Compositions and methods for controlling stem cell and tumor cell differentiation, growth, and formation

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles to prevent tumor formation by transplanted stem cells. The present invention further relates to the use of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles to treat cancers.

1 . A method, comprising: 
 a) providing 
 i) a stem cell;  
 ii) a peptide-amphiphile composition; and  
 iii) a subject; and  
   b) administering said stem cell and said peptide-amphiphile composition to said subject.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said stem cell is an embryonic stem cell.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said peptide-amphiphile composition comprises a hydrophobic component, a peptide or peptide-like component, and a bioactive epitope sequence.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said bioactive epitope sequence is IKVAV.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said peptide-amphiphile composition is a gel.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said peptide-amphiphile composition and said stem cells are mixed prior to said administering.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subject is suffering from ischemia.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said stem cells are adult stem cells.  
     
     
         9 . A method, comprising: 
 a) providing 
 i) a peptide-amphiphile composition; and  
 ii) a subject, wherein said subject has a tumor; and  
   b) contacting said peptide-amphiphile composition with said subject under conditions such that said subject's tumor is decreased in size.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said peptide-amphiphile composition comprises a hydrophobic component, a peptide or peptide-like component, and a bioactive epitope sequence.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said bioactive epitope sequence is IKVAV.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said peptide-amphiphile composition is a gel.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said contacting said peptide-amphiphile composition with said subject comprises contacting said composition directly with the site of said tumor.  
     
     
         14 . A composition comprising a stem cell and a peptide-amphiphile composition.