The University of Texas System

Other

Zeev Estrov

Taghi Manshouri

Srdan Verstovsek

Gideon Strassmann

Ivo Veletic

We disclose a method, comprising extracting cells from a tissue of a donor, wherein the tissue is selected from the group consisting of blood and bone marrow; isolating CD14monocytes from the extracted cells; culturing the isolated CD14monocytes; differentiating the cultured CD14monocytes into megakaryocytes; and administering, to a patient suffering from a platelet deficiency, at least one cell type selected from the group consisting of the differentiated megakaryocytes and platelets produced by the differentiated megakaryocytes. We also disclose a kit comprising at least one material usable in a method; and instructions to perform a method.

Production of megakaryocytes or platelets from monocytes

The present provides methods for affecting and/or altering the differentiation state of a cell. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods to transdifferentiate a cell into an endothelial cell or a hematopoietic cell. In the practice of the invention, a demethylating agent (e.g., 5-azacytidine) is used to affect and/or alter the differentiation state of a cell. The invention demonstrates the transdifferentiation of numerous cell types, including cell populations that are themselves somewhat differentiated (e.g., normal fibroblasts) into distinct cell types, including hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells, which transdifferentiation is effected further through the selection of particular growth factors which, together with the demethylating agents, directs the differentiation path. The invention provides a novel approach to providing useful cell types for many types of medical applications.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Zeev Estrov