STEM CELL EXPANSION FACTOR BLOCKING A GENE LIMITING HOX-INDUCED EXPANSION AND METHOD USING SUCH FACTOR

摘要

The present invention relates to a stem cell expansion factor comprising a blocker which reduces expression level of at least one gene normally limitin g HOX-induced expansion of stem cells, whereby reducing expression level of sa id gene enhances expansion of stem cells containing a HOX peptide. The present invention also relates to a composition for enhancing expansion of stem cell s comprising an amino acid sequence having the activity of a HOX peptide, wherein said peptide being able to cross a cell membrane, and a blocker whic h reduces expression level of at least one gene normally limiting HOX-induced expansion of stem cells, whereby reducing expression level of said gene in t he presence of a HOX peptide enhances expansion of stem cells. The preferred HO X peptide is HOXB4 and the preferred gene is PBX.