Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6322784

Adipogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Pittenger, Mark F.; Severna Park, MD, USA
Beck, Stephen C.; Reistertown, MD, USA

Described herein are methods of inducing human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to differentiate into adipocytes, via a process of contacting the cells with defined inducer compounds. The invention relates to a composition comprised of hMSCs which have the potential to differentiate into cells of more than one connective tissue type, and a composition which induces cells from the hMSC population to differentiate into the adipogenic lineage. Claims of the invention include components of the composition for inducing such differentiation which include a glucocorticoid, a compound which stimulates cAMP production or inhibits cAMP degradation such as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and a compound which upregulates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ? (PPAR ?) expression while increasing its binding affinity to the DNA binding site. Further disclosed are methods for isolating the adipocytes from the remaining hMSCs. Applications in surgical research are included.

Application Number: US1998000246003

Date Filed: 10/26/98

Dated Published: 11/27/01

Assignee: Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA