Chondrocyte Precursors Derived From Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Abstract

This invention provides a system for obtaining cells of the chondrocyte lineage by differentiating primate pluripotent stem cells. The process involves culturing the cells as a micromass or other aggregate form in a cocktail of differentiation agents that facilitates outgrowth of the desired cell type. Progeny are capable of synthesizing Type II collagen or aggrecan, or other products that are characteristic of the chondrocyte lineage. Chondrocytes and chondrocyte precursor cells obtained according to this disclosure are suitable for use in both research and clinical therapy.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . Two cell populations comprising: a) a first cell population obtained by differentiating in vitro a portion of a population of cells expressing the markers stage specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA 3), stage specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA 4), Tra, 1-60 and Tra-I-81, in which at least 5% of the cells in the first cell population synthesize either Type II collagen or aggrecan from an endogenous gene; and b) a second cell population comprising a cell expressing the markers stage specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA 3), stage specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA 4), Tra, 1-60 and Tra-I-81 from which the first population was obtained. 
     
     
         17 . The two cell populations of  claim 16  wherein at least 5% of the cells in the first population of cells express aggrecan from an endogenous gene. 
     
     
         18 . The two cell populations of  claim 16  wherein at least 5% of the cells in the first population of cells express Type II collagen from an endogenous gene. 
     
     
         19 . The two cell populations of  claim 16  wherein the second cell population comprising a cell expressing the markers stage specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA 3), stage specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA 4), Tra, 1-60 and Tra-I-81 is an established primate pluripotent stem cell line. 
     
     
         20 . The two cell populations of  claim 19 , wherein the first population is over 97% genetically identical to the second population of cells. 
     
     
         21 . The two cell populations of  claim 19 , wherein the first population is over 98% genetically identical to the second population of cells. 
     
     
         22 . The two cell populations of  claim 19 , wherein the first population is over 99% genetically identical to the second population of cells.