Abstract:
The invention discloses a method of preparing a population of iPS cells comprising (i) expressing one or more Yamanaka factors selected from Oct3/4,Sox2, Klf4, Myc, Nanog and Lin28, and reducing the amount and/or activity of Menin (Men1) in a population of target cells, and (ii) optionally isolating the iPS cells from the target cell population; and a method of enhanced differentiation of a first cell into a somatic cell of a tissue of interest, comprising (i) treating a cell with a differentiation factor of said tissue of interest, and (ii) reducing the amount and/or activity of Menin (Men1) in a population of target cells.
Abstract:
The invention relates generally to methods of generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that do not contain the reprogramming vector. In some embodiments,, the invention relates to inducing pluripotency in somatic cells by introducing an episomal vector(s) comprising at least one expression cassette containing reprogramming factors and/or synthetic transcription factors and a suicide gene. In some embodiments, the invention relates to inducing pluripotency in somatic cells by introducing episomal vector(s) comprising expression cassettes containing reprogramming factors and/or synthetic transcription factors and a transcriptionally regulated EBNA-1 gene. In some embodiments, the invention relates to inducing pluripotency in somatic cells by introducing episomal vector(s) comprising expression cassettes containing reprogramming factors and/or synthetic transcription factors and both a suicide gene and a transcriptionally regulated EBNA-1 gene.
Abstract:
A culture medium is provided which is capable of establishing expanded potential stem cell (EPSC) lines which resemble naive or ground state ES cells, but are also able to differentiate into placenta trophoblasts and the embryo proper. Methods are provided using the medium for the in vitro conversion and maintenance of cells, including pluripotent cells into EPSCs.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates generally to novel methods and compositions for using engineered reprogramming factor(s) for the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through a kinetically controlled process. Specifically, this disclosure relates to establishing combinations of reprogramming factors, including fusions between conventional reprogramming factors with transactivation domains, optimized for reprogramming various types of cells. More specifically, the exemplary methods disclosed herein can be used for creating induced pluripotent stem cells from various mammalian cell types, including human fibroblasts. Exemplary methods of feeder-free derivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells using synthetic messenger RNA are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to expressing RNA in cells and, in particular, enhancing viability of cells in which RNA is to be expressed. Specifically, the present invention provides methods for expressing RNA in cells comprising the steps of preventing engagement of IFN receptor by extracellular IFN and inhibiting intracellular IFN signalling in the cells. Thus, preventing engagement of IFN receptor by extracellular IFN and inhibiting intracellular IFN signalling in the cells allows repetitive transfer of RNA into the cells.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods for inducing somatic cells to form induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The method includes introducing a small activating RNA (saRNA) molecule into the somatic cell, where the saRNA molecule increases transcription of a transcription factor that induces the formation of induced pluripotent stem cells. The present disclosure also provides compositions and kits comprising a saRNA molecule that increases transcription of a transcription factor that induces the formation of induced pluripotent stem cells. The present disclosure provides iPS cells comprising at least one exogenous saRNA molecule, where the saRNA molecule increases transcription of a transcription factor that induces the formation of induced pluripotent stem cells.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is the finding that Zscan4 is an early embryonic factor that facilitates cellular reprogramming. In particular, Zscan4 can replace the oncogenic reprogramming factor c- Myc to produce induced pluripotent stem cells when coexpressed with Klf4, Oct4 and Sox2. In addition, several Zscan4-dependent genes were identified that promote iPSC formation when co- expressed with known reprogramming factors. Thus, the present disclosure provides an ex vivo method of producing an iPS cell by reprogramming of a somatic cell. The method includes contacting the somatic cell with a Zscan4, or a Zscan4- dependent gene, and at least one reprogramming factor. Also provided are iPS cells produced by the disclosed method and non- human animals generated from such iPS cells.
Abstract:
A method of generating protein-induced pluripotent stem cells by delivering bacterial!y expressed reprogramming proteins into nuclei of starting somatic cells using the QQ-protein transduction technique, repeating several cell reprogramming cycles for creating reprogrammed protein-induced pluripotent stem cells, moving the reprogrammed cells into a feeder-free medium for expansion, and expanding and passaging the reprogrammed cells in a whole dish for generating homogeneous piPS cells. Also provided are the piPCS cells formed using this method and uses thereof.
Abstract:
Methods and composition for providing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods including reprogramming B lymphocytes transformed by episomal vectors such as Epstein-Barr virus-based vectors are described. Furthermore, the invention provides induced pluripotent stem cells essentially free of exogenous elements and having B cell immunoglobin variable region rearrangement.