Cytokines expressed by DIA / LIF-deficient embryonic stem cells for inhibition of differentiation

摘要

A novel cytokine having the capacity to inhibit differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells is provided. The cytokine is designated ESRF and is characterised by the capacity to inhibit differentiation of ES cells (i) in the absence of DIA/LIF and (ii) in the absence of cytokines which act through gp 130 and (iii) in the absence of interaction with gp 130 and (iv) in the absence of interaction with LIF receptor. The invention further provides methods of deriving and propagating ES cells, ES cells per se and cell lines useful in deriving and assaying novel factors.