A mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is a multi-potent cell with the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cell types, including osteoblasts (bone), myocytes (muscle), adipocytes (fat), chondrocytes (cartilage), and neurons. These occurrences have been observed in culture and in vivo. These qualities of MSCs make them highly valuable in developmental and regenerative research, and in medical applications such as tissue repair, transplantation and gene therapy. MSCs are typically isolated from the umbilical cord tissue (Wharton’s jelly) and umbilical cord blood. However, other sources exist, such as the bone marrow, developing teeth, amniotic fluid, and adipose tissue.