Method for differentiating embryonic stem cells into cells expressing aqp-1

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of differentiating a human embryonic stem (ES) cell into a cell, specifically a renal epithelial cell, expressing AQP-I. The methods disclosed comprise culturing human ES cells in a renal specific medium in the presence of an extracellular matrix molecule. The cells produced according to said method can be used to treat renal related disorders such as renal failure, nephrosis, Bright's disease and glomerulitis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A population of cells differentiated directly from a population of human embryonic stem cells in a renal-specific culture medium and in the presence of an extracellular matrix molecule, wherein about 2% to about 50% of the cells express AQP-1. 
     
     
         2 . The population of cells according to  claim 1 , when prepared by culturing an undifferentiated hES cell in a renal-specific culture medium in the presence of an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule, under conditions sufficient to induce differentiation of the hES cell to a cell expressing AQP-1. 
     
     
         3 . A bioartificial tubule assist device comprising a hollow core fibre having an interior lumen, the interior lumen coated with an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule and a population of cells of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         4 . A method of preparing a bioartificial tubule assist device, the method comprising providing a bioartificial tubule assist device comprising a hollow core fibre having an interior lumen and seeding the interior lumen with a population of cells of  claim 1 , wherein the interior lumen is coated with an extracellular matrix molecule prior to seeding with the population of cells. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4  wherein the interior lumen is coated with an extracellular matrix molecule comprising at least one of fibronectin, laminin, collagen IV and Matrigel matrix. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the population of cells is cultured to a confluent monolayer coating the interior lumen. 
     
     
         7 . A method of treating a renal related disorder in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising implanting an effective amount of a population of cells of  claim 1  in the subject at a site where cells expressing AQP-1 are required. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7  wherein the population of cells is provided within a bioartificial tubule assist device of  claim 3 . 
     
     
         9 . A method of treating a renal related disorder in a subject comprising externally connecting a bioartificial tubule assist device of  claim 3  to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 7  wherein the renal related disorder comprises renal failure, nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, nephrosis, Bright's disease, renal insufficiency, glomerulitis, glomerulosclerosis or nephritis.