Stem cells and signals developed for use in tissue and organ repair and replacement
AssigneeTEI Biosciences, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation
InventorsDai Jianwu, Bell Eugene
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Abstract
Methods and compositions for repairing tissue. Certain embodiments of the invention involve transdifferentiation of cells in a manner not heretofore provided for. One embodiment of the invention features methods for producing stem cells. These methods can involve exposing cells (e.g., human fibroblasts) to a processed or activated egg extract (e.g., activated egg extract); and culturing the cells for a period of time to become stem cells. A cell culture can be performed in two or three dimensions, so that organ tissue or whole organs may be produced, e.g., for transplantation. Another embodiment of the invention features methods for promoting wound healing by using signaling complexes.
Claims30
A method for producing stem cells comprising:
- a) exposing cells to a processed or activated egg extract;
- and
- b) culturing said cells for a period of time such that said cells dedifferentiate to become stem cells.
A method for identifying a signaling complex comprising:
- a) exposing an embryoid body cell or a stem cell to a signaling complex;
- b) culturing said embryoid body cell or said stem cell;
- and
- c) determining the effect of said signaling complex on the differentiation of said embryoid body cell or said stem cell into a desired cell type.
A method for transdifferentiating cells into desired cell types comprising:
- a) exposing cells to at least one signaling complex;
- b) culturing said cells wherein said cells become the desired cell type.
A method for promoting wound healing comprising exposing a wound to a signaling complex.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.