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Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6146889
| Title: | Proliferation of hepatocyte precursors | | Inventors: | Reid, Lola M.; Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Agelli, Maria; New Providence, NJ, USA | | Summary: | This invention describes cell populations containing hepatocyte precursors. Also disclosed is a composition which comprises an animal cell population which contains immature animal cells which are characterized by the expression of alpha-fetoprotein or the lack of essential expression of alpha-fetoprotein and albumin. A further defining characteristic is that at least a portion of the immature animal cells, or at least a portion of their progeny, is capable of differentiating into cells which express albumin. The cell population is cultured under conditions which result in expansion of the cells. Expansion of the cells may be achieved by culturing the cells in the presence of an extracellular matrix and liver stromal cells, and preferably in the presence of growth factors. Such cells may be used for liver transplantation, artificial livers, and for toxicology and pharmacology studies. Such cells may also be genetically engineered to express proteins or polypepetides of interest. Further disclosed are properties of the composition comprising a cell culture of immature animal cells including not only liver cells, but also cells from the pancreas, gut, lung and bone marrow, which contain at least a population of hepatocyte precursor cells capable of differentiating into hepatocytes. Potential uses in modeling various therapies, especially gene therapy, are provided. | | Abstract: | A composition which comprises an animal cell population which contains immature animal cells. The immature animal cells are characterized by expression of alpha-fetoprotein or lack of essential expression of alpha-fetoprotein and albumin, and at least a portion of said immature animal cells or at least a portion of the progeny of said immature animal cells is capable of differentiating into cells which express albumin. The cell population is cultured under conditions which result in expansion of the cells. Expansion of the cells may be achieved by culturing the cells in the presence of an extracellular matrix and liver stromal cells; and preferably in the presence of growth factors. Such cells may be used for liver transplantation, artificial livers, and for toxicology and pharmacology studies. Such cells may also be genetically engineered to express proteins or polypepetides of interest. | | US Patent Website: | Click Here for Full Text of Patent | | Title Number: | US6146889 | | Application Number: | US1998000115920 | | Date Filed: | 05/07/1998 | | Date Published: | 14/11/2000 | | Assignee: | Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA |
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