Method to Produce “Aged” iPS Cells

SK2013-033

Method to Produce “Aged” iPS Cells

SK2013-033
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SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a powerful tool for modeling disease phenotypes in vitro, and they have been successfully used to study early-onset disorders. Their value in modeling late-onset neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, in contrast, has been limited to date.

One problem has been the embryonic nature of iPSc-derived midbrain dopamine neurons.  This prevents them from fully recapitulating the severe degenerative pathology of these diseases.

This invention facilitates more accurate modeling of late-onset neurodegenerative disorders through a novel method that manipulates the cellular “age” of iPSc-derived dopamine neurons in vitro. The technology starts by reprogramming cell cultures into a de-differentiated state, and then inducing “aging” through the reintroduction of age-related markers that can control and accelerate the timeline.

ADVANTAGES

  • As a research tool, this method permits enhanced ability to model late-onset neurodegenerative diseases
  • Potential to produce a scalable supply of “aged” iPSCs for use in high throughput screening and other applications
  • Developed by outstanding scientific team with proven experience in stem cell innovation

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 5.3 million patients with Alzheimer’s and another 1 million with Parkinson’s disease; the prevalence of these conditions will only increase as the population ages.  With no adequate treatments to restore proper dopaminergic neuron function, this is a high-priority research field which could benefit from a method that readily and accurately produces “aged” iPSCs.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

Research tool for use in modeling neurodegenerative diseases

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

Proof-of-concept in vitro

PATENT INFORMATION

US Continuation issued 14/884,503. Japan national issued. 

LEAD INVESTIGATOR

Lorenz Studer, MD/PhD, Director, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

CONTACT INFORMATION

Imke Ehlers, PhD, CLP, Senior Licensing Manager
Tel: 646-457-7626
E-mail: [email protected]

Stage of Development

In vitro