A Biomarker for Pluripotent Stem Cells

The Portal is a joint project of MATTO and the MTTC. The development and implementation of the portal has been paid for by the MTTC, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Biomedical Research Institute, Boston University, Brandeis University, Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Joslin Diabetes Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, Northeastern University, The Schepens Eye Research Institute, and Tufts University.

Intellectual Property

ID:		03563
IP Type:		Licensable Technology
Title:		A Biomarker for Pluripotent Stem Cells
Inventor:		Lee, Jeannie T; Zhang, Li-Feng
Summary:		The Technology: A non-coding RNA region (ncRNA) involved in the regulation of x-chromosome silencing is a novel biomarker for pluripotent stem cells. The expression of the number and type of these ncRNA is tightly associated with the differentiated state of stem cells, and with overall cell health. Using RNA Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization (FISH), pluripotent stem cells and/or stem cell cultures that have not yet entered the differentiation pathway can be easily visualized and identified. Preliminary evidence suggests that the method may also be useful in identifying human cancer stem cells. Application: The method can visually assess the differentiation status of all mammalian cells enabling selection of cells or cultures at the desired state of differentiation. Suitable for use in agricultural or laboratory research, or in clinical settings where selection of undifferentiated stem cells is crucial. Advantages: Other markers used to identify pluripotency (OCT4, SSEA3/4, etc.) label cells that are not epigenetically equivalent and thus selects cells that may have already entered the terminal differentiation pathway. The current method uses a marker that identifies only those cells that are pluripotent and undifferentiated and thus suitable for further research, commercial, or clinical use.
Tech Type:		Diagnostic \| Research Tool/Screening Tool
URL:		http://www.partners.org/techtransfer/availabletechnologies/default.asp
Contact:		Cynthia Hernit-Grant, chernit-grant@partners.org, 617-954-9392
Organization:		Massachusetts General Hospital

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