Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum

Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum Stiftung Des Offentlichen Rechts

Axel Szabowski

Peter Angel

Norbert Fusenig

Sven Andrecht

Marina Schorpp-Kistner

Andrea Kolbus

Julia Knebel

Nicole Maas-Szabowski

The present invention relates to a cell culture medium comprising (a) an inhibitor of bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) and (b) an inhibitor of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF, also known as SerpinF1). In one embodiment, the inhibitors are antibodies against BMP-4 and PEDF, respectively. The medium allows to culture keratinocytes under non-differentiating conditions. The invention also relates to corresponding methods and kits. As the media and methods disclosed allow for an improved manufacture of keratinocytes, the invention also relates to the treatment of skin wounds and to the manufacture of corresponding medicaments. This will be of advantage for treatment e.g. of burns, ulcers, etc., in which transplantation of keratinocytes or skin is required.

Cell culture of keratinocytes under non-differentiating conditions

The invention relates to genetically modified fibroblast cells which comprise the following properties: (a) a gene, encoding a subunit of the transcription factor AP-1, of its genome is inactivated and/or a component, acting on the AP-1 transcription factor of the signal transduction pathway is modified resulting in a modified AP-1 activity; (b) functionally linked with a promoter, it contains in an expression vector the gene from (a) in a form such that the active subunit is only expressed after induction of the promoter or the subunit encoded by the gene is present in inactive form and a form that can be activated. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method which uses the fibroblast cell according to the invention to identify a compound which can support, inhibit or modify the AP-1-dependent differentiation and/or proliferation of keratinocytes or a gene which is involved in the AP-1-dependent differentiation and/or proliferation of keratinocytes as well as to the use of the test compound identified according to the method of the invention and the gene for treating or diagnosing diseases associated with a disturbed proliferation and/or differentiation of keratinocytes.

Genetically modified fibroblast cells

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Wadgassen, Germany

Axel Szabowski