LIF And Related Cytokines That Operate Through The gp130 Receptor Pathway As A Means To Enhancing Embryo Implantation In Mammals And As An Alternative To Using Estrogen
Description of Invention:
The present invention is directed to the use of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), or certain other cytokines as a means for enhancing successful embryo implantation. This discovery may lead to increased success rates in normal embryonic development in human and non-human embryos following in vitro fertilization. The present invention, tested in LIF deficient mice, confirms that single injections of LIF lead to implantation and the embryo's normal development to birth. LIF may be useful as a replacement for estrogen in inducing embryo implantation. The invention indicates that LIF can substitute for estrogen in animal models, in regulating the receptibility of the uterus to the implanting embryo, and results in a significant increase in successful implantation. This technology has both human and veterinary applications.
Inventors:
CL Stewart (NCI) T Shatzer (NCI) T Sullivan (NCI) JR Chen (NCI) L Hernandez (NCI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-166-1998/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/091,771 filed 06 Jul 1998
PCT Application No. PCT/US99/14841 filed 30 Jun 1999, which published as WO 00/01404 on 13 Jan 2000
U.S. Patent Application No. 09/720,416 filed 22 Dec 2000
For Additional Information Please Contact: Tara L. Kirby Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4426
Email: tarak@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
