dsRNA/DNA Hybrid Genome Replication Intermediate Of Metakaryotic Stem Cells
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsWilliam G. Thilly, Elena V. Gostjeva, B. David Stollar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides methods of identifying metakaryotic stem cells, as well as methods of identifying agents that selectively modulate the growth, migration, replication, and/or survival of these cells by detecting an intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome. Also provided are diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment methods for disorders, such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and benign or malignant tumors.
Claims25
A method for identifying a metakaryotic stem cell, comprising the steps of:
- a) visualizing the nuclei of cells in a sample, wherein the sample is prepared by a method that substantially preserves the integrity of nuclei;
- and
- b) identifying cells containing an intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome in the sample,
- thereby identifying a metakaryotic stem cell.
10-13. (canceled)
A method for identifying an agent that modulates the growth, migration, replication, or survival of a metakaryotic stem cell, comprising:
- a) determining the presence and/or number and/or distribution of nuclei comprising an intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome in cells in a sample, wherein the sample comprises metakaryotic stem cells comprising an intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome and was maintained in contact with a candidate agent under conditions suitable for the agent to interact with the nuclei, and wherein the sample was prepared by a method that substantially preserves the integrity of nuclei;
- and
- b) comparing the presence and/or number of nuclei comprising an intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome in the cells contacted with the candidate agent to the presence and/or number of nuclei comprising an intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome in control cells comprising metakaryotic stem cells but not contacted with the candidate agent,
- whereby a change in the number and/or distribution of nuclei comprising an intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome in the cells contacted with the candidate agent, relative to the control cells not contacted with the candidate agent, is indicative of the effectiveness of the agent.
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23-29. (canceled)
A method for identifying macromolecules associated with metakaryotic stem cell duplication comprising detecting a candidate macromolecule in a metakaryotic stem cell containing an intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome, wherein co-localization of the candidate macromolecule with the intermediate dsRNA/DNA duplex genome indicates that the macromolecule is associated with metakaryotic stem cell duplication.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.