Patent ID: 10017737

Abstract:
A method of obtaining a neural multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell, comprising: i) providing a cell of a first type which is not a neural multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell; ii) introducing into the cell of a first type an agent capable of remodeling the chromatin and/or DNA of the cell, wherein the agent capable of remodeling the chromatin and/or DNA is a histone acetylator, an inhibitor of histone deacetylation, a DNA demethylator, and/or a chemical inhibitor of DNA methylation; iii) increasing directly or indirectly the endogenous expression of at least one neural multipotent or unipotent gene regulator in the cell of a first type, to a level at which the gene regulator is capable of driving transformation of the cell of a first type into the neural multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell, wherein the gene regulator is Msi1, Ngn2, Sox2, Ascl1, Zic1 or a combination thereof; and iv) placing or maintaining the cell in a neural cell culture medium and maintaining intracellular levels of the reprogramming agent for a sufficient period of time to allow a neural multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell to be obtained.