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This figure illustrates the engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells are monoclonal, conditionally immortalized (inducible), non-tumorigenic, and traceable in vitro and in vivo (bioluminescent imaging). The engineered MSCs have maintained their multipotency and chemotaxis capability (tumor targeting). The developed MSC platform is capable of delivering a wide range of biologics with applications in cancer, autoimmune disorders, monogenic diseases, and regenerative medicine.
Invention Summary:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as highly valuable tools in regenerative medicine, autoimmune diseases, and targeted cancer therapy owing to their stable karyotypes, multipotent differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory properties, and intrinsic tumor tropism. Despite their immense therapeutic potential, the clinical translation of MSC-based therapies has faced several long-standing challenges. For example, primary MSCs have a finite lifespan and enter replicative senescence after a limited number of populations doubling, restricting their large-scale production. Additionally, donor-to-donor variability often results in heterogeneous (polyclonal) stem cell populations, compromising the reproducibility of therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the fate of administered MSCs such as localization & viability remains unknown, complicating dosing optimization and safety assessments.
Rutgers scientists have genetically engineered MSCs that conditionally express human telomerase reverse transcriptase, nanoluciferase, and green fluorescent protein under the control of a Tet-On system. The engineered MSC line features inducible proliferation control, monoclonality, and real-time traceability, while maintaining essential MSC properties such as multipotency, low immunogenicity, non-tumorigenicity, and chemotaxis (tumor-homing capability). Collectively, the invention is a first-in-class, monoclonal, inducible, and traceable MSC platform as an off-the-shelf cell source for delivery of biologics with broad applications in biomedicine.
Market Applications:
- Targeted delivery vehicle for cancer therapies
- Cell therapy for monogenic and autoimmune diseases
- Standardized source for tissue regeneration and engineering
- Off-the-shelf cell source for preclinical and clinical studies
Advantages:
- Inducible and tightly regulated cell proliferation
- Monoclonal cell line ensuring consistency and reproducibility
- Traceable in real-time in vivo via bioluminescent imaging
- Maintains multipotency, sense & response capability, and hallmark MSC characteristics
- Non-tumorigenic with confirmed safety in vivo
- Donor-independent, off-the-shelf availability
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact: marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu
