Tigenix Nv

Tigenex N.v.

Cosimo De Bari

Frank Luyten

Francesco Dell'Accio

An in vivo assay to measure anchorage-independent growth and phenotypic stability of a certain cell population comprising subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in a mammal of a cell suspension of articular chondrocytes in an iso-osmotic liquid, the same suspension comprising articular chondrocytes in an amount equivalent to at least 1&#xd7;10chondrocytes as applied to immune-deficient mice. The outcome is linked to molecular markers. The present invention further relates to DNA chips and diagnostic tools comprising the latter to predict the outcome of ACT. Antibodies raised against positive and negative markers of chondrocyte stability can also be used for quality control on the chondrocytes. Therapeutical composition comprising stable chondrocytes are very useful for tissue repair.

Method of treating connective tissue defect using chondrocytes selected for phenotypic stability

Cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein CDMP-1 or a transforming growth factor &#x3b2; having at least 80% homology with CDMP-1, or a factor co-expressed and/or co-detectable therewith, is used as a marker of skeletal precursor cells from any part of a mammalian body.

Isolation of skeletal precursor cells

The present invention disclosed the expression of CXCL6 by cells which are able to form stable cartilage. The invention describes the use of these cells and of CXCL6 to promote cartilage (and underlying bone) formation e.g. in the repair of cartilage or osteochondral defects. The invention further describes the use of chemokines in the modulation of progenitor cell differentiation.

Use of CXCL6 chemokine for inducing precursor cells into chondrocytes

Use of CXCL6 chemokine in the prevention or repair of cartilage defects

An in vivo assay to measure anchorage-independent growth and phenotypic stability of a certain cell population comprising subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in a mammal of a cell suspension of articular chondrocytes in an iso-osmotic liquid, the same suspension comprising articular chondrocytes in an amount equivalent to at least 1&#xd7;10chondrocytes as applied to immune-deficient mice. The outcome is linked to molecular markers. The present invention further relates to DNA chips and diagnostic tools comprising the latter to predict the outcome of ACT. Antibodies raised against positive and negative markers of chondrocyte stability can also be used for quality control on the chondrocytes. Therapeutical compositions comprising stable chondrocytes are very useful for tissue repair.

In vivo assay and molecular markers for testing the phenotypic stability of cell populations, and selected cell populations for autologous transplantation

In vivo assay and molecular markers for testing the phenotypic stability of cell populations and selected cell populations for autologous transplantation

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Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Cosimo De Bari