This technology is a computational method, named Splicescope, for identifying the specific cell type, differentiation, and maturation of a cell using its RNA splicing profile data.
While methods for differentiation of stem cells into neurons in vitro have been developed, much information about the cell’s current state of development and splicing information is not available. This information is critical to determine the robustness of a differentiation protocol, examine the cell’s development and ability to function as desired, and understand the differential splicing of the induced cells. There are currently no available methods to capture the relevant maturation states of the cells in development without neglecting key data that can be derived from the RNA splicing profiles of the cells.
This computational method, named Splicescope, uses whole transcriptome data to compute RNA splicing information in order to determine cell types and the stage of differentiation for the cell. Alternative splicing data can be indicative of developmentally regulated changes and contribute to the differentiation of cells into a specific cell type. This information is captured using Splicescope and is integrated into the program to predict the cell’s maturation state. With this software, the challenging differentiation of cells like neurons in vitro can be further evaluated and characterized after long term cultures. Splicescope has also shown the ability to determine potential pathways and specific exons involved in the developmental advancements between stages. As a result, this technology provides an improved method for determining cellular states with a highly flexible framework.
Patent Pending
IR CU17194
Licensing Contact: Ron Katz