BACKGROUND:  Survival of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is an active area of interest because it may improve the likelihood of using hESCs for regenerative therapy. Unfortunately, hESCs have a low rate of survival in tissue culture systems. As a result, critical experiments require a large number of starting cells to obtain a meaningful readout. In order to push stem cell-based therapies forward, it is important to understand the types of signals that promote survival in culture systems.

INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have identified two novel small molecule inhibitors that improve the survival and growth of hESC upon addition to culture media. These inhibitors are specific to a well-characterized target. Increased survival of cells in tissue culture results in a reduced number of total cells that are required for critical experiments. This innovation may also lead to standardization of hESC tissue culture systems.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Standardize hESC tissue culture systems
• Improve human embryo culture for in vitro fertilization and hESC derivation
• Improved derivation of reprogrammed human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

ADVANTAGES

• Increased survival of hESCs
• Fewer number of hESCs required to perform experiments
• Improved assays for high content screening

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  This invention has been tested and validated.

Related Papers (Selected)

• Damoiseaux R, Sherman SP, Alva JA, Peterson C, Pyle AD. "Integrated Chemical Genomics Reveals Modifiers of Survival in Human Embryonic Stem Cells." Stem Cells, 27:3. pg. 533-542. [epub ahead of print] [more]

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2009-084