IP Library › Patent Application 12189589
Patent Application
App. No. 12/189,589

Nanog+, OCT-4+ Retinal Pigment Epithelial Stem Cells and Methods for Their Use and Manufacture

Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
12/189,589
Abstract

Retinal stem cells haying embryonic-like characteristics are disclosed. The retinal stem cells express one or more of the embryonic stem cell markers Nanog and OCT-4. The retinal stem cells may be obtained from retinal pigment epithelium. Methods of making and using retinal stem cells are also disclosed.

Claims (25)

1 . A composition comprising purified retinal pigment epithelial stem cells, wherein said stem cells express at least one of OCT-4 and Nanog.

2 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein said stem cells are derived from a tissue source selected from the group consisting of adult, fetal, and combinations thereof.

3 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein said stem cells are derived from a source selected from the group consisting of mammal, fish, bird, insect, and combinations thereof.

4 . The composition of claim 3 , wherein said mammal comprises a source selected from the group consisting of human, dog, cat, horse, and combinations thereof.

5 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein said stem cells are human stem cells.

6 . The composition of claim 5 , wherein said human stem cells are derived from a clone.

7 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said stem cells are pluripotent cells.

8 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein said stem cells are multipotent cells.

9 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein said stem cells are precursor cells.

10 . The composition of claim 8 , wherein said stem cells are neural stem cells capable of forming at least one of a neuronal cell and a glial cell.

11 . The composition of claim 10 , wherein said glial cell is selected from the group consisting of an astroglial cell and an oligoglial cell.

12 . A method for testing the differentiation capacity of a test agent comprising:

providing a composition comprising isolated pigment retinal epithelial stem cells wherein said stem cells expresses at least one of Nanog and OCT-4;

introducing to said composition said test agent; and

determining the ability of said test agent to affect the differentiation of said stem cells.

13 . The composition of claim 12 , wherein said stem cells are derived from a tissue source selected from the group consisting of adult, fetal, and combinations thereof.

14 . The composition of claim 12 , wherein said stem cells are derived from a source selected from the group consisting of mammal, fish, bird, insect, and combinations thereof.

15 . The composition of claim 14 , wherein said mammal comprises a source selected from the group consisting of human, dog, cat, horse, and combinations thereof.

16 . The composition of claim 12 , wherein said stem cells are human stem cells.

17 . The composition of claim 16 , wherein said human stem cells are derived from a clone.

18 . The composition of claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of said stem cells are pluripotent cells.

19 . The composition of claim 12 , wherein said stem cells are multipotent cells.

20 . The composition of claim 12 , wherein said stem cells are precursor cells.

21 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein said stem cells are neural stem cells capable of forming at least one of a neuronal cell and a glial cell.

22 . The composition of claim 21 , wherein said glial cell is selected from the group consisting of an astroglial cell and an oligoglial cell.