MSU Technologies

Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and cMyc Induced Extraembryonic Endoderm Stem (iXEN) Cells in Parallel to iPS Cells

Introduction

In recent years the multipotent extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) stem cells have been a focus of intense research. In Vivo, XEN cells contribute to the formation of the extraembryonic endoderm, visceral and parietal endoderm and later on, the yolk sac. The mature mouse blastocyst consists of three distinct cell types: the trophectoderm, which gives rise to the trophoblast and extraembryonic ectoderm (ExEc), the pluripotent cells of the epiblast, and the primitive or extraembryonic endoderm (ExEn), an epithelial layer of cells on the surface of the epiblast. The primitive endoderm gives rise to: (i) visceral endoderm (VE) that surrounds the epiblast and the ExEc; and (ii) parietal endoderm (PE) that interacts with the trophoblast giant cell layer. PE cells migrate along the inner surface of the trophectoderm and together with trophoblast giant cells form the parietal yolk sac.

Description of Technology

This technology comprises a group of mouse cells induced in parallel to traditional Yamanka iPS cells with OSKM factors from fibroblasts which form induced XEN (iXEN) cells. These cells were often overlooked by researchers when producing iPS cells as cancerous or irrelevant cell types. Researchers at Michigan State have extensively characterized these cells as the most reliable, controlled form of iXEN cells currently available. These cells are of great value to the reproductive health research field and could be expanded upon to create a personalized medicine approach to those suffering from reproductive disorders.

Benefits