Methods of controlling proliferation and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells

Patent Number: 6887704

This patent teaches the ex vivo expansion of stem cells of the hematopoietic lineage through culture in conditions having reduced copper content. The patent is useful for expanding CD34 stem cells for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions in which CD34 numbers and/or activity may be beneficial. The fact that copper chelation is practiced as alternative medicine may have something to do with ability of copper chelation to expand stem cells.

Papers supporting the fact that copper chelation may expand stem cell activity include: (Peled T, et al. Cellular copper content modulates differentiation and self-renewal in cultures of cord blood-derived CD34+ cells. Br J Haematol. 2002 Mar;116(3):655-61).

View this patent on the USPTO website.