Multiple Lines of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Derived from Members of an American Family with, and without DISC1 Mutations Associated with Schizophrenia and Depression

Invention Novelty: 
These tangible materials are induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) derived from members with or without DISC1 (Disrupted in schizophrenia 1) mutations in an American family associated with schizophrenia. 
 
Value Proposition:
Mutations in DISC1 have been shown to predispose individuals to the development of psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia.  This technology provides tangible materials in form of cell lines derived from human with or without DISC1 mutation to screen for drugs against schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. 
 
Technical Details: 
Johns Hopkins University researchers have generated iPSCs that are derived from skin fibroblasts taken from members of an American family with schizophrenia.  Four control iPS cell lines (C2-1, C2-2, C3-1, and C3-2) were derived from family members without a DISC1 mutation, whereas six iPS cell lines (D3-1, D3-2, D4-1, D5-1, and D5-2) were derived from family members with a DISC1 mutation.  Together, these iPSCs can be used to model human mental disorders and to screen drugs for psychiatric disorders. 
 
Publication:
Wen, Z., H. N. Nguyen, Z. Guo, M. A. Lalli, X. Wang, Y. Su, N. -S Kim, et al. 2014. "Synaptic Dysregulation in a Human iPS Cell Model of Mental Disorders." Nature 515 (7527): 414-418.
 

Category(s):