Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A scar inhibitory factor protein isolate from mammalian basement membranes is provided that inhibits lineage commitment and differentiation of stem cells in vitro and in vivo. The protein isolate is characterized by its ability to inhibit stem cell commitment to a fibroblastic-scar phenotype without killing the cells, thus allowing their differentiation into normal tissue phenotypes. SIF thus limits the amount of scar tissue formation at the site of delivery, while maximizing the potential for the stem cells to differentiate into other tissue phenotypes (muscle, cartilage, bone, fat, etc.). Therefore, it is useful in treating numerous disorders and injuries that currently result in scar tissue or fibrous adhesion formation. The protein isolate can be administered in various modalities in vivo, i.e., as a transdermal patch, incorporated into wound dressings, incorporated into absorbable suture material, incorporated into a bioerodible polymer matrix by itself or interspersed with differentiation factors near the site of tissue injury, sprayed onto prosthetic implants, and can be administered directly to cells cultured in vitro.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim