Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, also known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), are a well-characterized population of adult stem cells. They have the potential to develop into mature cells that produce fat, cartilage, bone, tendons, and muscle. These properties, in combination with their developmental plasticity, have generated tremendous interest because of the potential use of MSC in regenerative medicine to replace damaged tissues. MSC cultured without serum in the presence of transformation growth factors will differentiate into chondrocytes. In contrast, MSC cultured in serum with ascorbic acid and dexamethasone will differentiate into osteoblasts. MSC have the capability for renewal and differentiation into various lineages of mesenchymal tissues. MSC derived from the amnion and chorion express CD271, possess characteristics of cardiomyocytes, and have various antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory proteins. HAMSC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human amniotic membrane. HAMSC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HAMSC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to CD73 and/or CD90, Oil Red O staining after adipogenic differentiation, and Alizarin Red staining after osteogenic differentiation. HAMSC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HAMSC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Mesenchymal Stem Cell Medium (MSCM, Cat. #7501) for culturing HAMSC in vitro.