The presently disclosed subject matter relates, in general, to the identification, isolation, and use of a population of stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood and/or other sources and that are referred to herein as Small Mobile Stem cells (short: SMS). More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to isolating said SMS stem cells and employing the same, optionally after in vitro manipulation, to treat tissue and/or organ damage in a subject in need thereof.
