Research Tools
Endothelial Cells Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
WARF: P02004US
Inventors: Dan Kaufman, Rachel Lewis, Robert Auerbach
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a simple and efficient method of inducing human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.
Overview
Although techniques exist for differentiating human embryonic stem cells (ES cells) into a number of specific cell types, no method currently exists for directing ES cell cultures to become endothelial cells, which line blood and lymphatic vessels and form capillaries.
The Invention
UW-Madison researchers have developed a simple and efficient method of inducing human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into a relatively homogenous population of endothelial cells. The method involves culturing ES cells in a commercially available medium that supports the growth of endothelial cells. The resulting ES-derived endothelial cells have the general morphological characteristics and cell surface markers of endothelial cells. They are capable of inducing and participating in blood vessel formation when transplanted into tissue in vivo.
Applications
- Allows direct differentiation of ES cells into endothelial cells
- May lead to new treatments for heart attack or stroke
- Useful for studying the process of blood vessel formation
- May lead to new targets for inhibiting blood vessel formation in tumor growth
Key Benefits
- Simple and efficient
- Reproducible
- Results in a relatively uniform population of endothelial cells
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Andy DeTienne at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9857