Isolating and characterizing adipose-derived stem cells

Abstract

The research and application of regeneration medicine will require a reliable source of stem cells. Adipose tissue has proven to be an easily accessible and rich source of adult stem cells, termed adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). ASCs have the most important advantage over stem cells from other available sources. There is no other human tissue as abundant as adipose tissue, making it possible to isolate adequate numbers of ASCs for potential clinical applications. Here, we describe detailed methods for isolating and characterizing ASCs. These procedures can be applied to adipose tissue not only for humans but also for other species.