Gdf15 as molecular tool to monitor and enhance phenotypic stability of articular chondrocytes
AssigneeUniversiteit Gent
InventorsStijn Lambrecht, Dieter Deforce, Dirk Elewaut, August Verburggen
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Abstract
The present invention relates to GDF15 as a molecular marker in in vitro assays determining phenotypic stability of articular chondrocytes and predicting the outcome of chondrocyte transplantation.
Claims18
An in vitro method for evaluating the ability of isolated or expanded cells to produce, synthesize or reorganize matrix components, said method comprising monitoring the expression of the molecular marker growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15).
A method to extend or enhance the expression of matrix proteins or to suppress or slow down degradation of matrix proteins of isolated or expanded cells, said method comprising adding GDF15 to said cells.
11-22. (canceled)
A method of predicting the ability of isolated or expanded cells to synthesize matrix components and to determine when cell expansion must be stopped without the ability to synthesize matrix components, comprising monitoring the expression of the molecular marker growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15).
A method of repairing connective tissue comprising the administration of the molecular marker GDF15.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.