BACKGROUND:  The ability to reliably identify specific cell types amongst a population of cells is critically important in both biomedical research and in medicine. In order to achieve this, a number of different cell biomarkers are utilized. By definition, cell biomarkers are understood as molecules that are present or absent in a particular cell, and are used to facilitate the characterization, identification, and ultimately isolation of certain cells. Nowhere is this technology more relevant and important than in the field of stem cells. Stem cells are cells with the ability to develop into a number of different cell types, thus, they hold the potential to cure a number of diseases and ailments. The ability to reliably identify, isolate, and characterize these cells, is of great importance in medicine. Currently, due to their heterogenous nature, few biomarkers are available to reliably identify this critically important subpopulation of cells.

INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have identified a set of novel DNA methylation signatures to reliably identify and profile both stem cells and normal cells. With this information it is possible to differentiate between embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and somatic cells. Due to the exquisite specificity of this system, it can be used for cell identification, isolation quality control, and molecular diagnosis. This technology has the potential to profoundly impact the fields of stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• This classification scheme can be used to identify and separate different classes of human pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells, and has broad applications in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
• In addition to cell characterization and identification, this technology can be used to monitor the process cell of differentiation, and has applications in cell toxicity and drug screening studies.
• This system can be simplified and developed for use in high-throughput commercial kits.

ADVANTAGES

• This classification system is highly specific and accurate, and can be used with currently implemented high-throughput assays such as quantitative RT-PCR.
• This system analyzes DNA samples, and is thus superior to protein and mRNA detection methods in terms of sample stability and potentially sensitivity.

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE

• This method has been used to identify a number of different human cell lines, and has been validated via other conventional bisulfate sequencing.
• Using this technology, unique signatures of various cell types have been cataloged for use in cell classification and identification.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2009-752