Description

The invention describes the use of multipotent stem cells (preferably mesenchymal stem cells capable of expressing Nestin protein) to maintain haematopoiesis.
In addition it describes the use of the aforementioned cells in the manufacturing of a drug to maintain haematopoiesis in mammals, in order to prevent and/or treat diseases associated with the dysfunction of haematopoiesis, and to maintain and expand adult hematopoietic stem cells from mammals, including humans.
The invention also refers to a method to maintain haematopoiesis in-vitro and a method to asses a mammal’s hematopoietic capacity.

Innovations and advantages of the offer

In the invention, Nestin positive cells are mesenchymal, multipotent stem cells, capable of differentiating into cells of a different linage. These cells strongly express molecules involved in the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells, or in other words, haematopoiesis.
The inventors demonstrated that when there is a drastic reduction of Nestin+ cells in vivo (in mice); there is a reduction of 45% in bone marrow cells, due to the reduction in the cytokines and growth factors that maintain the production of hematopoietic progenitor cells.
Therefore, haematopoiesis is maintained through the contact between Nestin+ stem cells and hematopoietic cells.

Current and Potential Domain of Application

Stem Cell Therapy (haematopoiesis)

Current Stage of Development

Development phase - Laboratory tested

Collaboration Type

License Agreement

Comments

Type of partner sought: Clinical and pharmaceutical sector, mainly in Stem Cell Therapy (haematopoiesis)

Specific area of activity of the partner: Clinical trials, drugs development

Task to be performed by the partner sought: Clinical trials, drugs development

Ref: 12 ES 28F8 3O2J