Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6090622

Human embryonic pluripotent germ cells

Gearhart, John D.; Baltimore, MD, USA
Shamblott, Michael Joseph; Baltimore, MD, USA

This invention introduces novel cells with characteristics of human pluripotent embryonic germ cells, methods and uses thereof. Described herein are primordial germ cells extracted from post-blastocyst human embryos, such as from the gonadal ridges of an LMP human embryo 8 to 11 weeks old. Further disclosed are long-term methods of culturing the primordial germ cells for more than 30 days in order to produce cells that resemble embryonic stem cells in morphology and pluripotency. Properties are described by which the pluripotent cells are dependent upon a ligand which binds to a receptor which can heterodimerize a glycoprotein. Methods are provided for the maintenance of the cells for several months in culture, and for their genetic manipulation via transgenic technology to insert heterologous genetic material. Therapeutic and experimental applications are included for the screening of specific modulators, drugs and toxins and for the generation of cells of selected lineage.

Application Number: US1997000829372

Date Filed: 03/31/97

Dated Published: 07/18/00

Assignee: The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA