MULTIPOTENT STEM CELLS AND USES THEREOF
The invention provides a quiescent stem cell having the capacity to differentiate into ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, and which does not express cell surface markers including MHC class I, MHC class II, CD44, CD45, CD13, CD34, CD49c, CD73, CD105 and CD90. The invention further provides a proliferative stem cell, which expresses genes including Oct-4, Nanog, Sox2, GDF3, P16INK4, BMI, Notch, HDAC4, TERT, Rex-1 and TWIST but does not express cell surface markers including MHC class I, MHC class II, CD44, CD45, CD13, CD34, CD49c, CD73, CD105 and CD90. The cells of the invention can be isolated from adult mammals, have embryonic cell characteristics, and can form embryoid bodies. Methods for obtaining the stem cells, as well as methods of treating diseases and the differentiated stem cells, are also provided.
1 . A method of enhancing recovery from joint surgery, comprising administering to the joint during surgery to repair the joint a composition comprising stem or progenitor cells in an amount effective to enhance recovery, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the stem cells express a stem cell transcription factor but do not detectably express MHC Class I or cell surface markers CD13, CD44, CD45, CD90, and CD105.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the stem cells are capable of proliferating and differentiating into ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm.
4 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the stem cells are synovial fluid derived, blood derived or tissue derived.
5 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the stem cells are isolated from a mammal.
6 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the stem cell is isolated from a human.
7 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the stem cells are isolated from an adult mammal.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the stem cells are autologous with respect to a recipient undergoing the joint surgery.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the stem cells are allogeneic with respect to a recipient undergoing the joint surgery.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the stem cells are committed to differentiate.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one subpopulation of differentiated progeny cells.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising at least one subpopulation of differentiated immune cells.