Characterization of third-trimester amniotic fluid stem cells

Introduction: Amniotic fluid obtained from first- or second trimester amniocentesis has customarily been used for the cultivation of c-Kit positive amniotic fluid stem cells. These stem cells have been shown to have a vast differentiation potential and, most noteworthy, considerable genomic stability and a lack of teratoma formation upon injection into patients. These characteristics have made amniotic fluid stem cells of immeasurable value for their potential therapeutic use. The advent of various technological advances has, however, obviated the need for amniocentesis, thereby leading to a severe shortage of d…