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Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6436389
| Title: | Stimulation of cell proliferation by glycosylated cystatin C | | Inventors: | Gage, Fred Harrison; La Jolla, CA, USA
Taupin, Philippe J.; La Jolla, CA, USA
Ray, Jasodhara; San Diego, CA, USA | | Summary: | This invention introduces a process of inducing the proliferation of mammalian neuronal progenitor cells via contacting the cells with glycosylated cystatin C and fibroblast growth factor-2. Central to the invention is the discovery that trophic factors require a co-factor to stimulate and/or potentiate the trophic factor activity or specificity, which has been identified in low density cells where trophic factors are unable to proliferate undifferentiated cells without a co-factor, or are able to do so only at minimal levels. Described herein is a composition comprising glycosylated cystatin C, (CCg), and an FGF co-factor that stimulates the proliferation of neural and fibroblast associated undifferentiated cells, such that the N-glycosylation of cystatin C is required for its activity. Properties of CCg include cooperation with basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) to induce neural progenitor cell proliferation. Therapeutic applications in the treatment of neuronal disorders are included. | | Abstract: | The present invention is based on the discovery and isolation of a co-factor for trophic factors. It has been discovered that trophic factors require a co-factor to stimulate and/or potentiate the trophic factor activity and/or specificity. This was clearly identified in low density cells where trophic factors are unable, or at best, at minimal levels, able to proliferate undifferentiated cells without a co-factor. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising glycosylated cystatin C, (CCg), an FGF co-factor that stimulates proliferation of neural and fibroblast associated undifferentiated cells. The N-glycosylation of cystatin C is required for its activity. Moreover, CCg acts in cooperation with basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) to induce neural progenitor cell proliferation. | | US Patent Website: | Click Here for Full Text of Patent | | Title Number: | US6436389 | | Application Number: | US1999000459958 | | Date Filed: | 13/12/1999 | | Date Published: | 20/08/2002 | | Assignee: | The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA |
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