Method for expansion of stem cells and the use of such cells

摘要

The present invention demonstrates that SALL4A and SALL4B are strong positive regulators of hematopoetic stem cell expansion. HSCs receiving expression of SALL4A or SALL4B are able to achieve a high-level of expansion. Cultures of SALL4-transduced cells results in extensive HSC expansion with over 1000-fold higher levels than controls within 2 to 3 weeks and expanded HSCs show no or very little maturation. Moreover, the expansion occurs quite rapidly with significant HSC growth in just a few days. In addition, SALL4-induced HSC expansion exhibits no impairment of hematopoietic cell differentiation. SALL4 appears to function in the maintenance of an undifferentiated proliferation state and block cell differentiation for HSCs.

主权项

1. A method for expanding a hematopoietic stem cell population, the method comprising providing to the stem cell population a Sal-like 4 (SALL4) polypeptide attached to a transport moiety capable of crossing a cell membrane, in an amount effective to expand the stem cell population.