Deriving Pluripotent Stem Cells Without Embryo Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deriving embryonic stem cells have low success rates and raise ethical concerns due to the need to culture embryos to the blastocyst stage, potentially depriving them of further development potential.
Innovation Solution
Developing novel methods to derive embryonic stem cells from blastomeres before compaction or blastocoel formation, allowing the embryo to remain viable, and using techniques like partial or complete removal of the zona pellucida for biopsy, followed by culturing with suitable cells or factors to inhibit differentiation, enabling the generation of pluripotent or totipotent ES cells without affecting embryo viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage to derive embryonic stem cells, then embryonic stem cell lines can be established, but the success rate is low and the embryo's developmental potential is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the inner cell mass from the blastocyst to derive embryonic stem cells, separating the valuable stem cell component from the embryo that would otherwise be destroyed. This allows ES cell establishment while the remaining embryo can be cryopreserved or implanted, addressing the ethical concern about losing developmental potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary cryopreservation of the embryo or remaining blastocyst before ES cell derivation. This preliminary action ensures that the embryo's developmental potential is preserved and can be restored later, eliminating the harmful effect of losing the embryo while still allowing ES cell establishment to proceed.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional methods are used to culture embryos to blastocysts, then embryonic stem cells can be obtained, but the process has low success rate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) as intermediaries to support the growth and maintenance of embryonic stem cells. These feeder cells provide necessary growth factors and physical support, significantly improving the success rate of ES cell derivation and culture maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes culture conditions by adjusting parameters such as media composition (adding serum, LIF), temperature, and oxygen levels to enhance ES cell derivation success. These parameter changes create an optimal environment that increases the quantity of successful ES cell lines obtained.
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention provides novel methods for deriving embryonic stem cells, those cells and cell lines, and the use of the cells for therapeutic and research purposes without the destruction of the embryo. It also relates to novel methods of establishing and storing an autologous stem cell line prior to implantation of an embryo, e.g., in conjunction with reproductive therapies such as IVF.