Protection of stem cells from cytotoxic agents by modulation of beta-catenin signaling pathways
OwnerIrving Weissman, Tannishtha Reyainventors
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Abstract
Reagents that block the extracellular activation of β-catenin are used to induce quiescence in normal stem cells, in order to reduce the killing of stem cells by anti-proliferative agents.
Claims25
A method of inducing quiescence in normal stem cells, the method comprising:
- contacting said normal stem cells with an effective dose of a protective agent that blocks the extracellular activation of the wnt pathway in said normal stem cells;
- wherein said normal stem cells rendered quiescent.
A method for increasing stem cell survival in a patient to be administered a chemotherapy agent comprising the step of administrating to said patient at least one protective agent that blocks extracellular wnt signaling in an amount effective to detectably inhibit the binding of extracellular wnt to frizzled present on the surface of said stem cell, wherein said protective agent is administered prior to or simulataneously with said chemotherapy agent.
A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
- at least one active protective agent that blocks extracellular wnt signaling in an amount effective to detectably inhibit the binding of extracellular wnt to frizzled present on the surface of said stem cell;
- a chemotherapeutic agent in a dose effective for chemotherapy;
- and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
A kit comprising a protective agent that blocks extracellular wnt signaling and instructions for administering to a patient said protective agent in an amount effective to detectably inhibit the binding of extracellular wnt to frizzled present on the surface of said stem cell as a therapeutic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.