Imclone Systems, Inc.

University of California

Inclone Systems, Incorporated

Jeffrey G Moore

Maarten J Chrispeels

M Gabriella Colucci

The invention relates to a protein material which is effective to preserve progenitor cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells. The protein has an amino acid sequence comprising AQSLSFSFTKFD (SEQ ID NO:1) and a molecular weight of about 12&#x2013;20 kD, or has an amino acid sequence comprising VVAVEFD (SEQ ID NO:3) and a molecular weight of about 15&#x2013;20 kD. Heterodimers of the protein are described, and multimers thereof. Methods of using the protein of the invention for preserving progenitor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are also described. The invention, therefore, include methods such as myeloablation therapies for cancer treatment wherein myeloid reconstitution is facilitated by means of the specified protein. Other therapeutic utilities are also enabled through the invention, for example, expanding progenitor cell populations ex vivo to increase chances of engraftation, improving conditions for transporting and storing progenitor cells, and facilitated gene therapy to treat and cure a broad range of life-threatening hematologic diseases.

Composition and method for preserving progenitor cells

Disclosed are the FRIL family of progenitor cell preservation factors and nucleic acids encoding the same. FRIL family members preserve progenitor cells both in vivo and ex vivo. FRIL family members find use as therapeutics for alleviating and/or reducing the hematopoietic progenitor cell-depleting activity of many cancer therapeutics. FRIL family members are also useful for isolating rare, primitive progenitor cells.

Progenitor cell preservation factors and methods for and products of their use

The invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a protein that is effective to preserve progenitor cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells. The nucleic acid comprises a sequence defined by SEQ ID NO:1, a homolog thereof, or a fragment thereof. The encoded protein has an amino acid sequence that comprises a sequence defined by SEQ ID NO:2, a homolog thereof or a fragment thereof that contains an amino acid sequence TNNVLQVT. Methods of using the encoded protein for preserving progenitor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are also described. The invention, therefore, include methods such as myeloablation therapies for cancer treatment wherein myeloid reconstitution is facilitated by means of the specified protein. Other therapeutic utilities are also enabled through the invention, for example, expanding progenitor cell populations ex vivo to increase chances of engraftation, improving conditions for transporting and storing progenitor cells, and facilitating gene therapy to treat and cure a broad range of life-threatening hematologic diseases.

Lectin-derived progenitor cell preservation factor and methods of use

The invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a protein that is effective to preserve progenitor cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells. The nucleic acid comprises a sequence defined by SEQ ID NO:1, a homolog thereof, or a fragment thereof. The encoded protein has an amino acid sequence that comprises a sequence defined by SEQ ID NO:2, a homolog thereof, or a fragment thereof that contains an amino acid sequence TNNVLQVT. Methods of using the encoded protein for preserving progenitor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are also described. The invention, therefore, include methods such as myeloablation therapies for cancer treatment wherein myeloid reconstitution is facilitated by means of the specified protein. Other therapeutic utilities are also enabled through the invention, for example, expanding progenitor cell populations ex vivo to increase chances of engraftation, improving conditions for transporting and storing progenitor cells, and facilitating gene therapy to treat and cure a broad range of life-threatening hematologic diseases.

Nucleic acid encoding a lectin-derived progenitor cell preservation factor

The invention relates to a protein material which is effective to preserve progenitor cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells. The protein has an amino acid sequence comprising AQSLSFSFTKFD (SEQ ID NO:1) and a molecular weight of about 12-20 kD, or has an amino acid sequence comprising VVAVEFD (SEQ ID NO:3) and a molecular weight of about 15-20 kD. Heterodimers of the protein are described, and multimers thereof. Methods of using the protein of the invention for preserving progenitor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are also described. The invention, therefore, include methods such as myeloablation therapies for cancer treatment wherein myeloid reconstitution is facilitated by means of the specified protein. Other therapeutic utilities are also enabled through the invention, for example, expanding progenitor cell populations ex vivo to increase chances of engraftation, improving conditions for transporting and storing progenitor cells, and facilitated gene therapy to treat and cure a broad range of life-threatening hematologic diseases.

Growing community of inventors

Kennebunkport, ME, United States of America

Jeffrey G Moore