Cell expansion system for use in neural transplantation

US6787356B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services · US

Inventors

• Lorenz Studer · New York, US
• Ron McKay · Bethesda, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 7, 2004
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2501/815
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention provides a method of culturing cells which includes a proliferating step in which the number of precursor cells is expanded and a differentiating step in which the expanded precursor cells develop into neuronal cells. The proliferating step includes the step of incubating the precursor cells in proliferating medium which includes basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The differentiating step includes incubating the precursor cells in differentiation media in a manner effective to form a cellular aggregate that is not adhered to any surface of the incubation vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the cells arc incubated in a roller tube. The differentiation media can also include at least one differentiating agent. The invention also provides a method for treating a neurological disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, a method of introducing a gene product into a brain of a patient, an assay for neurologically active substances, and a cell culture.