Methods of inducing tubulogenesis and/or branching morphogenesis of kidney cell cultures
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsSanjay Kumar Nigam, Hiroyuki Sakurai, Kevin T. Bush
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Abstract
Provided are methods and compositions for constructing stable mammalian embryonic epithelial tissues and organs as well as constructing kidney tissue, and treating renal failure. Disclosed are methods of using an active epithelial growth factor having the capability of effectuating induction of growth and morphogenesis is cells.
Claims15
A method for growing renal tubule cells in vitro, comprising culturing kidney cells in a growth medium comprising (i) purified pleiotrophin and/or purified heregulin, and (ii) fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or a combination thereof, in an amount effective for achieving tubulogenesis.
A method for stimulating branching morphogenesis in a kidney cell culture, comprising:
- (a) contacting the kidney cell culture with a composition comprising one or more purified mesenchymally derived growth factor(s) secreted by a mesenchyme tissue in culture in an amount effective to stimulate branching tubulogenesis in the kidney cell culture, wherein the one or more mesenchymally derived growth factor(s) include pleiotrophin and, optionally, heregulin;
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- (b) culturing the kidney cell culture in the composition for a period of time and under conditions effective to stimulate branching morphogenesis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.