MEDIUM FORMULA FOR INDUCING NEURAL STEM CELLS INTO OLIGODENDROCYTES (OL)
UCLA Technology Available For Licensing

BACKGROUND:   Oligodendrocytes are cells that produce and maintain myelin, the membrane that coats axons as an electric insulator to allow the proper electric impulse conduction. Dysfunctions of oligodendrocytes lead to myelin loss with consequent clinical implications such as multiple sclerosis. Thus, cultures of OL are an excellent tool to study the biochemical, cellular and molecular mechanisms of gene regulation. In addition, these cells may potentially be a promising source of cells for transplantation.

INNOVATION:   The subject nutrient formula provides a novel method to induce neural stem cells (NSCs) into oligodendrocytes. Its composition is different from all other described in the literature, in particular on the type of molecules used for energy metabolism. This formula supports the changes suffered by these cells during this process. This cell specification phenomenon can be assessed by immunocytochemical detection of OL specific cell markers with a concomitant decrease of the number of NSCs and the expression of their specific markers that finally disappear as the cells get into the OL phenotype.

ADVANTAGES:

1. Provides a standardized and optimal medium for obtaining OL from NSCs for use in research and other clinical applications 2. Saves time and cost associated with the preparation of the medium

APPLICATIONS:

1. Cell culture for research
2. Culture for cells used in transplantation and gene therapy for the brain and spinal cord

DEVELOPMENT TO DATE:  The formula has been tested, optimized and is currently being used in our laboratory.

Related Papers (Selected)
  • Selective specification of CNS stem cells into oligodendroglial or neuronal cell lineage: cell culture and transplant studies. J Neurosci Res. 2002 Sep 15;69(6):810-25. more...

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2003-190

For additional technical details and current licensing
availability, please contact the following UCLA office:

UCLA Office of Intellectual Property
11000 Kinross Avenue, Suite #200
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7231
Tel: 310-794-0558 Fax: 310-794-0638
email: ncd@research.ucla.edu
NCD URL:   http://www.research.ucla.edu/tech/ucla/ucla03-190

Lead Inventor: M. Araceli Espinosa

UCLA Technologies Available for Licensing
http://www.research.ucla.edu/tech

Copyright © 2003 The Regents of the University of California

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