Entrapped stem cells and uses thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the stem cells, embryonic stem cells in particular. It has been found that, when these stem cells are entrapped such that their proliferation is inhibited, they produce material which inhibits the proliferation of other, non-entrapped cells, including stem cells and neoplastic and/or hyperproliferative, but otherwise normal cells. It has also been found that entrapped cancer cells will produce material which inhibits the proliferation of stem cells. Further, it has been found that the entrapment of the stem cells inhibits their differentiation and thus the entrapment process can serve as a long-term storage device for maintaining the undifferentiated state of at least a portion of the entrapped cells.

1 - 66 . (canceled) 
     
     
         67 . A composition comprising a culture medium and a factor produced by culturing a sample of stem cells entrapped in solid agarose, wherein said solid agarose is coated with agarose, wherein said composition does not contain leukemia inhibitory factor or viable STO feeder cells. 
     
     
         68 . The composition of  claim 67 , wherein said stem cells are mammalian stem cells. 
     
     
         69 . The composition of  claim 68 , wherein said mammalian stem cells are human stem cells. 
     
     
         70 . The composition of  claim 68 , wherein said mammalian stem cells are mouse stem cells. 
     
     
         71 . The composition of  claim 67 , wherein said stem cells are embryonic stem cells. 
     
     
         72 . The composition of  claim 67 , further comprising DMEM medium, fetal bovine serum, and p-mercaptoethanol.