Isolating and culturing Schwann cells
AssigneeGenetech, Inc.
InventorsJennie P. Mather, Ronghao Li, Jian Chen
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Abstract
A method for enhancing the survival and/or proliferation of Schwann cells (especially human Schwann cells) in cell culture is disclosed which involves culturing the cells in serum free culture medium comprising gas6 and other mitogenic agents, such as heregulin and forskolin. The culturing step is generally preceded by a pre-incubation period wherein nerve tissue comprising the Schwann cells is cultured under appropriate conditions and for a period of time such that demyelination occurs. The isolated Schwann cells can be used as cellular prostheses to treat patients with nervous system injuries. The invention also provides a cell culture medium for culturing Schwann cells.
Claims26
A composition comprising human Schwann cells in serum free culture medium which does not support fibroblast growth, wherein said culture medium comprises a nutrient solution for growing mammalian cells supplemented with a first mitogenic agent which is a Rse/Axl receptor activator and a second mitogenic agent, wherein the first and second mitogenic agents are each present in the culture medium in an amount effective to enhance survival or proliferation of human Schwann cells cultured therein.
A composition comprising human Schwann cells in serum free culture medium which does not support fibroblast growth, wherein said culture medium comprises a nutrient solution for growing mammalian cells supplemented with an activator of the human Rse receptor, an erbB receptor activator and an agent which elevates cAMP levels, wherein the Rse receptor activator, the erbB receptor activator and the agent which elevates cAMP levels are each present in the culture medium in an amount effective to enhance survival or proliferation of human Schwann cells cultured therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.