Extracellular matrix from pluripotent cells

Abstract

Isolated extracellular matrix from marrow adherent stromal cells and their descendents, which stimulates the growth and survival of a number of different neural cell types, is provided, along with methods for preparation and uses.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for producing an exogenous extracellular matrix in a subject, the method comprising transplanting a population of differentiation-restricted descendants of marrow adherent stromal cells (DRCs) to a site in the subject. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the DRCs are made by transfecting marrow adherent stromal cells with a nucleic acid comprising sequences encoding a Notch intracellular domain. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exogenous extracellular matrix stimulates growth of neurons in the subject. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exogenous extracellular matrix stimulates growth of astrocytes in the subject. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exogenous extracellular matrix stimulates growth of oligodendrocytes in the subject. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exogenous extracellular matrix is a source of matrix-bound growth factors. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the matrix-bound growth factors serve as chemotactic and/or haplotactic stimuli for neurons and glia. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exogenous extracellular matrix supports survival of neurons and/or glial cells in the subject. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exogenous extracellular matrix supports proliferation of neurons and/or glial cells in the subject. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exogenous extracellular matrix supports neurite outgrowth in the subject. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the site is in the central nervous system. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the site is in the peripheral nervous system. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising transplanting marrow adherent stromal cells to the site. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein an isolated extracellular matrix is co-transplanted with the DRCs. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the isolated extracellular matrix is produced by a DRC. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the isolated extracellular matrix is produced by a marrow adherent stromal cell.