Human and mammalian stem cell-derived neuron survival factors

Patent Number: 7,273,725

This is a composition of matter patent covering polypeptide sequences for "Stem cell-Derived Neuron Survival Factors" (SDNSF). The polypeptides appear to be secretory and to represent natural factors that induce neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. In the examples section the inventors treated neurospheres with SDNSF and demonstrated increased number of cells expressing the neural marker Tuj-1 after treatment as compared to control cells. The agents covered in this patent could have novel utility for activating endogenous stem cells after neural injury. Approaches aimed at activating endogeneous stem cells pharmacologically are attractive and currently in clinical trials by companies such as Stem Cell Therapeutics.

View this patent on the USPTO website.