Embryonic stem cell specific microRNAs promote induced pluripotency

US8852940B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Robert Blelloch · San Francisco, US
• Robert Laird Judson · San Francisco, US
• Deepa Subramanyam · San Francisco, US
• Collin Melton · San Francisco, US
• Yangming Wang · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 1, 2010
• Grant date: Oct 7, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 12, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2510/00
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The methods of the present application describe that introduction of physiologically relevant miRNAs can enhance or modulate somatic cell reprogramming, generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). These miRNAs did not further enhance reprogramming in the presence of cMyc. Furthermore, unlike previously described methods of generating iPS cells, such as through the introduction of genetic elements using viruses, the methods of the present invention reduce the risk of activating oncogenes in the iPS cells. The methods of the invention generate iPS cells that can be free of genetic modifications and thus have greater potential for use as therapeutic agents than those generated by existing methods.