Compositions and methods for promoting the mineralization of biological tissue
AssigneeNew York Society for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled, Maintaining the Hospital for Special Surgery
InventorsMatthew E. Cunningham, Agata Krzyzanowska
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Abstract
This invention relates to compositions and methods for activating and promoting mineralization in tissue that does not normally mineralize, specifically intervertebral discs. The composition comprises agents that increase the expression of the gene that encodes TNAP and/or the activation, amount or activity of TNAP protein, and agents that decrease the expression of ANK and/or ENPP and/or the activation, amount or activity of these proteins. The composition can be in the form of a cell or cells. The invention also relates to methods of using the composition.
Claims4
An isolated genetically modified nucleus pulposus cell which causes the mineralization of intervertebral disc tissue, comprising a nucleic acid encoding tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase associated with a heterologous promoter, and an agent or agents which decreases the expression of the gene encoding progressive ankylosis or the amount or activity of progressive ankylosis chondrocytes.
An isolated genetically modified nucleus pulposus cell which causes the mineralization of intervertebral disc tissue, comprising a nucleic acid encoding tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase associated with a heterologous promoter, and an agent or agents which decreases the expression of the gene encoding plasma cell membrane glycoprotein (PC-1)/ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 or the amount or activity of plasma cell membrane glycoprotein (PC-1)/ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.