STEM CELL GROWTH

 We have developed  a novel growth factor that alone is sufficient for the growth and maintenance of pluripotentcy fo human ES and iPS cells. Our stem cell growth media is the only media that does not stimulate the FGF  pathway, which appears to convert stem cells from the "naїve" state to the "primed" state. We have also developed chemically defined and xeno-free surfaces that support human  stem cell growth.

Over the past two years, we have developed an animal-free, cell-free system, comprised only of defined components, that enables massive growth of pluripotent stem cells, including iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells, which are the patients own skin cells that are induced to revert to the stem cell state. We have also developed methods and a complete product line for automated, high throughput growth, identification and harvesting of stem cells.

 This product line of stem cell growth factors represent a watershed advance for stem cell culturing.  These new growth factors target a primal growth receptor, MUC1*.  Through successful manipulation of this receptor alone we can keep stem cells in their pluripotent state, and passage them in animal-free culture conditions for many generations.  Additionally, these new growth factors preclude the need for the complicated cocktail of less important growth factors and chemicals currently required to prolong pluripotency.  By both simplifying and enhancing the growth conditions will allow scientists to grow more stem cells more reliably, for greater passage numbers, and more cheaply than ever before.