SC markers invention

United States Patent Application 20090012024, Anne Collins, Norman Maitland, Steven Bryce, January 8, 2009. [See also: Stem Cell Markers and Stem cell markers]. Abstract:

We disclose gene markers of stem cells, typically prostate stem cells, and in particular cancer stem cells, for example prostate cancer stem cells; therapeutic agents and diagnostic assays based on said stem cell genes; and including screening assays to identify therapeutic agents.

Excerpt:

[0030]We have conducted gene array analysis to identify genes that are characteristic of cancer stem cells which show an up regulation when compared to control stem cell samples from normal or benign stem cell populations. We herein disclose these genes and their use in the identification of therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer, and in the development of diagnostic assays for the detection of the early on set of tumour cell growth. The present disclosure relates to the identification of cancer stem cell specific genes.

An earlier Patent Application: 20080233640, Norman James Maitland, Anne Collins, September 25, 2008. [See also: Prostate Stem Cell and Prostate stem cell]. Abstract:

We describe a method for the isolation of prostate stem cells, typically prostate stem cells which express CD 133 antigen; stem cells and cancer stem cells isolated by the method and their use.

Two recent publications from this research group [not publicly accessible]:

Inflammation as the primary aetiological agent of human prostate cancer: a stem cell connection? Norman J Maitland, Anne T Collins, J Cell Biochem 2008(Nov 1); 105(4): 931-9 [PubMed Citation].

Prostate cancer stem cells: a new target for therapy, Norman J Maitland, Anne T Collins, J Clin Oncol 2008(Jun 10); 26(17): 2862-70 [PubMed Citation].

A recent news item:

Investors back their belief in biotech company by Bernard Ginns, Yorkshire Post, January 20, 2009. Excerpts:

Pro-Cure's expertise is in the culture, isolation, handling and gene profiling of human prostate cancer stem cells. It is working with a number of big pharmaceutical firms in this burgeoning area.

Its management team includes Professor Norman Maitland, director of Yorkshire Cancer Research and professor of molecular biology at the University of York, who is regarded as one of the world leaders in his field.

The website for Pro-Cure Therapeutics includes a page about the Management Team.