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Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6800790
| Title: | Method for maintenance and propagation of germline stem cells using members of the TFG-.beta. family of growth factors | | Inventors: | Spradling, Allan C.; Baltimore, MD, USA
Xie, Ting; Baltimore, MD, USA | | Summary: | Described herein are in vivo methods of maintaining Drosophila germline stem cells, by which the TGF-beta family of growth factors, particularly the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2/4 homolog decapentaplegic (dpp), are specifically required to maintain germline stem cells and promote their division. Further described are means by which the overexpression of dpp blocks germline stem cell differentiation, and mutations in dpp or its receptor saxophone accelerate stem cell loss and retard stem cell division. Also provided is dpp signaling as it is directly received by germline stem cells, and thus dpp signaling which helps define a niche that controls germline stem cell proliferation. Therapeutic applications are included, such as in the treatment of tumors, infertility, hematologic conditions, wounds, aging or damaged or diseased tissues | | Abstract: | The TGF-.beta. family of growth factors, particularly the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2/4 homolog decapentaplegic (dpp), are specifically required to maintain germline stem cells and promote their division. Overexpression of dpp blocks germline stem cell differentiation. Mutations in dpp or its receptor saxophone accelerate stem cell loss and retard stem cell division. dpp signaling is directly received by germline stem cells, and thus dpp signaling helps define a niche that controls germline stem cell proliferation. | | US Patent Website: | Click Here for Full Text of Patent | | Title Number: | US6800790 | | Application Number: | US1999000358937 | | Date Filed: | 23/07/1999 | | Date Published: | 05/10/2004 | | Assignee: | Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC, USA |
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