Methods and Compositions for Ex Vivo Generation of Developmentally Competent Eggs from Germ Line Cells Using Autologous Cell Systems
AssigneeNortheastern University
InventorsJonathan L. TILLY, Dori C. WOODS
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Abstract
The present technology provides for methods for the directed differentiation of multi-potent cells, female germ line stem cells, or oogonial stem cells into oocytes, granulosa cells and/or granulosa precursor cells, i.e.,“synthetic granulosa cells.” The synthetic granulosa cells are useful in methods for growth and maturation of follicles or follicle-like structures and immature oocytes. Additionally, the synthetic granulosa cells are useful in methods of increasing ovarian derived hormones and growth factors in a subject in need thereof.
Claims33
A method for directed differentiation of multi-potent cells into granulosa cells and/or granulosa precursor cells comprising:
- culturing multi-potent cells in culture conditions that direct the multi-potent cells to differentiate to granulosa cells and/or granulosa precursor cells, wherein the culture conditions comprise the absence of MEFs and LIF, without or with the presence of a GSK inhibitor.
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A method for directed differentiation of multi-potent cells into granulosa cells and/or granulosa precursor cells, comprising:
- culturing multi-potent cells in culture conditions that direct the multi-potent cells to granulosa cells and/or granulosa precursor cells, wherein the conditions comprise the absence of MEFs and LIF, without or with the presence of a GSK inhibitor, wherein the multi-potent cells are engineered to contain one or more inducible granulosa cell-specific genes;
- inducing expression of the one or more ovarian granulosa cell-specific genes;
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- forming synthetic granulosa cells.
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