Stem Cell Related Patent Number US7115360

Isolation and use of solid tumor stem cells

Clarke, Michael F.; Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
Morrison, Sean J.; Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
Wicha, Max S.; Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
al-Hajj, Muhammad; La Jolla, CA, United States of America

Described herein is a method for the isolation of solid tumor stem cells expressing the cell surface marker CD44. It has been shown that a small percentage of cells within an established solid tumor have the properties of stem cells, such that these solid tumor stem cells give rise both to more tumor stem cells and to the majority of the cells in the tumor that have lost the capacity for extensive proliferation and the ability to give rise to new tumors. This invention therefore relates to principles by which solid tumor heterogeneity has been found to reflect the presence of tumor cell progeny arising from a solid tumor stem cell. Further disclosed herein are methods for determining the ability of compounds to inhibit tumorigenesis in solid tumor stem cells of epithelial origin. Therapeutic applications are included for the identification of new anti-cancer drug targets, and for factors influencing tumor stem cell proliferation.

Application Number: US2001000343692

Date Filed: 08/02/01

Dated Published: 10/03/06

Assignee: Regents of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America