Chemical reprogramming of human glial cells into neurons for brain and spinal cord repair

US9730975B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Penn State Research Foundation · US

Inventors

• Gong Chen · Xiamen, CN
• Gang Wu · Zhejiang, CN
• Lei Zhang · Beijing, CN
• Jiu-Chao YIN · Chengdu, CN
• Hana YEH · State College, US
• Ning Ma · Nanhu, CN
• Grace J. Lee · State College, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 25, 2015
• Grant date: Aug 15, 2017
• Expiry date: Nov 25, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2506/08
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Provided are methods and compositions from reprogramming human glial cells into human neurons. The reprogramming is achieved using combinations of compounds that can modify signaling via Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), and γ-secretase/Notch pathways. The reprogramming is demonstrated using groups of three or four compounds that are chosen from the group thiazovivin, LDN193189, SB431542, TTNPB, CHIR99021, DAPT, VPA, SAG, purmorphamine. Reprogramming is demonstrated using the group of LDN193189/CHIR99021/DAPT, the group of B431542/CHIR99021/DAPT, the group of LDN193189/DAPT/SB431542, the group of LDN193189/CHIR99021/SB431542, a three drug combination of SB431542/CHIR99021/DAPT. Reprogramming using functional analogs of the compounds is also provided, as are pharmaceutical formulations that contain the drug combinations.