Artificial three-dimensional microenvironment niche culture

摘要

The present invention provides three-dimensional microenvironment niches prepared from biomaterial compositions that supports growth and self renewal of stem cells. The invention also provides methods for inducing pluripotency in a somatic cell using chemical compounds, as well as methods for screening for compounds that can induce pluripotency in a somatic cell.

主权项

1. An artificial three-dimensional microenvironment niche culture for growing, self-renewing, or differentiating pluripotent stem cells or reprogramming somatic cells comprising:
a) a biomaterial composition comprising a synthetic polymer hydrogel that supports growth and self-renewal of a stem cell; b) valproic acid; c) one or more chemicals which target or affect the Wnt pathway, the Hedgehog pathway, the cyclooxygenase pathway, p53, NF-κB, PKC, or PGE-2; d) at least one growth factor; and e) somatic cells or pluripotent stem cells.