Derivation of embryonic stem cells

Abstract

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.

1 . A method of producing an embryonic stem (ES) cell, comprising the step of culturing a blastomere obtained from an embryo, wherein the embryo remains viable. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the blastomere is obtained from an embryo prior to compaction of the morula. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the blastomere is obtained from an embryo before formation of the blastocoel. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the blastomere is obtained by partially or completely removing the zona pellucida surrounding the embryo. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the blastomere is cultured with embryo-derived cells. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the embryo-derived cells are ES cells or embryo carcinoma cells. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the blastomere is cultured with factors that inhibit differentiation of the ES cell. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein recombinant Oct-4 is introduced into the blastomere or endogenous Oct-4 is activated in the blastomere; during the step of culturing the blastomere to produce the ES cell. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ES cell is pluripotent or totipotent. 
     
     
         10 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . An ES cell produced by the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         17 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A differentiated cell or tissue derived from the ES cell of  claim 16 . 
     
     
         22 . The differentiated cell or tissue of  claim 21 , wherein the cell or tissue is mesodermal, endodermal or ectodermal. 
     
     
         23 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A method of producing a desired differentiated cell or tissue comprising the step of inducing differentiation of the ES cell of  claim 16  into the desired cell or tissue. 
     
     
         26 . A method of producing a desired differentiated cell or tissue comprising the steps of culturing a blastomere obtained from an embryo, wherein the embryo remains viable, and inducing differentiation of the blastomere to produce the desired cell or tissue. 
     
     
         27 . A differentiated cell or tissue produced by the method of  claim 25 . 
     
     
         28 . The differentiated cell or tissue of  claim 27 , wherein the cell of tissue is mesodermal, endodermal or ectodermal. 
     
     
         29 . A method of treating a disorder amenable to cell therapy in a patient, comprising the step of administering to the patient the differentiated cell or tissue of  claim 21 . 
     
     
         30 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A differentiated cell or tissue produced by the method of  claim 26 . 
     
     
         50 . A method of treating a disorder amenable to cell therapy in a patient, comprising the step of administering to the patient the differentiated cell or tissue of  claim 27 . 
     
     
         51 . A method of treating a disorder amenable to cell therapy in a patient, comprising the step of administering to the patient the differentiated cell or tissue of  claim 49 .