Meningeal-derived stem cells

Patent Number: 7,410,797

The current patent covers a type of multipotent stem cell derived from the meninges.  This is the three layered membrane that surrounds the cerebrospinal fluid and central nervous system.  The inventors have demonstrated that cells isolated from this membrane, regardless of whether they are from the dura mater, pia mater, or arachnoid mater, can be substantially expanded in vitro and differentiated into neurons, adipocytes, bone, cartilage, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts. 

Claims for the patent are written in an interesting manner.  The first and only independent claim begins by reciting the differentiated product and then subsequently how the product is arrived at.  Essentially it states

"A composition, comprising: a population of differentiated cells of a cell type selected from the group consisting of a nerve cell, a bone cell, a cartilage cell, a Schwann cell, an adipocyte, a fibroblast, a melanocyte and combinations thereof; and a population of adult stem cells isolated from the meninges, wherein said population of differentiated cells is obtained by a process, comprising: providing a population of adult stem cells isolated from the meninges; and inducing greater than 60% of said population of stem cells isolated from the meninges to differentiate into said population of differentiated cells." 

In the dependent claims a variety of isolation methods and differentiation techniques are mentioned, however, it is interesting that specific surface markers are not stated in the claims.  This patent may be compared to other composition of matter patents on adult stem cells such as US patent 7,259,011 which covers bone marrow and muscle derived pluripotent stem cells or # 4,714,680 which covers the hematopoietic stem cell. 

View this patent on the USPTO website.