makes them valuable for tissue engineering, where they are used to promote the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. The cells also exert a powerful paracrine effect, releasing bioactive molecules like growth factors that stimulate recovery in injured cells.
Research and Banking
Current research is exploring the application of WJ-MSCs across a wide spectrum of conditions. Specific areas of study include treatments for:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Chronic inflammatory disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Heart tissue repair following myocardial infarction
- Neurodegenerative diseases
The umbilical cord tissue is collected after delivery and processed to isolate and expand the stem cells. These cells are then stored at ultra-low temperatures, typically around -196°C, ensuring their viability through cryopreservation. While clinical applications are still largely investigational, the unique biological profile of Wharton’s Jelly positions it as a highly promising tool in the future of regenerative medicine.