C11838: Novel Method to Convert Human Stem Cells into Dopaminergic Neurons
Novelty:
This technology is a novel approach to induce and drive a highly efficient conversion of human neural stem cells (NSCs) into dopaminergic (DA) neurons.
Value Proposition:
Cell replacement therapy is a potential strategy to counter progressive neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The inventors have found a transcription factor that efficiently induces conversion of human stem cells to neuron subtypes, such as DA neurons. This technology presents the possibility to treat neurological diseases that cause cognitive, extrapyramidal, and motor dysfunction. Advantages include:
- Potential to counter relatively selective neuronal cell loss;
- Process yielding >80% purity of DA neurons, resulting in overall safety increase;
- Applications in research for disease modeling; and
- Clinical application – such as autologous transplantation or therapeutic strategies to slow degeneration.
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have shown that a proneural transcription factor is a master regulator of neurogenesis. They have discovered that this transcription factor promotes neural differentiation – while supporting the survival, metabolism, and migration of the cells – by efficiently inducing DA neuron conversion. The higher conversion using the transcription factor to drive differentiation of human neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons suggests promising application in cell replacement therapy and disease modeling.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology to create therapeutic strategies and applications to counter the progression of neurodegenerative disease.
Stage of Development:
Discovery
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Not available at this time.
