Name of the primary inventor: Jeremy Mao. Invention: Method of inducing fibroblast differentiation from human mesenchymal stem cells (adult stem cells) Unmet Need: Currently, there exists no reliable and convenient way to differentiate stem cells or...

Name of the primary inventor: Jeremy Mao. Invention: Method of inducing fibroblast differentiation from human mesenchymal stem cells (adult stem cells) Unmet Need: Currently, there exists no reliable and convenient way to differentiate stem cells or progenitor cells into fibroblasts. Advances: Reliable, reproducible method Chemical rather than mechanical induction Higher yield of available cells Applications: Fibroblasts maintain the structural integrity of connective tissues by continuously secreting precursors of the extracellular matrix that synthesize collagen, fibronectin and other important extracellular matrix molecules. Thus, fibroblasts are an essential component of engineered fibrous tissue grafts that may be used to repair tendons, ligaments, cranial sutures, fascia, periosteum, interstitial fibrous tissues, and other connective tissues. Market Size: May be integrated with other bioengineering approaches requiring such cells for seeding on scaffolds or other biomaterials. References: Lee CH et al. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2006; 1:775-8.

Pat. Title: Differentiation of progenitor cells into fibroblasts Differentiation of Progenitor Cells Into Fibroblasts

Publication #: WO 2008/024447

App. #: 60/823,250 PCT/US07/18670

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