Habiba UE, Greene DL, Shamim S. Anatomy, function, biomechanics, and regenerative properties of Wharton’s jelly in the umbilical cord. World J Stem Cells 2026; 18(4): 118404 [DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i4.118404]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Sabiha Shamim, Researcher, Department of Research and Development, R3 Medical Research, Office 1B, First Floor, Jahangir Multiplex, Golra Mor H-13, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan. sabiha@r3stemcell.com
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Apr 26, 2026 (publication date) through Apr 22, 2026
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World Journal of Stem Cells
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1948-0210
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Habiba UE, Greene DL, Shamim S. Anatomy, function, biomechanics, and regenerative properties of Wharton’s jelly in the umbilical cord. World J Stem Cells 2026; 18(4): 118404 [DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i4.118404]
World J Stem Cells. Apr 26, 2026; 18(4): 118404 Published online Apr 26, 2026. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i4.118404
Anatomy, function, biomechanics, and regenerative properties of Wharton’s jelly in the umbilical cord
Umm E Habiba, David Lawrence Greene, Sabiha Shamim
Umm E Habiba, David Lawrence Greene, Department of Research and Development, R3 Medical Research LLC., Scottsdale, AZ 85262, United States
Umm E Habiba, David Lawrence Greene, Department of Research and Development, R3 Stem Cell LLC., Scottsdale, AZ 85262, United States
Sabiha Shamim, Department of Research and Development, R3 Medical Research, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Author contributions: Habiba UE wrote the original draft and supervised data collection; Greene DL conceptually designed, reviewed, and validated the manuscript; Shamim S collected the data, managed references, and helped in drafting the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript for submission.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Sabiha Shamim, Researcher, Department of Research and Development, R3 Medical Research, Office 1B, First Floor, Jahangir Multiplex, Golra Mor H-13, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan. sabiha@r3stemcell.com
Received: December 31, 2025 Revised: January 21, 2026 Accepted: March 11, 2026 Published online: April 26, 2026 Processing time: 110 Days and 13.1 Hours
Abstract
Over the past decade, the human umbilical cord has been recognized as a significant and ethical source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly Wharton’s jelly (WJ). WJ, as a connective tissue of the cord, possesses gelatinous uniformity and is being studied in regenerative medicine for certain modalities. This mucoid tissue provides a remarkable therapeutic potential through its extracellular matrix components, MSCs, and proteoglycans, while serving biochemical and protective functions during fetal development. This review highlights the advancements in WJ’s biological structure and function, biomechanical characteristics, and regenerative capacities, with a special focus on WJ-acquired MSCs alongside their clinical translation. Current research reveals that WJ-MSCs may be used in clinical settings as a potential source due to their high proliferation capacity, differentiation capabilities, and an immunomodulatory profile, compared to adult-tissue-derived stem cells. These significant properties make this tissue a good candidate for cell-based interventions.
Core Tip: In this review, the authors examine the basic anatomical features of Wharton’s jelly in an umbilical cord, how its components and structure correlate with its function during the gestation period, the latest reported clinical uses of mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton’s jelly, and their future potential applications in tandem with other technologies and therapies.
