Out-licensing

Generation of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Lines Bearing Altered Retinoic Acid Receptors: Study of Differentiation

Introduction/Background

Retinoic acid (RA), the natural acidic derivative of vitamin A (retinol), is a critical molecule regulating growth and differentiation of a wide variety of cells. RA is thought to be centrally involved in epithelial differentiation, plays a critical role as a tissue-specific morphogen during embryogenesis and as a suppressor of malignant transformation of epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. These diverse and complex biologic effects of RA are mediated through a number of closely related nuclear RA receptors (RARs) that are members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily and possess discrete DNA-binding and RA (ligand) binding domains.

Aims/Hypothesis

Several lines of indirect evidence suggest that RA and RA receptors may be involved in regulating the development of haematopoietic progenitors.

Research

Immortalised haematopoietic stem cell lines containing altered retinoic acid receptors and methods for establishing such lines are available. The cell lines of this invention are either a lympho-haematopoietic stem cell line (EML C1) or a neutrophil progenitor cell line (MPRO). The lympho-haematopoietic cell lines of this invention are continuous SCF-dependent cell lines capable of differentiating into erythroid, myeloid and B lymphocytic lineages. The neutrophil progenitor cell lines are GM-CSF-dependent cell lines capable of differentiating into neutrophils but not into monocytes, mast cells or basophils.

Conclusion

This invention relates to genetic engineering and particularly to haematopoietic cell lines bearing altered retinoic acid receptors.

Relevance/Opportunity

These stem cell lines can be used for the study of differentiation or for screening for and cloning of genes involved in differentiation. Please enquire quoting reference no. TID 00121 regarding licensing or codevelopment partnerships.

Preclinical

US Patent 5,830,760 has been issued.