Abstract:
The invention provides a method for effecting the de-differentiation of a somatic cell by culturing the cell in the absence of growth factors, cytokines, or other differentiation-inducing agents, and introducing components of cytoplasm of plutipotent cells into the somatic cell and allowing the cell to de-differentiate. The method can be used with somatic cells of any type, from any species of animal. The pluripotent cells may be oocytes, blastomeres, inner cell mass cells, embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells, embryos consisting of one or more cells, embryoid body (embryoid) cells, morula-derived cells, teratoma (teratocarcinoma) cells, as well as multipotent partially differentiated embryonic stem cells taken from later in the embryonic development process. After being de-differentiated, the cell can be induced to re-differentiate into a different somatic cell type. A method for de-differentiating a somatic cell and inducing it to re-differentiate into a cell of neural lineage is disclosed.
Abstract:
Improved methods of cell therapy are provided using cells and tissues that are histocompatible with a human or non-human mammal transplant recipient. The cells and tissues for transplant produced by the present invention exhibit a youthful state and can be committed to specific cell lineages to better infiltrate and proliferate at a desired target, e.g., a tissue, or organ in need of cell replacement therapy. For providing cells and tissues for transplant to a non-human mammal, the cells and tissues can be isolated from a gastrulating embryo produced by same-species nuclear transfer. Histocompatible cells and tissues for transplant to a human can be isolated from a gastrulating embryo that (i) is genetically modified to be in capable of developing beyond and early stage, or (ii) is produced by cross-species nuclear transfer between a human nuclear donor cell and an enucleated recipient cell, e.g., an oocyte, of a non-human mammal, or (iii) is produced by androgenesis or gynogenesis, or from pluripotent stem cells generated from such an embryo. Methods for producing histocompatible cells and tissues for transplant to a human can also be used to produce such cells or tissues for transplant to non-human mammals. The present invention also provides model embryonic systems having defined genetic makeup that are useful for developing and testing methods for cell and tissue therapy, and for studying genetic imprinting, reprogramming, rejuvenation, and other biochemical, metabolic, and physiological phenomena associated with embryogenesis.
Abstract:
Tissues produced by culture of cells produced by nuclear transfer on a matrix derived from nuclear transfer embryos or embryos and pluripotent cells provided by other methods are provided. These tissues are useful for cell therapy.
Abstract:
The invention is concerned with producing differentiated cells, tissues and organs from pluripotent and mutlipotent cells. The methods of the invention are particularly useful for producing differentiated cells from pluripotent cells wherein communication between the cells of more than one embryonic germ layer or more than one organ system are required for development along a specific cell lineage. The invention methods are effected by in vivo or in vitro culturing of embryonic and developing or developed allogeneic or xenogeneic cells.
Abstract:
Methods for de-differentiating or altering the life-span of desired “recipient” cells, e.g., human somatic cells, by the introduction of cytoplasm from a more primitive, less differentiated cell type, e.g., oocyte or blastomere are provided. These methods can be used to produce embryonic stem cells and to increase the efficiency of gene therapy by allowing for desired cells to be subjected to multiple genetic modifications without becoming senescent. Such cytoplasm may be fractionated and/or subjected to subtractive hybridization and the active materials (sufficient for de-differentiation) identified and produced by recombinant methods.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to novel preparations of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from hemangioblasts, methods for obtaining such MSCs, and methods of treating a pathology using such MSCs. The methods of the present invention produce substantial numbers of MSCs having a potency-retaining youthful phenotype, which are useful in the treatment of pathologies.
Abstract:
Methods for production of platelets from pluripotent stem cells, such as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are provided. These methods may be performed without forming embryoid bodies or clusters of pluripotent stem cells, and may be performed without the use of stromal inducer cells. Additionally, the yield and/or purity can be greater than has been reported for prior methods of producing platelets from pluripotent stem cells. Also provided are compositions and pharmaceutical preparations comprising platelets, preferably produced from pluripotent stem cells.
Abstract:
This disclosure generally relates to cell-based therapies for treatment of visual disorders, including disorders of the cornea. Methods are exemplified for directed differentiation of corneal cells from stem cells. Compositions of corneal endothelial cells and uses thereof are also provided. Exemplary compositions exhibit improved cell density and/or more “youthful” gene expression relative to cells obtained from donated tissue.
Abstract:
This present invention provides novel methods for deriving embryonic stem cells and embryo-derived cells from an embryo without requiring destruction of the embryo. The invention further provides cells and cell lines derived without embryo destruction, and the use of the cells for therapeutic and research purposes. It also relates to novel methods of establishing and storing an autologous stem cell line prior to implantation of an embryo, e.g., in conjunction with reproductive therapies such as IVF.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods for the culture of animal pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny cells, tissues, and organs, and nonhuman animal embryos and fetuses.