摘要:
The present invention provides a means for efficiently preparing a cell population rich in functional chondrocytes that produce an extracellular matrix such as type II collagen. This culture method according to the present invention involves a method of culturing a cell population containing cartilage-derived cells positive for expression of Tie2 (cartilage-derived Tie2-positive cells), the method comprising culturing a cell population containing cartilage-derived Tie2-positive cells in a culture medium containing at least one kind of Tie2 expression enhancer other than growth factors (e.g., an extract derived from a plant of the genus Cinnamomum). This culturing method is preferably performed in cultureware having a culture surface coated with a coating agent (e.g., a polylysine-containing agent).
摘要:
The purpose of the present invention is to provide intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus stem cells or progenitor cells that may be used for treatment of intervertebral disk disorders. The present invention provides an intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus cell characterized by being isolated from the intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus of a vertebrate and being positive for at least one surface marker from among Tie2 and GD2. That is, the present invention provides an intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus stem cell characterized by being at least Tie2-positive for the surface marker and possessing self-renewal ability as well as multipotency capable of differentiating into adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes and neurons. The present invention also provides an intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus progenitor cell characterized by being at least Tie2-negative and GD2-positive for the surface marker and capable of differentiating into any of adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes and neurons.